Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1907-10-24
VERMONT FOR TAFT7

The Chicago Tribune's "pOll OF YER
mont shows Taft somewhat in the lead,
with Hughes a rather close second.
This canvass was made by mail, letters
being addressed to state officials, editors
and others likely to be especially interest
ed in the situation. Without doubt 1t
was fairly conducted, and as far as it
went was indicative of the preferences OF
those who replied-possibly worth some
thing as showing the then sentiment in
this state. But all this took place before
Hughes had made his bow to the several
hundred Vermonters who journeyed TO
Bluff Point soon afterward, which en-
HANGED the New York governors strength
in this state materially.
We suppose many who answered the
Tribune's canvass did as we did, put
down Taft for first choice and Hughes
second, with little reflection about the
matter, choosing Taft on the ground Of
his wider public service and close connec-
ton with the Roosevelt policies. Prob
ably now many would do as we would,
reverse the order, being satisfied, from
what we have since seen and heard and
thought, that Hughes is good enough
and possesses elements OF strength as a
candidate and as a prospective executive
that Taft lacks. Possibly six months
hence there may Re another change in
opinion, due to further developments or
altered conditions, or maturer cOnsidera-
ton. The fact il. that a postal card poll.
taken after the Trlbune's way, so long in
advance. and covering so small fraction
OF the voters, and they in a shifting state
Of mind, is quite unreliable a sign Of
what a state will ultimately do.
In this connection it is worth while to
note " hat Governor Hughes says concern
ing his attitude toward office seeking. In
a speech last week he said
ITO avoid any possibility OF misappre-
hension regarding my own course. I may
say this further word: l do not seek any
public office. The majority of People
oubtless think that the distinction and
power of office are an irresistible attrac-
ton. To me public Office means a bur
den of responsibilities burden of inces-
SAINT toll. at times almost intolerable.
which under honorable conditions ana at
the command of the people, il NAV he
duty and even a pleasure to assume, but
is far from being an object of ambi-
ton. | have no thought. nor shall
seek, directly or indirectly, to influence
the selection or the vote of any delegate
to any convention. and with reference to
the action of any delegate to any conyen-
ton there will he no suggestion or
thought Of influence, protest or reprisal
in the executive chamher.
at has been said that | regard political
activity as a disqualification for public
office. Political activity, by virtue OF the
experience and knowledge of affairs
gained in i so far from being a diseuali-
ficatiCn, may lie most important qualif-
cation for office. But / want that political
activity to be of such a character a. to
leave a man free and independent in the
dignity of his manhood to perform the
duties Of office. if appointed. unemhar-
assed by improper influences and un-
affected by accumulated obligations"
1t will take strong popular call, alto
gether unworEed, to draw Hughes into
the field. In the face of the active can
vass being worked by Taft and his sup
,porters. considering how such things go
nowadays, it is doubtful if Hughes, hold
ing this attitude, can win. But the posi-
ton, like every one he takes, does him
credit and stamps him as a man with cor
rect ideals, from which he will not stray.
even to pick up the presidency. How
many such are there?
Ladies' hair work. Mrs. II. H. Bean.
I Chestnut ST., Medford, Mass.
Others Wiling to Step Aside.