The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-05-25
For Sheriff of Washington County.


For Sheriff of Washington County.
Several weeks ago the WATCHMAN
announced the probable candidacy of
G. G. Graves of Waterbury for the Of
flee of sheriff of Washington county at
the next election.
In respect of certain offices this
county has followed long established
custom of continuing tenants in service,
by denomination, during two biennial
terms, provided the incumbent has
satisfactorily performed his public du-
ties during his first term. The shriev-
atty is one of these offices. In only
one or two instances, in recognition
of exceptionally meritorious service
particularly the last, that Of Sheriff
Atherton-has the county departed
from this custom. Unless it is pro-
posed, and as a permanent thing, to
extend the tenure of this Office by fur
Their reflections, it had been assumed,
as matter of course, that Sheriff Col
Inns, having held the Office the custom
airy number of terms, would not be a
candidate for another election. The
tendency has not been towards length
ening the tenure of Office in those
places of public trust that are subject
to periodical change of incumbency.
Whether this tendency is more in the
interest of individuals than of effici-
ency in the public service the WATCH
MAN is not now discussing. This pa
per opposed, at the time, the abrogation
of the two term rule for Senator, and
believes its restoration would be pub
lie benefit. There certainly is not ap-
parent in the county any desire or pur-
pose to lengthen out the period of SER
vice in the offices OF assistant judge,
sheriff, and the others that still abide
under the two term rule.
This being, in brief, the history and
the present situation of affairs in res
pect of the Office of sheriff in particular,
the retirement, by limitation imposed
by custom, of Sheriff Collins had been
expected, and a candidate for his sue
cessor had been sought among the dep
uty sheriffs of seniority of service and
demonstrated fitness for the higher of.
fee. Deputy G. G. Graves of Water
bury had been singled out for this
honor, and had been urgently solicited
to become a candidate. By a plucky
act in the line Of official duty Deputy
Graves received severe injury some
eight weeks ago. He got his man, how
ever, and held him, and his gallantry
has received from the party in chief
interest, outside the State, the recog-
milton it deserved. Mr.. Graves has
been temporarily disabled by his injury,
and is not yet able to resume his active
duties. He will, however, in due time
be on his feet again, in his accustomed
health and strength. In various in.
stances ne mas SHOWN tnRt ne possesses
the courage and the detective skill that
are important factors in sheriff's quail
ifcations. He has shown also that he
has those important business and cler-
ical qualifications that are required in a
sheriff. He has proved that he is faith
full and impartial in the performance Of
duty. His candidacy has the endorse
ment and the hearty support of the
men in the county who best know what
constitutes a good officer. His official
record as deputy sheriff, his undoubted
qualifications for the higher Office, his
character as a man, in the highest de-
gree entitle Mr.. Graves to the nomina-
ton to the office of sheriff.