The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1908-05-29
The Governorship.

Mr.. Editor:
In reading the various articles appear
ing in the press for and against the can
didates for the gubernatonal nomination,
| noticed in particular an euloginm upon
the Hon. led :. Stanton, written by
Ex-Governor Barstow, which has been
published in the state papers under date
of NAV II, 1905. No one denies to ex-
governors the same inalienable rights that
are accorded to other people III the ex-
ercise of their respective political func-
tions, by publishing their opinions OF
the merits of any particular candidate Tor
the high office of governor Neither would
the writer attempt in the slightest de-
gree to detract from the high standing,
character, ability and public worth OF
led. S. Stanton. The ex-governor In re-
ferring to Mr.. Stanton uses the following
language in part, in 1900 bill intend
ed to provide in some measure against
unequal taxation, and to increase corpora
ton taxes, was passed by the house but
was defeated by the senate under the
leadership of Mr. Clement. Mr.. Stan
ton was a senator and did his
utmost by voice and vote to secure the
passage of the bill" He also says that
in 1906 when Mr.. Clement was candl-
date for governor the Free Press and 9th
er papers exhorted the people not to vote
for Mr.. Clement because he defeated
that particular bill.
While | do not quite see where ME-
Stanton comes in regarding the canvass
against Mr.. Clement for governor IN
1905. his action on the bill in question
was surely commendable. But to claim
that he performed such invaluable ser
vice to his state he should be entitled to
be elected governor on that account Is
simply without weight. Many senator
has done his utmost" to promote honest
legislation for the benefit of the. people,
as well as to onDose the passage OF vicious
measures and has been defeated, as Sen.
ator Stanton was. The woods are full OF
that sort of legislators. But when eft
fective work and real merit are consld-
cred, the Hon. George II. Prouty, as SEN
ator and president protempore OF the SEN
ate of 1904, and as lieutenant-goyernor
and the president of the senate of 1905,
claim his record will stand second to
none in the substantial results accom-
plished. An excellent presiding officer,
highly proficient in parliamentary Jurls-
prudence, able, honest, fearless, unassum,
ing, affable, winning the admiration and
respect of all.
Early in the session he identified him
self with the measures which were IN
the interest of the people, notably the
railroad commission and grade crossing
bills, the weekly payment law. and the
various acts regulating and fixing the
taxation of corporations. By reason Of
his firm and pronounced stand in favor OF
these various acts they were assured OF
passage, and thereby the legislature of
1905 enacted more genuine reform laws
than any other Legislature, OF the genera
ton. As governor he will act in the in
terest of the people, and will see to it
that the reform legislation inaugurated
during the administration of Governor
Proctor is carried on. For that reason it
is perfectly evident why the railroads and
other corporations are opposing his can
didacy.
He stands for the new Vermont, the
upbuilding and advancement OF every
available industry and the conserving OF
the future welfare of our beautiful Green
Mountain state, and if nominated and
elected, will serve with great honor to
the state as well as credit to himself.
Brigham 7. Phelps.
Westminster, Vt, May %, 1908.
adv.