The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1907-05-10
WANTED: A CANDIDATE WITH A
PLATFORM.

The discussion of gubernatorlal pos
sibilities for 1905 goes on steadily IN
spite of the talk about its being too
early. Various state papers are devot'
ing considerable space to arguments
about the non-promotion rule, "smok'
ing ont - candidates and other political
subjects. Up to date, however, the talk
has been almost wholly about men to
the neglect of the equally important
question of platforms. The Rutland
Herald calls attention to this fact in the
following editorial which is well worth
consideration:
Political matters have progressed
sufficiently so that the Herald feels
like asking questions about the next
political campaign. =.
The state has one pronounced candl'
date, Zed S. Stanton of Roxbury, whose
friends are frank enough to say they
should like to see him nominated.
They don't say why. Presumably the
mere desire to hold ONCE forms sutli-
cient excuse.
People know of nothing against Mr.
Stanton. Indeed, it is a matter of com
mon and public knowledge that he is
man of superior personal character
with considerable experience in the ser
vice of the town. county and common
wealth, probably well fitted to become
a chief executive. But what does Mr..
Stanton stand for? Has she some help
full program of reform in view! Are
there any abuses in the state that need
correcting! Is he stand patter on
taxation? Does he favor change IN
any provision of the local option law!
The Herald believes that the time
has passed when the mere desire to be
governor will suffice for aspirants to
that position. 1t would be pleased to
learn from Mr.. Stanton what he stands
for
Presumably Lieut.-Go George Ii.
Proutv is a candidate for promotion
He has an issue, such as it is-the de-
struction of the non-promOtion rule.
This, however, has never risen to the
dignity of a State abuse. 1t has not,
as far as we know, deprived Vermont
of a governor. Under the 'good old
svstem.'' the east side, for instance,
was pacifed by governor, the west
side, by a lieutenant governor, Thus
was party harmony preserved and thus
were the loaves and fishes properly par
celled out.
Mr.. Prouty, too so we are informed,
has duty to perform, should he be-
come governor. He c0nceives 1t his
duty to "carry out the policies OF the
admins if we may believe his
friends. Inasmuch as practically every
recommendation in the governor RS mes
sage was carried out by the Legislature
of 1906. what more can the administra-
ton hope to accomplish through Mr.
Prouty?
when candidate s principal pa tor
support comes from his supposed loyal
tv to another mans policy? Inc her
aid would like to learn from MI
Proutv whether he has not in view some
definite and individual policy; whether
he has something to offer vermont OIL
patriotic service; whether he desires, Ill
Short, to be something more than an
echo. A.,
As to Allen M. Fletcher Oh CdNenulon'
the dispatches report that the condition
of his health makes it doubtful II he
becomes a candidate. This is in meas
ure unfortunate, as Mr. Fletcher has
something to say on public questions.
We can hardly conceive Of his asking
the consideration of the state on
platform of cit S my turn. We should
not expect him to travel up and down
the state on a whispering campaign.
IF he decides or becomes able to be
a candidate, the Herald urges him to
stand for something, to take the public
into his confidence and avoid the meth
DDS that have made Vermont politics
matter of barnyard canvassing and
fixed caucuses, while public questions
went unregarded.
Frankly the Herald believes that a
resourceful man, with ideas on state |,
government and the courage to express
them might enter the canvass at any
moment and secure a following unpar-
alleled in Vermont. The state has had
enough of candidates that stand for
self alone and candidates. that mean
nothing.
The time is ripe for a general break
ing away.
Peace was paramount in Tuesdays
village meeting and the predicted pro-