Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1911-12-01
THE GOvERNORShIP.
What Various Papers are Saying
Regarding Mr.. Fletcher and
Mr.. De Boer.


Two men who would like to be the
next Governor of Vermont have made
public their desires to the voters. Their
names are familiar as both have been
freely discussed in connection with this
office for some time. Joseph A. DeBoer
of Montpelier and Allen M. Fletcher of
Cavendish. In fact Mr.. Fletcher's an
nouncement was not made until after
he had covered the State quite thorough
ly two or three times by automobile,
had engaged 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 COVER
nor but that he would not enter and I'M
seemly scramble for it.
Each man has made public some of
the things he will stand for as a candi-
date. Mr.. Fletcher in an interview in
the Burlington Free Press and Mr.. De-
Boer at mass meeting of his fellow
townsmen who propose to organize
club to promote the interests of his can
didacy. Neither man declared for any
thing inimical to the best interests of
Vermont and both for several desirable
things. Each took commendable
stand against the improper use of money
in politics and it looks as though the
State is to be saved further disgrace in
that direction during the coming cam
paign.
But there is a great difference be-
tween the two men and the political
methods they stand for. Both have had
extensive legislative experience. That
of Mr.. Fletcher has been characterized
by policy" and more or less skillful
evasion in close contests. Although his
judgment has been good on which side
of an issue was right his support of the
right has been gagged largely by its
probabilities of an easy victory. Mr..
DeBoer has always weighed his legisla-
tive problems, decided as his judgment
dictated and unequivocally declared his
position. He has not always stood with
the winning side but that did not weaken
his support for what he believed was
right. Mr.. DeBoer's record has shown
him the more persistent and courageous
advocate, therefore his declarations are
the more forcible at this time. Courage
is always admired by the public and Mr..
DeBoer's courage tempered by his skill
full judgment should be an asset in his
contest with Mr.. Fletcher.
There is wide difference in the poll
teal methods of the two men. Mr..
Fletcher clings to the old in selecting his
own political manager and conducting
an active personal canvass. Coupled
with the statement that he will not
make an improper use of money we see
nothing discreditable to Mr.. Fletcher in
adopting this plan. 1t certainly has the
attraction of being successful method
in the past when money was freely used.
1t cannot be considered discreditable for
a man worthy of the position to solicit
the support of the public. 1t does af-
ford however an opportunity to organize
a personal machine" that is much de-
cried in Vermont politics and takes a
very strong man indeed to resist the
temptations to use money to an extent
he would not care to make public or to
make personal pledges of Office or other
favors that may embarrass HIM in his
efforts to serve the peoples best inter
ests. This has been said not to create q
distrust of Mr.. Fletcher but to show the
danger of the method he has adopted.
In the matter of method MIR. DeBoer
has again shown himself the more cour-
ageous because he dares cut loose from
the old suggest new and apparently
safer method. He declares that he shall
not make campaign of personal soil
citation although he is willing to give OF
his time and labor to discuss the issues
before the public previous to the con-
vention and if nominated will do every
thing in his power to make the party
victory decisive one. He looks to the
press rather than the hired agent tC
create public sentiment and believes that
the public'judgment should be formed in
dependently of the influence of personal
solicitation. If the people want him and
will express their desire at the primary
meetings he would esteem it great
honor and become an active champion OF
the party. But he wants the people to
act for themselves so that he and future
candidates can be chosen without the
embarrassment of pledges to the poll
teal workers." who in the past have
shown themselves more skillful ir
working the candidate than anything
else.
Mr.. DeBoer adopts this method not to
free himself from the temptation OF
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