Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-05-26
BASIS OF COUNTY REPRESENTA-
JJON.

One of the arguments frequently made
in different towns for the purpose of get
ting out a large vote is that it will en-
title the respective communities to larger
representation in state, district and coun-
ty conventions. As a matter of simple
justice the average unprecedented observer
would say that if tho voters of any party
neglected to vote. they should not have
representation in the following conven-
tions Just as though they had gone to the
polls in usual numbers.
1t will be no breach of confidence to say
that strong pressure was brought to bear
upon the Chittendcn county republican
committee to have the vote cast for the
republican candidate for the covcrnorshp
in 1902 adopted as the basis of represent
tation in the coming county convention,
and this sentiment might have prevailed
under certain circumstances. lnasmuch
as the State republican committee had
already made the governor vote of the
party in 1900 the basis of representation
in the two State conventions called, it
was felt that the county committee, be
ing a subordinate body, though entirely in
dependent, should follow the example of
the State committee.
In making the republican vote for gov
ernor in the respective towns in 1900 the
basis of representation in the county
convention, it was distinctly stated that
this action was not to he regarded as a
precedent to be followed under different
circumstances. and the towns interested
may find it to their interest later on to
govern themselves accordingly.
1t may be profitable in this connection
to note how the representation of the re-
spective towns in the county convention
would have differed from that which they
now have. if the republican vote of two
years ago had been made the basis. With
a 1902 basis there would have been only l3u
delegates in the county convention in
stead of POI; and Bolton would have had
three delegates instead of four as at pres
ent; Burlington. thirty-six instead of
siXty-tive; Charlotte, eight instead of
eleven; Colchester, five instead of thir-
teen; Essex, eight instead of thirteen,
IIinesburgh, eight instead of eleven;
| Huntington, seven instead of eight. Jeri-
cho. nine instead of twelve: Milton eleven
! instead of fifteen; Richmond. six instead
| of eight; South Burlington. three instead
Of six: St. George, one instead of two
| Underh!ll, FIVE instead of seven; Nest
| ford. six instead OF eight. Wiliston, Sin
! instead of nine.
| Shclburne is the only town whose mum
| Der of delegates would not have been dim
nishcd by the adoption of the vote of 100.
as a basis, her republican vote in 1902 hav.
ing been but fourteen less than in 1900
burlington would have lost twenty-nnt
delegates. but Colchester would have suf
| fered more in proportion with "A loss ol
eight out Of thirteen. All other towns
would have gained at the expense of Bur
| linston and Colchester.
| Two years from now there will be M
state " national election to influence III,
situation, ana judging from the sentiment
which prevails in republican circles at tn,
| present time the county committee, who
| ever they may be- will find it difficult t.
| resist an appeal for exact justice in the
matter of basing the number of delegate.
| of each town to the county convention OF
that towns vote in the election of tn,
present year.