The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-06-20
CIRCUIT POLITICS.

Editor Wdtchmdn and Journdl:-With
much interest and no little feeling, read
the communication Of Roland e. Stevens,
printed in the DAILY JOURNAL of June 8,
and reprinted in the WATCHMAN.
Allow me to give you my experience in
trying to secure the position Of census
enumerator for the town OF Calais; Last
January, think it was, as soon as l learn
ed who was the supervisor for the district of
Vermont, l wrote an application, simply
stating that had been a teacher in the pub
lie schools for twenty-five years and that 1
have held the position OF town superin-
tendent OF schools for several years, first by
| vote OF the town, and lastly, for some six or
more years, by appointment of the school
directors. closed my letter by asking If
women were eligible, and soon received a
printed form giving the qualifications, du-
ties, and compensation of census enumera-
tors, on the margin Of which was written,
Women stand an equal chance Nth men"
signed W. b. Gates.
filled out the test schedule. March 81 L
received letter from Mr.. Gates asking me
il would accept an appointment in some
other town, giving me to understand that
some one else had got the appointment in
my town "a leading Grout man, and all
right for the position.) l did not answer
Mr.. Gates question in direct way, but
stated that l would not serve in certain
towns in Washington county, naming them.
l.
Gates saying, II will appoint you enum-
orator in the town Of =, but would like
you to get word to me by Saturday noon"
inch. 81, kindly intimating that 1 could
telephone or telegraph in reply, as the time
was too limited for letter. l accepted
and in due season, received my commission
The next day the following came; when
l asked you II you would serve as enumer-
ator in - (the name OF the town was
given) did not consider that had any
available candidate for that town. On re-
ceipt of your answer that You would serve
there sent your name to the director Of
the census for his approval. l supposed /
had that approval until tonight when / re-
ceived letter from Mr.. Merriam directing
me to appoint member OF - to the place
He directs me to recall your commission"
etc. The above letter closed by offering to
pay telephone message, also directing how
to return the commission.
Isn't ii little strange that Mr. Merriam,
director OF the census for these United
States OF America, should be so Interested
for little town in the little State OF Yer
mont As to dire CT the recalling Ola cOuimis-
sion, known to have been issuedP Is it
strange that the appointment should go to
q former active Groul man. although that
man had lost the es eem Ut many OF his
fellow townsmen as well AS the position of
OF town clerk aud That OF postmaster he.
cause of certain disqualiications? DO
women "stand an equal chance with men"
where political influence and votes are con-
cerned?
l have taken no pains, as Las Mr.. Stevens,
TO btain evidence TO strengthen my opin"
ion and that of those in this and adjoining
towns who are knowing to the case as 10
whom 20 look ~ the power behind the
throne" that influences so many OF the
minor appointments in this State. l only
feel to sash my hands OF trying to get any
position otherwise han meri ed one, gain
cd In q sraghtfQrward and just way.
Begging pardon for this lengthy commu-
nication, remain, Sincerely,
ALMA ID. LEONARD.
East Calais, VT, June IL. 1900.