The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-01-12
Orange County Politics.

Editor of the Waterman Although it Is
yet very early to plan for the action OF q po-
litical convention whose natural time OF as
sembling is six months in the future, it
seems, however, to be inevitable that in the
old age and uninterrupted predominance Of
party its members should think sometime
in advance Of the distribution OF it's honors
and rewards. Certainly no political party
has better right to consider the offices as
its own by prescription than have the Re-
publicans OF Orange county. Since the
bi tn OF what was soon after named the Re-
publican party in the coalition convention
OF Wings and Free Democrats held at Chel-
sea in the summer OF 1854, resulting in the
nomination Of Joseph Atkinson of New
bury and John Waite Of Randolph for sena-
tors and Samuel M. Flint OF Chelsea for
states attorney, no democrat has been al
lowed to sip the sweets OF either Office dur
ing more than forty years.
1t is not strange, then, that in the party
thus situated there should early arise can
didates for the more attractive positions
within its gift. But whether for this, or
some other reason equally strong, 1t Is al
ready certain that the crop Of senatorial
candidates will be abundant. II the present
vigorous blowing Of the political soil and
sedulous sowing OF the seed Of senatorial
ambition can furnish any sign Of what the
future crop may be, for on either side OF the
county several can idacies are in actual ex-
istence or their early public appearance al
ready threatened. From the present out.
look it is safe to say that, II no nomination
for senator is made on convention day, it
will not be for want OF material.
Since the year 1851, Orange county has
been entitled to but two senators and it has
been the invariable custom OF the party to
select one from each of the two probate dis
tricts into which the county Is divided, the
Bradford district on the east side and the
Randolph district on the west side. This
plan has been much more satisfactory in Be-
curing some fairness of distribution between
the two districts then what prevailed DUR
ing the sixteen years, from 1886 to 1851, in
elusive, when the Bradford district had two
senators two-thirds OF the time and the
town Of Randolph was the sole one OF the
eight towns on the west side which had a
senator at all during more than half Of that
time.
Upon the east side three full-fedged can
didatures are now quite apparent, and at
least one and possibly two more are in en-
bryo. From STAFFORD is announced the
candidacy OF Nathan B. Cobb, very intel
ligent citizen, of ripe experience and held
in highest regard by his fellow townsmen,
as his positions OF honor and trust will indi-
cate. Born in STAFFORD he was educated at
Norwich University and received the de-
gree OF A. M, in course By occupation a
farmer, he has been town clerk since 1853
and justice OF the peace since 1866, during
some years having the work OF trial justice
dent. In 1874 he was chosen associate
Judge OF Orange county court and in the
years 1870 and 1880 he was elected to repre-.
sent his native town in the general assem-
bly,. Well versed in legislation, thoroughly
informed in public affairs, of good educa-
welfare, Judge Cobb ought to be, II elected,
an influential member OF tn State senate.
From the town of Bradford is presented
the candidacy Of John B. Pickett, Esq.
Mr.. Pickett is young man OF excellent
character and high ideals, much interested
in the subject OF education and has served
his town in the capacity Of school superin-
tendent and school director. He Is also in
terested in the reforms OF the day, espe-
cially the temperance question, and, dur
ing his term as states attorney, some six
years ago, was earnest and vigorous in the
prosecution OF the liquor law-breakers, 1t
is also rumored that another candidate may
arise in Bradford in the person Of Col.
Harry k. Parker, editor OF the Opinion,
who is now the county member OF the re-
publican state committee. Another candi-
date from the east side lis William Paul OF
West Fairlee. Emigrating from England
when young man several years ago,
he worked as a blacksmith for score OF
years in the village OF Ely during the pros
porous times Of the Vermont Copper Min
Ing Company and has by his faithful labor
gathered an easy competence, in the mean
while acquiring an education which has
enabled him at times to occupy the pulpits
OF neighboring churches with general &C.
ceptance. Removing to West Fairlee after
the failure of the mining company some
fifteen years since he has held the office OF
school superintendent and served az trial
justice.
Upon the west side, In the Randolph pro-
bate district, but one candidacy Is yet pro-
claimed. that OF George w. Lynde OF Will
Jamestown. Mr.. Lyude Is an enterprising
farmer OF excellent business capacity, hav-
ing had in former years large interest In
the numbering business and being now, as
senior partner In the firm Of Lynde &
Cheney, concerned In the steam saw-mill