The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1911-11-27
FAvoRs MR.. DeeoER
pinlons Of Various Papers Regard
ing Mr.. Fletcher and MIR DeBoer

ing Mr.. Fletcher and MIR DeBoer
Two men who would like to be the
ext governor of Vermont have made
ublic their desires TO the voters.
heir names are familiar as both
ave been freely discussed in connec
ion with this Office for some time.
oseph A. DeBoer of Montpelier and
Allen NJ. Fletcher of Cayendish. In
act Mr.. Fletchers announcement
was not made until after he had Gov
C-ed the state quite thoroughly two
r three times by automobile, had en-
aged campaign manager and made
his name public. Mr.. DeBoer at
even an earlier date had announced
through the Barre Times that he
would be willing to serve the state
as governor but that he" would not
inter- and unseemly scramble for it.
Each man has made public some of
he things he will stand for as can
dldate, Mr.. Fletcher in an interview
n the Burlington Free Press and Mr.
DeBoer at mass meeting of his fell
ow townsmen who propose to organ
re a club to promote the interests
I his candidacy, Neither man de.
Jared for anything inimicai to the
best interests Of Vermont and both
br several desirable things. Each
ook a commendable stand against
he imp<per use of money in politics
nd 1t looks as though the state is
be saved further disgrace in that
ERECTION during the coming cam
align.
But there is a great difference be-
ween the two men and the political
lethods they stand for. Both have
ad extensive legislative experience.
hat of Mr.. Fletcher has been char
acterized by policy and more or
ess skillful evasion in close contests.
Although his judgment has been good
which side of an issue was right
/ is support OF the right has been
auged largely by its probabilities OF
easy victory. Mr.. DeBoer has al
,ays weighed his legislative prob
ems, decided as his judgment dictat-
d and unequivocally declared his
osition He has not always stood
With the winning side but that did
rot weaken his support for what he
/ elieved was right Mr. DeBoer's
ecord has shown him the more per-
sistent and courageous advocate,
therefore, his declarations are the
ldre forcible at this time. Courage
: always admired by the public and
ir. DeBoer's courage tempered by
is skillful judgment should be an
asset in his contest with Mr.. Flet.
cher.
There is a wide difference in the
political methods of the two men, Mr.
Fletcher clings to the old in select
ing his own political manager and
onducting an active personal can.
ass Coupled with the statement
that he will not make an improper
use of money we see nothing discred-
liable TO Mr. Fletcher in adopting this
plan. II certainly has the attraction
of being a successful method in the
past when money was freely used. II
cannot be considered discreditable
for a man worthy OF the position tC
solicit the support OF the public. II
does AFFORD however an opportunity
to organize a personal machine
that Is much decried in Vermont pol
; itics and takes a very strong man In
I deed to resist the temptations to us,
j. money to an extent he would no
$ care TO make public or to make per
e sonal pledges OF office or other fav
n ors that may embarrass him in hi
T efforts TO serve the peoples best in
$ terests. This has been said not I,
create a distrust OF Mr.. Fletcher bu
l. to show the danger Of the method h,
4 has adopted.
!, In the matter of method Mr.. DeBo
n er has again shown himself the NOR
o courageous because he dares Gu
n loose from the old, suggest a new an,
l. apparently safer method. He declare
g that he shall not make a campaign O
e personal solicitation although he /
4 willing TO give of his time and labo
e to discuss thes issues before the pull
E. lie previous TO the convention and
n nominated will do everything in hi
Is power to make the party victory