The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-03-16
An Appeal Answered.

"Watchman, tell US of the night"
This salutation has been addressed,
with increasing frequency and earnest.
ness, to the sentinel on the walls of this
part of the political Jerusalem, who
for some four score years and ten has
been accustomed 10 proclaim from its
towers the signs of the times. The APP
peal has pertained, in the present in
stance, more particularly to the indi-
cations of leadership in the coming BIZ
ennial disturbance, the determination
of which is fast approaching the dawn.
Greater occurrences, on broader
field of action, than the rising of the
star of the future ruler of this people
among the Green Hills have been &C.
cupying the horizon of events, and
with cumulative interest fixing the
anxious gaze of the people. Neverthe-
less, the WATCHMAN has been not I'M
observant of the luminaries that have
been trimming their lamps on the
States political horizon. In the south
west the star of John Griffith McCul-
Tough seems to be in the ascendant,
while up in the north Edward Curtis
Smiths headlight is sending its rays
toward the zenith of popular prefer
ment
AS to the men whose little candles
are throwing their beams out into the
uncertainties of political contention,
Gen. Mccullough is person to whose
candidacy for the Office of governor nc
reasonable objection can be made. He
has ability of high rank, and capacity
and experience for varied and impor.
tant affairs. He has the gift of ora.
tory. His.silvery speech has been oc'
casionally heard in the convecations oil
the men of Vermont and has Otter
evoked their applause. In the estima.
ton of the WATCHMAN no well-founded
objection to the canddature of General
Mccullough can lie in the matter of his
connections beyond the confines of the
State. He is good enough Vermont.
er-whether or not he was born on her
soil and abides here the year round
who has public-spirited interest in
the welfare of Vermont, shows his in.
terest by his works, invests his wealth
here, pays dishonest taxes and main
tains here a live, voting citizenship.
The WATCHMAN regards General Nc
Cullough with proper consideration
aud, if its environment were that Of
historic Bennington, it could with en-
thusiasm embrace his candidacy for thu
governorship.
But this paper finds in the circum
stances that might make it a champion
of General Mccullough consideration
that incline it to the support of Colone
Smith. No question of principle SEEM
to be involved in making choice be
tween these candidates. Both are hon
orable men, without reproaeh in thei
public or private lives, or in their re
lations with their fellowmen; both ar
gentlemen, and both are loyal Republi
cans. In years Colonel Smith is mucl
the younger man, but he is veteran il
experience. He grew to manhood un
der the eye of great master of affair
and was an apt pupil. Succeeding t.
the chief direction of large business in
terests, he has displayed distinguish
ing native ability in their manage
ment, and has been conspicuousl
faithful to important trusts. He ha
been too assiduously engaged in al
duous businessj tasks to be displayin
the banner of his own personality il
the eyes of the people at their publ
congregations. So he may be les
widely known to the citizens at larg
, than if he had been more diligent i
seeking publicity. Heihas been, how
ever, close student of Vermont inter
, ests and is in active sympathy with tn
. aspirations of Vermont people. Their