Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-02-13
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
H.J. Munson Repudiates the Nomination
Of NJ. C. Powers For Mayor.
To the Editor of the Free Press:

|
About one year ago Peoples Party Cen
trai club was formed in this city. Having
| discovered as | thought that some envies
and jealouses existed on the part of two
| or three protested populists,, | urged that
| be not made chairman of the club, hop
| ing that by retiring little to the back
ground that those who seemed to indulge
these jealousies might be conciliated and
their personal ambition so 1attered and
gratified as to assure the peace and har-
mony of the movement.
In this hope with time and events
have been greatly disappointed: for short"
| ly after election last March, all efforts to
hold meetings by the club ceased; the club
became really disorganized, the secretary
| having removed from the State without
leaving the records. In this State of af-
fairs, myself and one or two other of the
| older members recently visited the place
| of business of the former chairman, seek
| ing his cooperation in renewing and TAX
ing action In view of the approaching city
campaign and election. But we were
| given TO understand that he had n little
secret machine" through which he ex-
pected things would be DONE" but from
| the counsils of which all other former Of
| flcers, with some active and reliable MEM
| bers were excluded. Not feeling such
course to be legitimate nor in the spirit
of true populism, we decided to move for
I
ing. which we had first presented to the
! former chairman for his signature. This
called forth the vituperations of the form
err chairman and machine" and action
was taken by them to attend the mass
meeting of Thursday evening in a body
no remark Is necessary as to the intent.
This, as the sequel has shown, was acted
upon; and, as we were informed by MI.
Grant, the city treasurer. they were there
promptly on time-assumed to call the
order, adjourn the meeting and direct the
1 hall closed.
The writer came into the city building
before o'clock and finding this condition
of affairs. protested against the action
of these opposers and we think may right
| fully be neutrality-suspicious. tricksters. The
janitor, 1t was claimed, was gone and the
| hall could not be reopened. Mr. Grant
/ finally opened the City Court room to
! the waiting crowd and NJ c. Powers was
nominated for mayor as already ANNOUNCE
ed. Being entirely unacquainted with Mr..
/ Powers or his eligibility to receive such
nomination-but from the appearance of
the man, feeling doubtful, l openly stated
that If satisfied as to his sincerity and
credtability | should heartily support
him, but otherwise | should as strongly
oppose. l have received such reliable and
official information of Mr.. Powers as to
/ leave no doubt in my own mind as TO the
course to pursue. / shall emphatically
denounce him as wholly unworthy of such
candidacy and those who in caucus sup
ported him, knowing his status and record,
are, at least, morally purgered citizens;
for they raised their right hands in pledge
of endorsement and acceptance of the plat
| form of principles. knowing that he In no
sense represents the spirit and objects of
the populist principles
| The mass meeting was called in the best
of faith. but we are disappointed as to its
outcome. The situation is deplorable. But
principles" of right and justice are in
destructible. For these the writer and
all true populists, will ever contend. And
when the people learn the value and i'm
portance of these things they will be a
unit with us.
Truly and sincerely,
DIR. II. J. MUNSON.
! Burlington. Ian. 81. 1896.