Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-02-26
EDITORIAL.
W. W. STIcKNEY FOR GOVERNOR.

this state are deeply concerned. The
selection and election of the proper man
stands for much more than the promotion
Of worthy citizen to the highest Office in
the gift Of the voters it has other and
deeper significance it affects the political
policy of the state, and especially is this
true of the present campaign.
1t is highly probable that the only two
gentlemen who will 90 before the conven-
ton that meets next summer as candidates
will be w. w. Stickney Of Ludlow and
Josiah Grout OF Derby. A great deal has
been said regarding the personal merits of
these two men; both have been praised
and both disparaged. We propose to do
neither, for nothing can be said against the
character or the fitness for the office OF
each Of these gentlemen. He who would
besmirch the reputation or question the
loyalty and patriotism OF either Mr.. Stick
ney or Mr. Grout would do villainous
deed. Both are men Of mquestioned
character, men Of good ability, and loyal
Nermonters both are well fitted to fulfill
the duties of the high office they seek with
credit to themselves and advantage to the
state.
What, then, are some of the reasons why
Mr.. Stickney should be selected as STAN
dard bearer in preference to Mr.. Grout ?
We have already said that the selection of
candidate this year either approves or
disapproves Of policy; it remains to be
seen whether the program mapped out by
so-caled political leaders for years in adj
vance shall again be ratified by the people
of the state. Mr.. Grout has been an
avowed aspirant for the governorship for
many moons. He has had conferences
galore with the ''leaders," and, as his most
enthusiastic supporters say, has on more
than one occasion curbed his vaulting am
bition and thrown what support he might
have commanded to some other candidates
advantage. What did this meanp Simply
that Mr.. Grout's turn should come by and
by. Supposing Mr.. Grout receives the
nomination this year, is this the last num-
Der on the program? Far from it. The
slate for six or eight years ahead is already
agreed upon positively, and tentatively for
20 years, SO say those wcll-informed. If
Mr.. Grout is elected next fall, who is to
succeed him? Why, Mr.. Stranahan of
St. Albans. Who next9 Why Mr.. Man
sur Of Brighton, and there are others. We
believe that the people will enter vigo-
rous protest against having everything SO
graciously arranged for them SO many
years in advance by few self appointed
leaders" and in no way can they mani
fest their disapprobation so poignantly as
by electing Mr.. Stickney governor of the
state. He was not on the slate and his
candidacy comes in the nature of a surprise
to the "leaders." He too mi ght have stood
in waiting and 'thrown his strength " to
other candidates for few years and pos
sibly his term would have come by and by,
and possibly not; but rather than thus
make humilating spectacle for both gods
and men, Mr.. Stickney prefers to stand
on his prerogative as an American citizen
to ask for any office for which he considers
himself fitted and in the exercise of this pre-
rogative is willing to rest his Case with his
fellow citizens. To support the candidacy Of
Mr.. Grout is to support the policy of what
is called ''ring politics" in other states and
party organization in Vermont.
But there is one other consideration that
appeals with especial force to citizens in
the southern part of the state and COM
mends itself to lovers of fair play every
where; provided the southern part of the
state offers as fit candidate as the north
ern part, it is entitled to the governorshiI
ties already have all the more important
officers and have the presumption to ask
that this state of affairs be continued in
definitely. Here is the list of more i'm.
portant offices that must be credited to the
tier Of counties Chittenden, Governor L
A. Woodbury., Secretary of State c. w
Brownell, Commissioner of State Taxes d
j. Foster, Adjutant and Inspector Genera
L. S. Peck, and Justice R. S. Taft Essex
Lieutenant Governor T. NJ Manzur, State
Auditor F. d. Hale; Caledonia, Chairman
Fish and Game Commission j. W. Titcomb
Justice Jonathan Ross; Orleans, Congress
man w. W. Grout, State Superintendent
M. S. Stone, justice L. F. Thompson
Supreme Court Reporter c. A. Prouty.
In the face of all this it should be re
membered that Orleans county now ask
for the governorship. 1t should furthe
be borne in mind that Senator Morrills sue
cessor is to be chosen during the next ses
sion of the legislature. If he is not cand
date for reelection Congressman w. w
Grout is the avowed aspirant. If Senate
Morrill, is chosen his own successor, and
vacancy should occur during his encum
bency the CONGRESSMAN is also candidate
Orleans county with congressman,
supreme court justice, a supreme coul
< reporter a state suDerintendent of educ;