The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1902-05-14
MCCULLOUGH AND
TEMPERANCE.
Hon. Frank Plumley, Foremost
Among Prohibitionists, I'm
qualifiedly Endorses
Mccullough.

May l be permitted space in your pa
per to express my views in the present
governorship canvass as affected by
the question of Prohibition VS.. lii
cense? This is asked because of many
letters recently received by me in
curing as to my attitude in the mat
ter and the reasons which actuate me
otherwise it would not seem import
ant to project my ideas into this con-
test
Before Mr., Proctor appeared as
candidate, and while it was regarded
as settled that he would not be a can
didate and the contest was narrowed
down to Mccullough or Webb, the
people of this State had largely made
their selection, and, in the main, the
friends of prohibition had accepted
Gen. Mccullough and the friends of IL
cense had naturally selected Col.
Webb When Mr.. Proctor had appear
ed and Col Webb had retired, the
lines remained in large part unchang-
ed, the friends of Col Webb becom-
ing, for the most part, the champions
of Mr.. Proctor Thus it happened
that the license advocates found them
selves supporting friend of prohibit
ton. The appearance of Mr.. Clement
gave them chance to re-align, but
as rule they have remained stead
fast. They have said, and rightfully
enough, that in this governorship con-
test the liquor law is not in issue
Mr.. Clement says it is, but the great
bulk of the Republican voters say it is
not.
Gen. Mccullough was considered
safe man for the friends of prohibi-
ton when one of the candidates was
license man he is safe, equally, when
neither of the leading candidates is
license man. / believe Mr. Proctor,
of himself, to be just as safe, but
what of his present political environ
ment? His success would mean the
triumph of the leading advocates of
license, and they would be found pro-
minent among the men surrounding
him and would rightfully claim prop
er recognition from and influence over
his administration.
a careful, candid scrutiny of the field
will satisfy the anxious inquirer for
the truth as to which candidate, if sue
cessful, will bring with him the great
er retinue of staunch, strong and able
friends of the present law, and which
the greater number of its aggressive,
determined foes. The present law
Oullough or Proctor Both are clean,
straightforward, trustworthy gentle
men, loyal to the best interests of
Vermont. Friends of prohibition who
favor Mr.. Proctor and friends of pro-
hibition who favor Gen. Mccullough
are, as respects these two men only,
making no mistake. Those who sup
port the latter find themselves in very
good company.
Combining ourselves to our past chief
executives and excluding the two who
are now. our honored Senators this is
their alignment Ex-Governors Hol-
brook, Hendee, Stewart, Farnham,
Barstow, Pingree, Ormsbee and Page,
with Governor Stickney, are all sup
porters of the present liquor law and
of the candidacy of Gen. Mccullough.
| might add to this long list of men
distinguished in every walk of life
who are similarly supporters of each
the law and the man. We have trust
ed in their leadership in times past
and have not suffered; we need have
no misgivings now. 1t is pleas
ant company. l am pleased to be
found thus associated and my judg-
ment and my pleasure join hands
when l conclude to remain with them.
Governors Woodbury., Grout and
Smith support Mr.. Proctor. Messrs.
Woodbury. and Grout support the law,
Mr., Smith opposes it. Each was
supporter of Col. Webb who was H.
cense man, and each is supporter of
Mr.. Proctor, who is not. Manifestly
they did not consider the liquor ques-
ton an issue when they made choice
Of their candidate either time and
these friends of Mr.. Proctor are Jug
Cling with our consciences when they
ask us to make it an issue as between
their candidate and Gen. Mccullough.
In electing delegates to the State
convention we should be sure that
they will not vote for license resolu-
tions or license candidates and in
nominating our Senators and Repre-
sentatives we must be likewise vigi-
liant and firm. These matters are of
the utmost Importance Let us not be
diverted from the real issue, the real
work, and the real place for that
work
We can place the able, cultured, re-
fined and courteous Mccullough in
the executive chair and give dignity
to the Office and do honor to the State.
Yours earnestly,
Frank Plumley.