Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-06-14
FUN AHEAD.


A big fight is pending in the Yer
mont Democracy over the question OF
fusion with the Clement forces in an
independent movement. Clement and
his followers are assiduously counting
the Democrats, to the end that they
may secure a union offorces in the ef-
fort to defeat Proctor and the regular
Republican ticket. The Democrats
have been promised recognition on the
proposed fusion ticket, and second
place has been reserved Tor G.. Herbert
Pape, the young Democrat who has
represented Barre twice in the House.
Pape says if there is fusion he stands
ready TO accept. Democrats OF Barre.
Montpelier and other places are said
10 be enthusiastic for fusion. They
boast that they will send delegations
solid for the movement, and that no
Democrat, however prominent, can 90
from their towns unless be stands for
fusion. 1t is reported that the labor
unionists Of all the large places favor
Clement, and will turn in to his sup
port, Notwithstanding his attitude
toward labor Issues. The conventions
OF the Democratic party and of the
Clementites have been called in Bur
lington on the same day, with the
fusion purpose in mind. 1t is eX-
pected that they will get together in
one hall before the day is over, nomi-
nate a Joint ticket headed by Clement,
and adopt q joint platform.
But this fusion movement viii not
come about before there has been
ruption in the Democratic party, un-
equaled for int nsity. The old-tme
leaders, the war horses that have car
ried the party banner year after year,
have borne the brunt of the conflict
and footed the bills, are almost to
man opposed to fusion. They DO not
want to see the Democratic party COB
bled up by a Republican to further
what they regard as MS selfish ambi-
ton, They want to preserve the party
and keep it free from entanglements
in order that it may be ready to stand
for the policies OF the party, state and
national, not only this year, bat ior
the future. They see bright prospects
ahead for the national party, and want
to be in shape TO participate in the
and in the fruits OF victory |
They regard fusion as fatal to all such |
hopes, an end to Vermont Democracy. |
The fusionists argue that with the
divided here is a chance
for the first time to win. and Zeal the
machine" staggering blow. On the
issues, Clements views are theirs and |
theirs Clements, so there viii be no
It would be worse than a
torlorn hope for the Democrats 10 90 il
alone, with the certainty that thou
sands Of Democratic votes will be cast
for Clement, fusion or no fusion.
Half loaf is better than no bread.
they say, and Clement really isn't a
very bad fellow after all. They even
hint that the anti-fusionists are
by Proctor money, while the
latter reply that Clement is furnishing
the funds to make certain the action OF
the Democrats in his favor.
Mayor j. f. Burke, who refused !
second place on the fusion ticket |
when it was offered him as the price
OF his support Tor fusion, still stands
against the movement and viii do his |
utmost to defeat it. The fusionists
will try to spike his guns by electing
him to stay at his forge that day. In
Rutland, Lawyer Moloney, who has
controlled the Democracy
there, says Rutland will send dele
CATION opposed to fusion, IRON Glenn
ent's own city.
SO the combat deepens. Interesting
times ahead. Croquet and three-old-
cat won't furnish all the excitement
this season.