New-York tribune., 1902-07-18
THE CONTEST IN VERMONT.

The acceptance of an independent nomination
for Governor of Vermont by Mr.. Percival W.
Clement guarantees to that State throughout
the summer and fall a continuance of the po-
litical turmoil which began early in the year
Mr. Clements decision had been announced III
advance and the main question before the con-
vention of his followers, which met on Wednes-
day, was whether or not a fusion with the
Democrats should be invited by putting mem
bers of their party in the subordinate places on
the ticket. The objections to that course whlch
had been strongly urged during the preil1n-
mary discussion finally prevailed, and all the
regular Republican nominations, excepting
those for Governor and Lieutenant Governor
were indorsed. The calculation was that
ticket made I'D of Republicans would poll
considerable proportion OF the Democratic vote,
and that it would command a large number OF
Republican votes which would be lost by
fusion with the Democrats. But while the
latter half of that forecast is likely 10 be veri-
fed il is much too early to look for clear indi-
cations of what the small but hitherto per-
sistent Democratic minority will do. No doubt
it would be glad to assist in making the Repub-
lcan breach as wide as possible, but IL will
naturally shrink from policy tending TO It's
own disintegration.
If only a plurality were required to elect
Governor of Vermont easy victory for Gen
eral Mccullough, the regular Republican candi-
date might be confidently expected Such IN
certainty as exists arises from the fact that
under the constitution the election is thrown
into the General Assembly in case no candi-
date receives a majority Of the votes, since
nobody at this stage in the contest can tell
what effect an infinite variety of local and per-
sonal influences will have upon the composition
Nfr andn q %
markable showing in the Republican convention
a few weeks ago. His delegates largely out
numbered those of Mr.. Proctor, and a combna-
ton of the Mccullough and Proctor forces was
essential to the nomination of General McCul-
Tough. Moreover, he compelled the convention
to put high license, local option plank In the
platform. But it is impossible at present to de-
termine how much of his strength was due to
the sentiment against the prohibition law which
he had aroused and consolidated, and to what
extent it represented a feeling of personal at
tachment on which he can rely during the cam
paign and at the polls.
1t is obvious that Mr.. Clements campaign is
in fact essentially personal campaign, how
ever he may wish 1t to be regarded. The prin-
ciple for which he purports to stand is part
of the Republican platform. He put it there,
to be sure but there it is, and there is not much
reason 10 LnlnR lndL, III duVpllAS DIS hiS uWH Inc
action of his followers who bolted the conven-
ton after it had accepted their high license,
local option resolution, he has increased public
confidence in his sincerity; and though many
bitter antagonisms have been excited which
will doubtless play an important part in the
contest it is to be hoped that they will not
avail to defeat General Mccullough, who is per-
sonally and politically entitled to the loyal sup
port Of his party.