Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1898-03-25
The Next Vermont Gov.rnorsh,p.

The Next Vermont GOvernOrshIp.
1t is evident that the choice for the next
governor of Vermont is to lie between
Gen. John G.. Mccullough of Bennington
and Col. Edward G. Smith of St. Abans.
For months past it has been no secret that
the friends of both men were pushing an
active canvass in their behalf. and up to
the present time there is no indication that
the people of the "west side" mean to
bring out third candidate. As the can
vass progresses the indications appear
plainly to be that the choice of the Repub-
and with everything taken into account
this seems to be what ought to happen.
This, at least, We are confident, is the feel
ing in Windham county.
There are many men who will refuse
their support TO Gen. Mccullough with
genuine regret, and these men are among
the most prominent and best informed in
the state. In many cases they are among
his personal friends and admirers. They
are men who recognize his sterling man
hood, his successful business career, his
attractive personal qualities, his unusual
capacity for public leadership. his loyalty
TO Vermont. But they believe that in the
present situation the choice for the gov
ernorship should be given, as between the
two, to a man who is identified with the
active, everyday business interests of Yer
mont, and who has grown up and lives
among these interests
To his personal friends, and to those
who are brought into contact with him in
business way, through his official posi-
tion as the president and manager of the
Central Vermont railroad, Col. Smith is
known as man of high personal charac-
ter and upright private life. He has de-
veloped strong executive ability and COM
mands the confidence and ready service
of those who know him best. He is
courteous and approachable to those who
have a right TO ask for his time and atten-
tion. He is a true son of Vermont, not
only by birth and training, but in his ma
tive spirit Of democracy and belief in men
as men. Speaking from a business stand
point he believes, in his treatment of the
home patrons and customers Of the Cen
trail Vermont railroad, that good will, a
spirit of concession, and live-and- let live
policy count for something in railroading
as in every other business. The manifes-
taton of this spirit has had much to do
with the support which he now receives in
this county. He is an active and leading
representative of the younger men in the
Republican party of Vermont, and as such
his candidacy will appeal strongly to the
young men.
1t is conceded, without dispute, that in
the existing complications of the Central
Vermont he has borne himself well, has
shown strong and intelligent grasp of af
fairs, and an earnest purpose to protect the
interests of the company, of its creditors,
and of the state of Vermont in every possible
way. He believes, in behalf of the welfare
pride, that control of the road ought not
to be allowed to go outside the state and
into foreign country, and he would well
come election to the governorship mainly
as an added element of personal strength
in his fight against such a consummation.
1t will be said in behalf of Gen. McCul-
lough's candidacy that the real test of Yer
mont citizenship is familiarity with her
history, identification with her interests,
loyalty to her traditions and institutions,
and not alone Vermont birth and all-the-
year-round residence This is a true and
forcible saying. But it is also true that
the state must keep itself clear from any
saying or suspicion that, having such quail
ificatons, a man may aspire successfully to
her goveTnorship because he has wealth to
sustain them, even though his residence
and business interests be mainly outside
her boundary.
In the midst of one of the heaviest
snow-storms of the past winter a knot of
men were discussing the prospective CUB
ernatorial contest, and all gave generous
measure of praise and admiration to the
personality of the Bennington candidate.
"But," said one, finally, "after all l like
a man who stays here winters as well as
summers, and shoyels snow and saws
wood with the rest of u.s." The remark
"told" in the little conclave, and we sus-
pect similar feeling will prove a deter
mining influence among the rank and file
of Vermont Republicans.
The report of, the Commissioner of pat