The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-09-11
FRANK E. HOWE, Editor and Pub.
BENNINGTON, VT, SEPT. II, 1871
TIE STARE CONVENTION


whom the Republicans of Vermont
have nominated for governor is a
man Of high character, who has done
so much for the state in the matter
Of highways, that there was sincere
demand that he be made governor in
the belief not only that his services
have been so great that he deserved
the honor, but that his administrative
capacity developed in the road depart
ment will make him an executive
strcng in all departments.
Tile circumstances of his nomina-
ton were unusual. He was not can
didate in the usual acceptance OF the
term, but he could not fail 10 be
pleased by tile strong demand That
he take the nomination ana as the
time drew near this feeling grew up
on him, as il would on any patriotic
man.
In the meantime, however, he had
made two promises. Every one OF
| the other candidates had offered TO
withdraw and support him. blu lie de
| clared that he would not allow his
name to go before the convention.
His other promise was to the Dllling-
ham organizations After much nrg
ing he had told this organization that
II he was nominated he would not de.
cline
The Dillingham; camp had looked
the state over and decided that Mr..
Gates was the strongest man 10 head
the state ticket and would do most
toward pulling Senator Dillingham;
through. They were sincere in this
belief and had an undoubted right 10
try to get the aid OF Mr.. Gates. They
did not take any chances. When the
delegates assembled at Montpelier
they found more men. not delegates
working for Mr.. Gates than for all
the other candidates combined. This
Organization backing up the very gen
eral demand that Mr., Gates run nfade
a combination that was irresistible.
The other candidates and tneil
friends had been repeatedly told by
the Dillingham; Organization that the
Dillingham; machine would not take
any part in the governorship can
yass. When they found this p-omiss
broken the friends OF the othef candi
dates were naturally disturbed and
demanded an explanation which de
inand was ignored by the Dillingham;
camp.
Mr. Gates was appealed to, but his
hands were tied by his two promises
He had no part in or responsibility
for the work Of many OF the men who
were canvassing in his behalf In
fact IL was impossible. always. to dis
tngnish between the men who wer,
enthusiastically and mselhisni,
working for Mr.. Gates because OF
their love and admiration for him
and those who were chiefly anxious
to help Senator Dillingham;.
Mr.. Gates is modest. unassumins
and rather difIldent man He is not
Gchooled in political craft and didn
know what to do. Therefore he did
nothing. Neither can the supporters
OF Senator Dillingham; be blamed foi
wanting MIR. Gates as long as they
considered him the strongest candi
date and the one best fitted 10 hell
Senator Dillingham;.
The offence was in misleading the
other candidates who had been ready
to give Mr.. Gates a clea- field and
had told him so repeatedly. The
blame FOR this act lies not on Mr.
Gates, who is novice in dealing
with n political canvass, but on The
Dillingham; organization which de-
Elected from the straightforward patti
when IL would have been better iude
ment and better politics to have fol
| lowed IT,
The conviction OF The Banner and
its edito. is that the convention
obeyed the wishes Of the largest body
OF Republican voters OF Vermont in
nominating Mr.. Gates The demand
for him came from all parts OF On,
state and was sincere. open and
above board. lie is hue man oil
high Christian character and at least
one Of the other candidates hafbors
} NO; the slightest feeling OF disappoint