St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-08-29
THE REPRESENTATIVE QUESTION.
support the Caucus Nominee.

l
the caucus nominee, claiming that he
was nominated by "snap caucus" and
the people deprived OF the right to
voice in selecting the candidate. Were
there any foundation for the claim, it
might afford reason for not supporting
the regular nominee but this claim is
founded on fiction rather than fact. The
caucus was regularly called, sufficient
notice given, called at a conven-
lent and seasonable hour, presided over
by a chairman of it's own choice, and
who tried to give all fair chance. The
caucus was composed Of larger number
of voters than is usual at such caucuses.
Every voter in the town of st. Johnsbury
has had an equal right to act freely in
accordance with his desires, to present
the candidate of his choice, and to fully
express any opposition he might have to
any candidate named. At such caucus
Mr.. BIodgett was made the nominee of
the Republican party with no other can
didate being presented. How, we ask,
were the people deprived of their rights,
or any individual voter denied the OPP
portunity to a voice and vote?
Where nominations have been made by
unfair and questionable methods, an ex-
cuse is afforded for boiling the nomina'
tion and setting up another candidate,
and in an extreme case, possibly, voting
for candidate of another party. But
with fair conduct and full opportunity
for all voters to act freely, they have al
ways been considered in fair politics and
good faith bound by the acts of the eau
Gus. The caucus was inaugurated that
all might have an opportunity to express
their views, and has always been con-
sidered the proper place for the voters to
so express their views and make their
choice, and, under the Australian ballot
system, has become a necessity. 1t is
unprecedented where the party votes are
close, of doing otherwise than abiding
bv the result Of the caucus. Certainly
those voters who are present and remain
silent are, on principle, estopped from al
terw ards complaining of the acts and re-
suits of the caucus. 1t seldom happens
that nominee is in every way satlsact-
ory to all persons. Our government is
founded upon the principle that the ma
jority rules, and good sense dictates d
cheerful acquiescence in that rule. Why
especially, in political year, should the
voters of this town hazard the usual
Republican majority for representative
We have heard it urged against the
nominee that he was favored by Senator
Ross and Judge Stafford. 1t is fact
that he was, and remains so. Both are
candidates for election at the coming
Legislature, and naturally feel that the
town of st. Johnsbury should be repre-
sented by a man favorable to them, and
one who from acquaintance and expert
ence would be capable of the exercise OF
strong influence in their behalf.
We have never heard either Senator
Ross or Judge Stafford accused OF being
wire pulers or engaged in political in
trigues, or in any way attempting to de-
prive the people of their full rights.
They did no more to secure the nomlna-
ton of Mr.. Blodgett than any other vot-
er had an opportunity to do, to secure a
nomination of his choice. Both have
known and been in close touch with the
nominee, know his qualifications for the
position and his ability to do good work
for them. Neither would wish the cleo
ton of candidate, who would not rep
resent all the interests OF the town.
They are both esteemed and honored
citizens, and, we doubt not, the town
would highly appreciate the honor con-
ferred by the election of both. 1t would
seem. under the circumstances, that
vote against Mr.. Blodgett would, in et-
feet, be record against both these citi-
zens of our town.
Upon the senatorial question, Mr..
Blodgett is entirely satisfactory to Cen
eral Grout, and there can be no reason
why those voters who favor him as first
choice. should not vote for Mr.. Blodgett.
Mr., Blodgett has already frankly stated
his position upon this question, which is
in substance, that he will use his best
efforts to secure the election Of Judge
Ross as Senator, and, if the time comes
when it appears that he cannot be elect
ed, that he will cast his vote and his in
: huence in favor of General Grout.
A word as to the candidate. We con
slider that he will crtditably represen
st. Johnsbury. Mr.. Blodgett has risel
to his present high standing, poor hoy
u from theranks OF laboring men, by indus
try and hard work. He now rank
among the first lawyers of the state fc
u ability and legal knowledge. He is car
e full and painstaking in his work, an
y brings to his service good judgment.
Senator from Caledonia county at Il
u last session he served second upon t
l. iudiciarv cOu1tnittee the most irnnC