Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-04-24
Gen. McCullOugh's Position.


The letter from Gen. Mccullough, printed
in another column, in reply to an inquiry
concerning his attitude towards the pro-
hibitory law, ought to be satisfactory to
all who are not determined in advance to
and fault with whatever no might say on
that subject His position is, that Of the
three branches Of our republican govern
ment, no one of which should encroach
upon the province of either of the others.
It is for the executive department not to
make but to execute the laws. Evidently
he believes, as Gen. Grant did. when
President, that all laws should be enforced.
II good they will stand; II bad enforce
:nent will bring about change or repeal.
II he becomes governor, as now seems
likely, he. like Grant, will have no policy
in opposition to the policy OF the people.
lie recognizes the facts that prohibition
has been the established policy of Vermont
for half century, and that as the great
majority Of the people favor that policy
it is likely to continue to be the policy Of
the State in the future. If the Leglsla-
ture chosen after discussion Of the sub
iect in the canvasses for senators and
repre- sentatives. should modify the law in
any direction, or should decide to submit
the question Of retention OF the law to a
vote Of the people-a submission to which,
VIC may say. by the way, under fair con-
ditions and on that simple issue. not COM
plicated by the addition of objec-
tionable legislation, we would be in
clined to favor-General Mccullough,
If in the governors chair, will sign
the bill. Having no policy in contraven-
niz,ng their right to control. why should
ne not approve any constitutional enact
ment on a question of public policy? He
would have the less inducement to set up
his own judgment in opposition to the
decision of the representatives of the peo-
pie, because in this State the same major
ty that passes law can repass it over
the governors veto. But in any case he
would wish the people to decide the ques-
ton and with their decision he would not
quarrel.
1t seems to us, as we have said before,
Cen McCullough's attitude, ought to be
and We doubt not will be, generally salts
factory to fair minded and sensible men.
The Vermont republicans have in the past
conducted their canvasses for gov
ernor upon party lines. and not upon ques-
tions of legislation which the Legislature
alone can settle The Vermont democrats
have tried for a generation to make the
liquor question the issue in the State can
vass. The Vermont republicans have not
believed that political prohibition party
could accomplish anything for the cause
of temperance in this State, and have de-
clined to permit their party to be turned
into such party They have elected gov
errors who were prohibtionists and gov
ernors who. like Gov. e. G. Smith, were
opposed TO prohibition, because they were
good republicans-leaving the other ques'
ton TO be settled where it rightfully be-
longs and can be safely left, in the can,
vases for members OF the Legislature.
| They, II We understand them, can not bt
made to change their practice in this re-
gard this year; and they know that the
interests Of the people il Gen. Mccullough
becomes governor. will be safe in the
hands of a man OF sound judgment Of
high moral character, friend of temper
ance law ard order, of religion and edu
cation, and all good influences, in thc
home, in the State and in the nation.