Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-10
THE GOVERNoRsHIP.

Mead Fleetwood, Hapgood. Batchelder.
which?
The question OF preference on the
governorship question will confront each
Republican Of Vermont next Tuesday.
The nominee Of the state convention is
sure to be elected and the time therefore
when the individual voter can make his
ballot really count for or against any
man is in the primary.
The Phoenix has supported no candi-
date UP to this time. Or. Mead was first
in the field. His record as a solid sub
stantial citizen. who won his way under
adverse circumstances has already been
reviewed He was a soldier in the Civil
war. by his own efforts he secured a
medical education and practiced his pro-
fesslon successfully. and turning aside
from that profession he became a cap
tain Of industry and a man Of great
wealth. His forte is business. and like
many othSr business men he does not
shine with particular brlliance in public
life. There Is nothing In his record as a
legislator that shows that he has the
grasp OF governmental affairs essential
to constructive craftsmanship. His name
Is not associated with any particular
form which called FOR initiative or leader
ship. As a presiding officer in the last
state senate he did not distinguish him
self. lie has not gained In public esti-
nation by the course OF events in this
campaign. He has PLAYED the game in
the old way Of other rich men, with hired
workers to boom his candidacy. and alone
among the avowed candidates he has re-
fused fatty 10 make public a statement Of
campaign expenses. Whatever else the
campaign brings We hope DR.. Mead will
| be rebuked
We have no wish TO behttle Frederick
G. Fleetwood. For him personally We
have only the kindliest feeling The
fact that he is very strongly supported
in his home county where people know
him best Is a fine endorsement. Mr
| Fleetwood. according 10 our judgment
does not measure up to the calibre which
Vermont has demanded OF the chief ex-
| ecutives in the past. As secretary Of
| state he was subjected to some criticism.
| particularly in his work in the insurance
department, and he did not display that
zeal and efficiency which characterizes
| the present secretary Of state. Mr. Bal
| ley. Mr.. Fleetwood has already been
| handsomely recognized considering his
/ ability and we see no reason for promot-
/ iug him.
| Marshall J. Hapgood is a good citizen
| and man OF pronounced personality.
/ He insists that he is in the race for the
| good Of the cause" rather than from
| personal ambition. He is strongly op-
! posed 10 the use OF money in elections,
calls for the Australian ballot in the
state convention and does his own think
! ing on questions generally. Mr.. Hapgood
gained the title of the great objector in
! the state legislature and his weakness as
a candidate lies in the fact that the great
mass Of voters will not take his candi-
| dacy seriously. no matter how earnest
Mr.. Hapgood himself may be.
]. X Batchelder is not our ideal of a
candidate for the governorship by along
way He has. however. had wide expert
ence in public affairs. is conversant with
the state needs and the methods under
which the state business is handled
He could. moreover represent the
state credltably in the public and
mi-public functions in which a govern.
nor is often called upon TO appear. OF
the four candidates, our preference is fol
Batchelder, but We confess we are not
wildly enthusiastic in his support.
We hope the windham county towns
will elect unpledged delegates, that the!
viii send to Montpelier June 80 repre-
sentative men OF all walks OF life. un
hampered by instructions. Such mel
would be powerful factors in the conven
tion, and they might have an inhuenc,
in turning the tide to some man not nov
a candidate, who would be more accept
able TO the people at large than any of tn,
four men now in the running.