The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1909-11-11
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STATE HOUSE TREASURES.

STATE HOUSE TREASURES.
The Journal prints elsewhere in
this issue list of the principal OBJ
jects of interest in and about the
State House. This is not intended
to be a complete catalogue by any
means, but is designed to include the
most interesting and valuable OBJ
jects that should be seen by visitors.
Some of our own people do not real
ize how many things of great value
are housed in the State Capitol. Many
Boston people have never visited Bun
ker Hill Monument and it is equally
true that many Montpelier people
have never examined the collections
at the State House. If the article
referred to shall arouse more inter-
est on the part of our own citizens
in these collections it will have ac-
complished useful purpose.
1t is not sufficient, however, that
the people of Montpelier become IA
miliar with the States treasures.
They should be enjoyed to far
greater extent by the people of the
whole State. During the sessions of
the Legislature many pupils in YER
mont schools come to this city to get
practical lessons i'm civil government.
This is a desirable feature, but much
more might be accomplished. Not
only are there priceless documents
and relics of great value to the stud
ent of history, but the collections of
Vermont birds and beasts, rocks, min
erals and fossils are very complete
and should be used to far greater ex-
tent than they are.
1t ought to be possible to organize
educational excursions to this city to
study these collections. They are
gathered by the State for her own
people, but few derive benefit from
them. Students in high schools and
academies, particularly, would find
great assistance in what the State has
to offer. In addition to the State
House collections of both an educa-
tional and historical nature, the paint
ings in the Wood Art Gallery furnish
examples of the best in art.
Montpelier has much to offer the
students of Vermont Many pupils
who cannot afford a trip to Wash
ington can afford one to Montpelier,
and few days spent here will give
them a better idea of Vermont his
tory, Vermont fauna and Vermont
mineral resources than they can OBJ
tain in any other way in so short a
time. Better use ought to be made
of what the State has gathered in
this city Montpelier might well tell
her Vermont neighbors what she has
to offer to her visitors.
REELECTING REPRESENTATIVE
(Poultney Journal)
Zone of the courses of our present
political system in Vermont" says
the Montpelier Journal, is the per-
nicious idea than an office, particu-
larly the office of town Representa-
tive, is thing to be passed around,
and enjoyed, rather than an oppor-
tunity TO serve the people of a mu-
nicipality." This is too true. No
town or locality deigns to return a
Representative to the Legislature no
matter how brilliant a record he may
have. 1t is the popular idea to send
popular fellow there with little
reference to his ability. He may
have been first and foremost in the
social affairs of his town, and may
have been a good mixer, but in
possession of particularly no qualifi-
cations as a legislator. Oftentimes
he may be the one who has taken lit
tie or no interest in the State affairs.
If, on the other hand, he has proven
himself worthy and well qualified, is
he returned at some subsequent ses-
sion? No. Some other popular fell
low must be honored. and so it goes.
AS the Journal continues, eve do not
take our political responsibilities Sc
riously enough. We rail at the Leg
islature for its dilatoriness and its
incapacity and we go on year after
year passing around the office OF Rep
resentative, seldom with any thought
o fthe qualifications required" If
voters would take this conservative
view of the matter, vermont's Legis-
lature would not be open to as much
ridicule as has prevailed.