Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-07-07


nation. He conducted his campaign
most effectively. using his multitude Of
Grange and other friends as skilliul
general uses mis- brigades and regi-
ments. And they were quite willing
TO be thus employed. Il was the
farmers year. The yeomanry rallied
for Bell with a determination to put
him, as a chosen representative Of
themselves, in the governors chair.
All that was needed was intelligent
direction. and this the candidate and
his near stan supplied. Mr. Bell was,
doubtless, better known to more people
the length and breadth OF Vermont
than the other candidates. and this
acquaintanceship counted much to
his favor He had to his credit. also,
some political obligations that helped
him. Still further, as the sole can
didate OF his county, be could COM
mand lis united support, which his
rivals, both from the same county,
could not.
Nothing that Hon. Zed 5. Stanton
ever did in political life lett faint
behind. As heretofore in his career,
be conducted a clean canvass and
developed a strength that, under the
circumstances, must be gratifying.
lie labored against the tallacies of
the non-pTomotion rule-the first lieu
tenant-governor in recent years 10
challenge it, Various matters aside
from his personality initiated against
him, not the least OF which was the
fact that he had already been pretty
well used in the dispensation OF
offices, though the answer came back
that wherever tried he had made
good.
The support given the Hon. Joseph
A. DeBoer OF Montpelier can only be
regarded as an anomaly in Vermont
politics. That a man who publicly
announced his disinclinstion TO be re-
garded as a candidate; who steadfast-
ly took no part in the canvass waged
Tor him who had no machine oper-
ating for him, no literary bureau, no
paid agents and whose strength de-
veloped spontaneously if it came at
all that this man under these circum- |
stances could make even a respectable |
showing against his active rivals can
be taken only as a remarkable testi- /
monial TO the man and an admiration /
Of his stand. That a different attitude /
at the beginning, an announcement OF |
his candidacy, or even an unequiyocal
TO accept a nomination /
would have made Mr.. DeBoer a favor
tie, is now generally admitted. But he |
lnswervingly chung to his original
for it clearly expressed his
He was not in position to
direct a canvass in his own behalf, and 1
therefore discouraged the use OF his
name, though willing to accept the
leadership if rendered. 1t is probably |
true that his unsuccess and that of
Fletcher ID. Proctor two years ago will
tend 10 emphasize the notion that the
time is past when high public office
will come unsought.
For the lieutenant-governorship the
have nominated the Hon.
Charles II. Stearns of johnson. DR..
J. A. Mead, who came to the conven-
ion with the conquest of Clement in
Rutland county to his prestige, found
his very plum a handicap-the party
lid not care to espouse the side of
either faction there. And it acted
wisely.
The other offices, secretary OF state,
auditor and treasurer, will be filed by
he present very efficient and popular
ncumbents, no step in opposition to
mem having appeared.
The task Of framing a platform, en-
.rusted to the Hon. o. NJ. Barber OF
Bennington, was not sighted The
party declaration is most comprehen-
,iye and straightforward 1t ignores
and straddles nothing. In
deed, so far as state topics are con-
cerned, it goes further than any plat
torn OF recent years in committing
the party to various lines OF legisla-
ton. We shall have occasion later to
refer to these more in detail.
With the plank relating to the liquor
law as a guide, Republican members
Of the assembly cannot consistently |
seek TO accomplish the repeal OF the
present local option system at the
coming session, nor by amendment
change the nature of the law We have. |
1t must be retained for a full, tree and