The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1907-10-28
Vermont for Tsft7

The Chicago Tribune's spoil OF Yer.
mont" shows Taft somewhat in the lead,
with Hughes a rather close second. This
canvass was made by mail, letters be.
ing addressed to state officials, editors
and others likely to be especially inter.
estsd in the situation. Without doubt
II was fairly conducted, and as far as
il went was indicative OF the preferences
Of those who replied--possibly worth
something as showing the then senti.
ment in this state. But all this took
place before Hughes had made his b0w
to the several hundred Vermonters who
iourpeyed TO Bluff Point soon afterward,
which enhanced the New York Cover.
nors strength in this state materially.
We suppose many who answered the
Trlbune's canvass did as we did. put
down Taft for first choice aud Hughes
for second, with little reflection about
the matter, choosing Taft on the ground
OF his wider public service and close con
nection with the Roosevelt policies.
Probably now many would do as wa
would, reverse the order, being satisfied,
AtRb8 WAAt VIZ nave NllALE HEtIt NffU uN1FU
and thought, that Hughes is good enough
and possesses elements OF strength as d
candidate and as prospective executive
that Taft lacks. Possibly six months
hence there may be another change in
opinion, due to further Developments Or
altered conditions, or maturer considera-
ton The fact Is, that postal card poll,
taken after the Tribunes way, 40 long
in advance, and covering 50 small frac-
taon OF the voters, and they in 4 shifting
state of mind, is quite unreliable as q
sign OF what state will ultimately do
In this connection ii is worth while to
note what Governor Hughes says con
corning his attitude toward Office seek
ing. In a speech last week lie said
10 avoid any possibility Of misRp-
prehcnsion regarding my own course,
may say this further word; / do not
seek any public office. The majority Of
people doubtless think that the distine.
tion and power OF Office are an irresisti-
BILE attraction. TO me public Office means
a burden of responsibility burden Of
incessant toll az times almost intoler.
able, which under honorable conditions
and at the command Of the people, IL !
may be q duty and even pleasure To
assume, bnt is far from being an object
Of ambition. | have no thought nor
SHAH 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 del. \
egate 60 any convention there viii be
no suggestion or thought OF influence,
protest OF reprisal in the executive cham
Der
1T has been said that / regard politi. |
cal activity as a disqualification for pub.
lie Office Political activity, BY virtue !
al the experience and knowledge 81 IL !
fairs gained in It, SO far from being
disqualification. may be most impnr-
tant qualification for Office. But ! want |
that political activity to be Of such
character as to leave man free and III
dependent in the dignity OF his Office
ii appointed, unembarrassed By lmprop- |
or influences and unaffected BIZ aeeumu- |
lated obligations
II win take strong popular call. alto !
gether unworlea. to draw Hughes into
the field. In the face Of the artive can
Yass being worksd BY TAFT and his sup
poYters. consiaering hcw such things q I
nowadays, il is doubtful Ii Hughes. hold.
ing this attitude. can win But the posi-. |
ton. like everyone he takes, does him
credit and stamps him as man With /
correct ideals, from which he viii moi
stray, even to pick up the presidency.
How many such are there - Randolph 4
Herald