Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1901-1906, 1904-06-03
County Senators.

The north district of Windham coun-
ty has so far failed to present the
name of a candidate for the state sem
ate who can be depended upon not only
to creditably represent the county but
also to insist on a fair trial for
the local option law. We be-
leve that a large majority OF
tile voters of the county are in ia
vor of letting this law alone We be-
lieve that the organized opposition
throughout the state will be strongly
manifested in an attempt to repeal the
law this fall. 1t follows then that the
voters of each county should not fail
to elect senators who can and surely
will represent them in this particular
as only through the senators can the
majority rule in Vermont The house
will undoubtedly be anti-local option
although we hope not as strongly as i'm
previous years. The issue is now fair |
trial of the law against its immediate |
repeal and each legislator should stand
or fall on this issue. The attempt of
many sincere republicans to persuade
themselves that no such issue exists
is unavaiing. The history of the eau
Gus bill and the original passage of the
local option bill in the last legislature
prove that not even convention plat
forms can be trusted in this one party
state. Unless the political wiseacres
can muzzle the short-sighted prohibit
tionists the fight must be re-fought
this fall. There will be no referendum !
no chance for popular opinion except in
the choice of senators. A minority,
through the representatives from the G
small towns controls the house. The
senate then must be strong. n
In bringing forward this point we a
have no personal argument to offer S
against any of the three excellent gen. !,
tlemen whose names have been propos- n
ed. They are none of them to be de- b
pended upon in crisis because they u
are not firmly convinced in their own !.
minds that this law should be let alone. j,
It will be a crisis in the life of the re- N
publican party when any repeal is at l
empted without a fair trial. Windham .,
county should have two men who can u,
,e absolutely counted on. The north bt
district fortunately has one whose pro-
,ressive views and whose ability are Il,
and who was prominent pl
n the house during the session which m
assed this law. Frederick L, Hough- -
on of Putney is the logical candidate or
or senator and he cannot refuse to DC
ccept the honor and responsibility IL Tn
!. is offered to him. Mr. Houghton has w. ",
1ade no canvass and is not urging any on
laims, but We speak for a large num- ST.
er of his personal and political sta
riends in the county when we say ~
nat his active candidacy will meet in
18th prompt and sincere response. sal
With the county convention only ar y.
Nv weeks distant it is high time N,
lat this matter be settled. There will wi
robably be no considerable opposition Su
Mr.. Pierce in the Marlboro district; a.,
1t no man yet named in the north aw
strict unites the factions. We are not car
'afting Mr.. Houghton but we believe the
AT a statement from him that M
would accept the nomination Tor cid
nator if offered will relieve the sit ma
ltion and will Immediately ensure ACT
m an enthusiastic endorsement. ~ !.
lndham county needs ana is entitled wal
men of distinction in the upper A
use mel
------ as