The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1905-01-23
FRANK I. HOWE, Editor and Publisher
The Collect rship

by the President OF the Tn ted States
a. Collector of Customs for the Dis
trict of Vermont az the expiration Of
the term Of the present incumbent, Col
Olin Merrill In December 1905 This
announcement was first made by the
Banner nearly three months ago and
it then evoked vigorous expressions OF
approval throughout Vermont, and
such expressions have in nowise d.
minished to the present hour.
The editor of the Banner has in per-
son and, as thoroughly as possible dis
cussed the matter OF Mr. Barber's
candidacy with the Republicans Of
Bennington and adjoining towns and
with such others as from time To- time
he has been able to see or cOmmuni-
cate with from all sections of the coun-
ty, and as a result of this canvass
does most earnestly believe that this
paper now voices an established and
well defined public sentime { when it
says the candidacy of Mr. Barber is
representative of the wish OF the Re-
publican party of the county of Ben
nington that he receive the desired
appointment.
In other words Mr. Barber is THE
candidate OF the Republican party of
the county Of Bennington for the Of
fee OF collector of customs in this dis.
trict. That he is thoroughly capable
and we'll equipped to assume the duties
OF this important Office is not question
ed even by those who are accustomed
to differ with him in matters involving
political faith or expediency.
After the death of Col Mason S. Col
burn OF Manchester in 1895 Mr. Barber
came gradually to be recognized as
one OF the most sagacious and conser-
vative leaders of the Republican par
ty in the state, while in the county Of
Bennington it has long been conceded
th at such leadership ensured harmony
within and success to the party as a
whole. He has ever given freely OF
his time and means to all matters OF
public or political interest and by rea-
son thereof and his acknowledged abil
ity and leadership is now fairly en-
titled TO his reward, II such it may be
called, in the desired appointment as
Collector.
OF late we notice in the col
umns of certain of our ex-
changes what seems to be a con
| certed effort to substitute the candid
acy of another for that of Mr. Barber
upon the expressed theory that such
substituted candidacy would be pecul-
iarly gratifying to state pride and the
Republican organization of this coun-
ty. 1t is true that this impression has
been given out and we doubt not in
many instances accepted as the truth
with, the implication that it was by ar
rangement with and the consent of Nh
Barber And further it has been con
jectured and stated openly that Nj
BARRIERS candidacy did not meet witt
the approval of the senior senator from
Vermont by reason of past supposed
political differences and that therefore
it would not be favorably considered
by the state delegationat Washington
All this comes as great surprise tC
the republicans of the county and es
pecially of this town and it is extreme
ly difficult for them to believe that i
has been authorized,
For outside influences to thus at
tempt to substitute anyone for Mr. Bar
Der may be for the purpose OF creating
factional fight within our borders
If so it will not succeed, and can re
suit in no good to any man or set o
men interested for personal or politi
cal gain in so doing
We believe that Mr. Barber by rea
son OF his many years of faithful pol
itical activity stands we'll rot onl,
with the rank and file of the Republi
can party but with such OF its member
as now constitute the Vermont delega
ton in Congress, and especially 81
with that most astute leader and maj
of affairs, Vermont senior senator.
| o. M. Barber is now a candidate TO
appointment as collector of custom
for this district.
The Banner voices the desire of tn
Republican organization of this coun
ty for his appointment and announce
that Mr. Barber will not authorize tn
withdrawal Of his name from consider
alton by the president of the Unite,
States and Vermont's delegation il
Congress until the matter is nnall
determined by the presidents action il
the premises.