Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1906-07-06

Sheriff, Richard Beattie. Maidstone.
High. Bailif, Geo. Il. Ramsay. Lem
ington.
We had occasion to say in recent
issue. that if Democracy fused with
Clementism. it would he to sacrifice
principle for doubtful but possible di-
vision of so called sroils. The Demo
cratic party in Vermont has for many
years fought its political battles single
handed and with great courage. to a
sure defeat, yet it has ever ought for
its own principles Now in 1906 it has
apparently tired OF the conflict and
joined hands with those who are con-
tending for what? Simply ClemcutiSm
and nothing more. And what is Glenn
entiSm Personal attacks upon Fletch-
er ID. Proctor; accusations against the
republican party, under whose control
has been recorded the history of YER
mont for generations; the claim that
i. W. Clement is the embodiment of all
that is best in financial acumem. legis-
lative capacity and executive force.
For some years Mr.. Clement has been
prominent before the people of the
State, notably as railroad magnate and
manipulator and banker; also as the
strong advocate of the present high
license local option liquor law. Did he
gain his great wealth 10y being the
special friend of labor, or increase his
hundreds of thousands 10y working early
and late for the interests Of the farmers,
when as a railroad owner and magnate
he carried the produce of their hard titled
acres to the markets? We can hardly
see what there is in the life of Mr..
Clement thus far which should emdear
him to the true believers of the old time
Democracy. His chief place thus far
i'll Vermont history is unique leader
against the fifty year Old prohibitory
law. But this antagonism had not its
birth in his fertile brain. The agitation
began years age, and gained force large
ly through the too radical thought and
action of the trueSt believers in the pro-
hibitory law. Changed conditions oper-
ated to force an evolution in thought
and the nayural result followed. Mr..
Proctor has declared his firm belief that
an attempt to repeal the present liquor
law would not further the cause OF
temperance, that Il further trial is not
inimical to- the highest interests of the
State. To the highest degree Mr.
Proctor believes in temperance and per-
Sonally practices that which he advo-
Gates. We greatly doubt if he main.
tains wine cellar in his Proctor home
Tor the pleasure of his guests. We dc
not believe that his private room at the
Capital during legislative sessions. on
his headquarters at biennial conventions
were supplied with liquors to he offered
to his friends. Gan as much be said OF
all other candidates for high political
honols at this time? Mr.. Pnoctor',
position on this question is not antag
on'Stlc to that which he held when 4
candidate four years ago. Very many
OF the able men of the state who at that
time were bitterly opposed to the over
throw of the prohibitory law. would to.
day oppose an attempt to reenact the
o'd law. Not because they do not still
believe that prohibition is the true polio,
but because they are convinced that, nm.
der present conditions of the trial of n
new system of legal restraint uron the
great evil, Il serious agitation toward
It's repeal would be of no help to the
cause OF temperance and prohibition.
As to all subjects of State policy.
looking to the welfare of agricultural
Industries as well as the progressive de-
Velop'nent of all kinds of manufactur-
ing within our borders, Mr.. Proctor
stands for elemental and advanced
method OF progress. No man can sur
pass him in this regard. No man among
us all possesses Il keener idea of every
condition for the veal or woe of this
Commonwealth. Alert to all possible
dangers and quick to circumvent them.
approaclahIe TO any citizen who can
suggest remedy for existing evils. and
desIrons OF magnifying the duties and
The privileges of Vermont citizenship,