St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1911-08-23
!. The Governorship.

1t would be a very comfortable
situation for Hon. Allen NJ Fetch
er if he could secure the object of
his ambition-the nomination for
the ernorship-without active
OPPOSITION from any other candidate.
1t would be greater honor than
has been laid at the feet of any
Vermont man for many years, if
ever. Mr.. Fletcher's friends are in
clined to think that this is just what
is going to be done. Mr.. Fletcher
has been about the state consider
ably and has had conference with
prominent men from all sections.
At least one newspaper, which strong
Iy favors the Cavendish man, has
said that Mr. Fletcher is as good
as nominated.
If this announcement was made
with Mr.. Fletcher's approval it is an
indication of poor political judg-
ment. In all probability, however,
it was simply the unauthorized ex-
preston of the candidates over en-
thusiastic friends, something that
always has to be looked out for, in
situation such as exists just now.
The bright outlook of many can
didate has been clouded by enthu-
siasm and confidence expressed too
soon and nine times out of ten, the
candidate himself is in no way to
blame for it.
The Cavendish candidate is too
well versed in politics, he has been
in the game too long, to be led into
the belief that he can secure so
coveted prize as the gubernator-
The friends of Lieut-Governor Slack
are not making much noise, but no.
body who sees at all below the sur
face of things, has any idea that the
st. Johnsbury man is going to let go
of his manifest advantage without
something or a struggle. He
wouldn't be human if he did. The
rule of promotion may not be so
firmly liked that it is iron clad, but
| it has operated enough times to Of
fer excellent excuse to any lieuten-
ant-goVernor to invoke it in his be-
! half.
| When the present lieutenant-gov-
ernor was put upon the ticket as a
running mate of DR.. Mead, his
friends had his availability as a
well in mind. He has not lost in
strength in the interval that has
elapsed. He is a strong man. He
has made good in his official position
and the strong following behind him
claim, not without reason, that he is
excellent gubernatorial timber.
They will fight hard for the promo
ton rule to hold once more.
Up to the present Montpelier
candidate has been too Indifferent
to make much impression, but there
is undoubtedly considerable senti-
ment in favor of Mr.. De Boer among
those who know him we'll. If he
should get out and go after the
nomination as if he really wanted
it there would be a great shake-up
in affairs.
There is indication apparent, in
some quarters, of desire to keep
matters quiet on the ground that it
is too early to discuss candidates
and principles. This will not have
much weight, because the average
voter desires to have such things
/ discussed fully and freely. 1t is
the only way they can learn about
the men whom they are--asked to
/ support. The time they want such
information is before the delegates
1 are elected so that they may exert
an intelligent effort to secure the
right man. Open and early discus
sion can operate only against the
candidate who desires to tie up
everything before the people wake
up to what is going on Burling-
ton Clipper.
Take Tariff Out of Politics.
I