The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1909-12-09
State Election In November.

IL seems 10 be the prevailing opin'
ion that the fewer items recommended
b. the next legislature by the counts
sion appointed by Governor Prouty to
consider changes in the constitution
the better The chance of getting those
items adopted. This, in degree al,
least. is probably true, bu, there are
several changes ia the constitution on
which the state press is practically I'M
tied. and which, after full discussion
aud explanation, are likely 10 appeal TO
every thoughtful Vermonter.
One OF the most important constitn.
tional changes discussed in this con
neetion is that of changing the state
election from September 10 November
and converting the legislature in Jan
nary.
The September election. held every
two years, constitutes, IN presidential
years. a positive menace to state pro-
gress aud state problems. 1t throws
vcimoni's election into the national
eye as political barometer, with the
inevitable result that the state is buried
IN national politics aud the home pro
blems. which comprise those matters
which mos, intimately concern us, are
absolutely lost sight OF.
This Is not only unfortunate but il
creates false political value, with the
result that every effort of the state
party committees is directed, not 10 n
legitimate discussion Of vital and inn
poriani issues. but 10 al artificial crea-
ton Of infa ed najurities for the pui
pose OF giving what is often an
artificial estimate Of the party strength
of the state.
Tine. money and political strength
are thus wasted in the struggle that
does lho state no good whatever, that
sets her home problems back two years
aud Is, 10 the end, a positive damage.
Two elections are twice As costly as
one. Two elections break in upon bus
mess twice rs much as one The Nov
rmbcr election. 10 legislative years,
makes just one more opportunity for
40 annoying recess, Last year il pre-
o,pllaled frs, class nabt on whether
The legislature should adjourn. with
resulting bitterness Of feeling that may
have been uncalled for. but which wa,
some small factor IN the hBal dls,rusI
and decentralization tina, marked the
catastrophe Of 1905.
Hold both elections III November and
The result will be better concentra-
lion Of the public mind on stats issues.
with an added saving in The cost.
Following this proposition. naturally,
comes later eonseung 81 The legisla
,aFe. The closing weeks Of the autumn
are 20 longer sufficient for the trans.
action o. legislative business. Thanks
giving Adjournment j. a thing Of the
past. Christmas itself II likely 10 be-
proven impossible Cor tlnnl dissolution.
Interruption 81 the session IL the order
81 The season. Social aud holiday al
fractions arr At their height aud the
distractions u business are increasing,
iy strong a. the rev year approaches
Convene The legislature IN Janasry
aud there soald be Two solid. uninief
rnplei months 81 work. with the Al
rnosi certain iinsi disposition II ever,
vital question before the legislature be
fore The March meetings.
The tso propositions should certain
~ have The attention Of The next legls
lsiafe. hesher the commission recon.
nends then or no,. Ratland Herald.