The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1908-06-15
DENIES STANTON CLAIM
Letter From Hon. Brigham T, Phelps
Of Westminster.


Editor Of the Banner:-- reading
the various articles appearing In the
press for and against the candidates
for the gubernatorial nomination,
noticed in particular an eulogium up
on the Hon. Zed. s. Stanton, written
by ex-Gov. Barstow, which has been
published In the state papers under
date OF May 18th, 1908.
No one denies tn ex-Governors the
same inalienable rights that are ac-
corded to other people In the exercise
of their respective political functions,
by publishing their opinion OF the
merits Of any particular candidate for
the high Office Of governor.
Neither would the writer attempt
In the slightest degree to detract from
the high standing, character, ability
and public worth Of Zed. s. Stanton.
The Ex-Governor In referring to Mr..
Stanton uses the following language
In part, TN 1900 a bill intended to pro-
taxation, and to increase corporation
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 pas
sage OF the BILL"
He also says that In 1906 when Mr..
Clement was candidate for Cover
nor the Free Press and other papers
Iexhorted the people not to vote for
Mr.. Clement because he defeated that
particular bill.
While do not quite see where Mr..
Stanton COMES In regarding the can
vass against Mr.. Clement for Cover
nor In 1906, his action on the bill In
question was surly commendable. But
to claim that he performed such in
valuable service to his state he should
be entitled to be elected Governor on
that account Is simply without weight.
Many senator has done his tut.
most" to promote honest legislation
for the benefit Of the people, as well
as to oppose the passage OF vicious
measures and were defeated, as Sen.
ator Stanton was. The woods are
full of that sort OF legislators. But
when effective work and merit are
considered, the Hon. George H. Prou
lty, as Senator and President protein
pore Of the senate OF 1904, and as
Lieut. Gov. and the President of the
Senate of 1906, claim his record will
stand second to none In the substant
ial results accomplished.
An excellent presiding officer. high
| ly proficient in parliamentary jurisprud
ence, able, honest, fearless, unassum
ing affable, winning the admiration
and respect OF all.
| Early In the session he identified
himself 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 corpora
tons. BY reason Of his firm and pro
nounced stand in favor Of these vari
GUS acts, they were assured OF pas
sage, and thereby the Legislature OF
1906 enacted more genuine reform
laws than any other legislature Of the
generation. AS governor he will act
In the interest OF all the people, and
will see to 1t that the reform legisla.
ton inaugurated during the admins
tration of Gov. Proctor is carried on
For that reason 1t is perfectly evident
why the railroads and other corpora
tons are opposing his candidacy.
He stands for the New Vermont
the upbuilding and advancement OF
every available industry and the con
serving of the future welfare of oul
beautiful Green Mountain State, ant
II nominated and elected, will serve
with great honor to the state as wei
as credit to himself.
Brigham, T. Phelps,
Westminster, VT, May 25th, 1908.