St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1907-10-09
Delegate to National Convention.


1t is only few months to the tin
when Vermont republicans meet
choose delegates to the national CONVEX
ton which promises to be the most e.
citing as we'll as the most important
the history of the party. Vermont
entitled to eight delegates, four bein
chosen at large at a convention to b
held next April and two chosen at eac
of the district conventions, representa-,
the first and second congressional dis
tricts.
Vermont republicans have been forum
ate in their representation in pas
national conventions. The delegations
from this state since the organization o
the party have been composed of hel
leading and most influential citizens
The Craftsmanship of the delegation has
always been filed by Vermont's most
distinguished men. The state has con-
sequently occupied vantage ground in
national conventions of the republican
party and welded an influence in their
deliberations greatly disproportionate to
the numerical strength of the delegation.
In several conventions Vermont has been
potential in the selection of a presidential
candidate, notably in 1880, 1883 and
1896.
The names of Hiland Hall, Peter T.
Washburne Solomon Foot, Trenor w.
Park, ]. Gregory Smith, Luke P. Poland,
Redfeld Proctor, II. Henry Powers,
John G. Mccullough and William P.
Dillingham; make up list of eminent
Vermonters and distinguished party
leaders who have been at the head of
delegations from this state to national
conventions.
For many years it has been the rule OF
the state convention to select one or
more delegates who had served
as a member of the delegation in previ-
Gus national conventions. This has
been especially the case as regards the
reelection of the chairman of the delega-
ton. This policy of having an old men,
Der on delegation has proven wise
one by experience
Illustrations of this policy of re-elect-
ing once or twice tried and sagacious
party leaders as delegates, and in nearly
every case as chairman of the delegation,
are furnished from the records of the
state conventions during the past third
of a century.
1t appears that J.. Gregory Smith was
chairman of the Vermont delegation
three times-in 1872, 1880 and 1884.
Redheld Proctor was delegate three
times, in 1884, 1888 and 1896 and chair
man of the delegation in 1888 and 1896.
John G. Mccullough was three times a
delegate from this state to republican
national conventions and served as
chairman of the delegation in 1900.
Frederick Billings was a delegate in
1880 and 1884. In 1904 Mr.. Dillingham;
was tor the first time delegate from
this state and the chairman of the dele
cation.
In view of the precedent established by
previous state conventions in re-electing
the former chairman of the delegation. it
would seem eminently proper to again
elect Senator Dillingham; frsh delegate
at-large to the 1908 convention. Could
a better selection be made? Our Junior
senator is commanding national figure;
man that stands high in the councils
OF the republican party; safe leader and
a sagaclous statesman. No one knows
whom he favors for the presidential nom
ination, but every Vermonter knows that
Senator Dillingham; can be trusted to
faithfully represent the republicans of the
Green Mountain state and to serve them
to the best of his ability. Therefore the
CALEDoN1AN takes pleasure in presenting
to the favorable consideration of the re-
publicans of Vermont the name of Hon.
William P. Dillingham; as their first dele
gate-at-large to the coming national con
Tention.