The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-01-29
Men More Than PrInclples.

Changes in methods and ideals of
the public are Of slow growth, espe-
cially in political way. The press
of the state has quite generally been
advocating care in the choice of town
representatives and senator's. IL has
been pointed out that they and not
the governor are the makers of state
laws and should declare themselves
on the live issues of the day. We
can never be sure OF political re-
forms unless we are sure that a ma
jority of the members of both houses
are pledged to support them. The
desirability OF these things is self
evident. Vermont can never have a
broad and progressive state policy
until 1t sends to the state legislature
men capable of promulgating such a
policy
Everyone will agree with this but
the practice of selecting men for the
legislature on their merits and cap
ability seems remote. In Caledonia
county the canvass for senators and
representatives has been under way
for several months, but no one hears
any discussion concerning the prin-
ciples for which the various candi
dates stand. The primary election
law promises to be an important is
sue but no one asks How does he
stand on this question" The same is
true OF taxation, criminal law and sew
eral other matters The discussionall
centers on the man. Didn't he
promise not to ask for further politi-
cal recognition when he was elected
representative ?" "He was turned
down once by the people OF his own
town" well don't like him and
never did" "He can wait until next
time" are the remarks heard when
different names are mentioned. These
all show that the man counts for
more than general issues in political
contests.
While we hope to see some politi-
cal issues so decisively settled by
the people that they will send men
to the legislature who will enact the
desired laws the prominence Of the
characteristics OF the man in politi-
cal contests Is not wholly bad. The
difficulty In having the people de-
clare their will on all political Issues
is to thoroughly inform them con.
corning these issues. Only few OF
the political or legislative questions
are well enough understood to be in
telligently settled by the mass Of vo-
tiers. II is much safer to leave the
decision OF these questions to men
possessed OF sufficient intelligence
and honesty and the confidence OF
the voters. The discussion OF these
questions in legislative halls often
brings out facts not known by the
public that control the decision OF
every man OF integrity and so long
as he is able to exercise his judg
ment on the information at his com
mand better results will be obtained
than could be secured II he was
bound by previous public mandates
But with all the virtues OF the prac
tice OF deciding between men In oul
political contests there is opportunity
for Improvement. The mans fitness
for legislative service should count
for more than his turn" Every
town cannot possess broad and pro
gressive state policy but It can ant
should send men to the Legislature
who are capable OF comprehendint
working for such a policy. The fac
man has had "his turn" should no
bar him from rendering his town arft
state further service II he has proven
himself the best fitted to render suci
service. II the voters In the various
towns would adopt this practice the
state can continue to give the mar
the prominence confident that it'
principles will be safe and sound
st. Johnsbury Caledonlan.