St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1914-08-12

gained by way of efficiency in the adj
miniStration of state business.
Meanwhile careful thought should
be given to increasing the efficiency
of the Legislature and shortening the
length of its sessions by the election
of experienced members to both
houses and the subsequent adoption
of accepted rules of procedure which
tend to dispatch business promptly
and eliminate non-essential meas
ures. Less legislation, instead of
more, would be a profitable rule for
the incoming Legislature.
The matter of first Importance to
Vermont is the moral and physical
welfare of her sons and daughters
who live within her borders. We
should have such a reorganization
of our school system as will make
the rural schools more efficient. If
knowledge is power, as has been
said let us give all our children
more power in order that they may
] become better farmers, better me-
chanics, better business and profess
SIGNAL men, better citizens.
The present state policy, in rela-
ton to good roads has proved
success and should be continued.
Money expended for highways is not
"a state expense but a paying invest
ment. The states policy in regard
to encouraging scientific forestry is
also to be commended and it should
be extended as soon as the resources
of the treasury permit.
- may not tie i.act ss&ry 20 speak
of past achievements of the repub-
lican party, but a few facts tending
to explain the present trend back to
that party are fundamental to my
position.
From 1850 to 1906 this country
was in the hands Of the republican
party practically all the time. That
party fought the Civil war to a sue
cessful termination and established
such a beneficient government that
the country grew and prospered as
no other ever did since history has
made records of mems deeds.
During that period the increase in
national wealth was over 100 bill
lions of dollars held in reserve.
We built over 100000 miles of
railroads during that time and the
number of families who lived in their
own homes increased to over 49,
100000 in 1900. These figures are
almost beyond comprehension.
Since 1905 we have been tearing
down that which we built up in the
so years previous. Democratic and
progressive policies are destroying
the great enterprises which were our
pride
The democrats have reduced our
tariff in accordance with their plat
form under the plea that such a re-
duction would reduce the cost Of
living. The result of their legisla-
10,
the nation. Our imports show a
large increase since the new tariff
went into effect and our exports a
decrease. We have so far shipped
$15O,OO0,OOO in gold to Europe to
pay our trade balances, and the end |
is not yet. The business of our |
manufactures has been reduced, |
which necessitates the discharge of |
thousands of laboring men, until we |
have a bread line from New York |
to San Francisco and an empty car |
line reaching from Boston to Den /
yer. Thoughtful men of all parties |
throughout the nation today are |
turning to the republican party with |
eyes of hope.
The leaders of the democratic |
party have also shown that they are /
totally unfit to cope with the COM
pick questions involved in our rela-
lions with foreign countries, having,
in fact, made this nation the laugh |
of Europe by their blunder-
ing in Mexico and their mistakes
abroad.
As a Chautauqua attraction, the
democratic party is a success; as a
governing force it is a failure.
Has the party men of the old-time
courage, who will again take the
reins of government and by wise
and a moderate tariff,
framed to protect the interests of
labor and manufacturing, bring back
the good times of the Mckinley adj
the busy mill and the
fat pay envelope? The country is
ready to welcome the republican
party back to power.
Previous to the convention, / do
not desire to advance my candidacy
by sending emissaries to solicit sup
port, but if this brief statement
should strike a responsive chord !
among the republicans of Vermont, !
shall at least enter the campaign
With the courage of my convictions, s
or l believe that the republican
,arty is the party of high ideals and
obstructive leadership. I shall then ,
With pleasure join other republicans
n discussing with the voters of the
tate the republican platform and
he reasons for the faith that is in
IS.
/ have always been in favor of 1
he publication of campaign expenses
y candidates for public Office, and
propose to file with the republican
tate committee a statement of all I
he expenses of my campaign from
his date to the day of election. 4
PERCIVAL w. CLEMENT.