Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-06-01
The Congressional Canvass.
Mortified News.I

The Montpelier Journal recently re-
ferred to Gov. Bell and stated that his
superior acquaintance with the state
and its people" and his integrity and
large knowledge of national affairs"
would make him especially serviceable
In Congress"
The Ludlow Tribune while recogniz-
ing that Gov. Bell has had, in his official
connection with the state and national
Grange organizations, unusual oppor-
tunities for cultivating the acquaintance
of those farmers who are identified
with the Grange movement. quietly
asks ''in what practical field the Gov
ernor has gained that large knowledge Of
national affairs which pre-eminently fits
him to represent Vermont In Congress?'
The question is certainly a pertinent
one but IL is likely to remain a question
mark for a long time before 1t is saus-
factorily answered by the Governors
supporters. In fact there Is but one an
swer. Gov. Bell Is not cut out for
congressman. He is lacking in almost
every essential to insure an efficient ma
tional legislator That's the truth of it.
BY the way the News notes that its
good neighbor at the Capital, the Jour
nal has n little soul narrowing trouble.
1t says
"a recent issue of the Northfeld News.
refers to Gov. Bells particularly good
political worker. who performed valu-
torial contest and who was rewarded
with a very good thing at the time when
he needed a little feed at the public
crib and adds that this worker with
his wide acquaintance and particular
adaptabillty to practical politics, will
take good care of the interests of his
chief
The Journal calls this deplorable in
sinuation and wants. or thinks 1t wants,
further particulars. Almost everyone un-
derstood who was referred to in the
News paragraph, but for the especial
benefit of its Montpelier friend, it does
not mind saying that the person 1t had
in mind was State Superintendent of
Education Mason S. Stone.
II the general report of his political
missionary work in behalf of Gov. Bells
| candidacy is true, and the News believes
| it is, the former remarks of this paper
are warranted. Incidentally II is hoped
| that the Journal will now have no fur
| ther worry in this matter about de
| plorable insinuation."
Mr. Stone though modest. will hardly
| deny the allegation that he performed
valuable political service in Governor
| Bells successful canvass for the high
| office he now holds. Neither will he
! probably regard it as a very "deplorable
! insinuation" to be charged with helping
| his political friend in his present great
! time of need. Furthermore the News
has never learned that Mr.. Stone has
| ever worried very much over having at
tained the reputation of being most
\ excellent politician.
All of which leads the News to repeat,
that Gov. Bell is trying to Offset the
| strong newspaper opposition to his can
didacy for Congress by plenty of quiet
work-the kind of a performance that is
sometimes designated as "a still hunt
! by the wicked.
If the success of Col Hasknss candi-
| dacy for denomination Is in any danger
! II Is from the over confidence of his
friends and the quiet. unceasing work
over the district of Gov. Bell and his
| lieutenants.