New-York tribune., 1902-06-21
A NOVEL SITUATION N TERMONT.

The extraordinary contest for the nomination
for Governor which the Republicans of Yer
mont have been carrying on with increasing
ardor during the last three months has produced
an extraordinary result. Originally there We're
only two candidates in sight-General John G
Mccullough and DR.. William Seward Webb
and nobody foresaw the issues on which the
forces would divide in the later stages Of the
struggle II was not until-follOwing DR..
Webb's withdrawal and Mr.. Fletcher ID. Proc
tors appearance in the field-Mr. Percival w
Clement heretofore more conspicuous in rail
road management than in politics. announced
his candidacy a high license local option
platform that lively competition of the usual
sort was transformed into general conflict
involving an important policy of State govern
ment and characterized by fierce personal hos
tilities. Though the yigOr OF Mr.. Clements
Introductory manifesto was Immediately recog
nized, it was not supposed at first that he would
be able to make much headway. But the cham
pions of General Mccullough and Mr.. Proctor
had not comprehended either the strength of
the antiprohibition law sentiment to which ne
appealed or his talents for organization and
controversy. Mr.. Clement made no prctence of
respect for precedent. was ready to provoke
enmities wherever he thought they would be of
with began a fight which it is no exaggeration
to call red hot and which has outlasted the
nomination of General Mccullough on Thurs
day.
Though the direct result Of the convention
was a defeat for Mr.. Clement. it verified the
predction that he would outrun Mr.. Proctor
and leave General Mccullough short Of a major
ity on the first ballot which of itself was no
small achievement. But in addition the effect
on public opinion of his attack on the prohi
bition law was such as to compel the convention
to require of the next Legislature that ii submit
a high license, local option liquor law TO popu-
lar vote. 1t would seem that such a measure
Of success, undoubtedly far exceeding the early
expectations OF Mr.. Clements followers, ought
TO have satisfied those who had won 1t and
restrained his delegates in the moment Of their
chagrin over the combination against them
from adopting the spectacular expedient of
bolt and an independent nomination.
Whether or not Mr.. Clement will finally de-
eide TO sanction the present programme OF his
friends in the hope Of a Democratic indorse
ment remains to be seen At last accounts he
seems to have been in doubtful state of mind
and desirous OF having the decision postponed.
The longer he reflects the less inclined he will
probably be to take the responsibility of split
ting his party in an effort to accomplish outside
of It an object which has been more than half
accomplished already. The prohibition law.
which has engendered corruption and hypocrisy
and greatly increased the use of worse poisons
than alcohol. is virtually certain to be replaced
by a more reasonable enactment thanks to Mr.
Clements courageous appeal to popular intelli-
gence; and if, as he asserts. the party organi-
zation needs TO be reformed his experience this
week indicates that he is not compelled to head
third party In order TO work effectively to
that end. There is no question Of General