Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1916-08-09


| an opponent he must despatch him.
| The vision of Allen M. Fletcher at
the head Of political machine-as he
would be if chosen senator's not one
| calculated to ease the slumbers of a
great many people in Vermont-aside
from those to whom it would be q
veritable nightmare. He had bitter
experience as governor, which left it's
sting, ard his campaign for the sena-
torship is largely undertaken for the
purpose of justifying himself in the
sight of the people, and incidentally
| confounding those who hoped they had
retired Mr.. Fletcher for good AS
senator, even his enemies concede Mr..
Fletcher would be fearless, independ-
ent and progressively which some
would understand that he would assail
the Interests" mercilessly. Another
LaFollette would be about the expecta.
ton of Mr. Fletcher in the senate.
AS to Mr.. Fletcher's chances-they
do not appear promising, although
appearances may be deceptive. He is
opposed by substantially all the old
line Republicans. The professional
and business classes are against him.
Not large proportion of the members
of the legislatures with whom he has
served favor him. He is placing his
|
shops, on the street-we know not
with what basis. Mr.. Fletcher is
challenging the mountain rule"-a
long-honored custom which gives each
side of the state one senator instead of
placing both In one district. To offset
these handicaps Mr.. Fletcher has
abundant means which he will employ
-legitimately, we believe-in promot-
ing his candidacy. He has an able
campaign manager in former Speaker
Piumley. And he will be materially
assisted by the division of the field
caused by the entry of the third candi-
date.
AS to Governor Gates, he stated the
exact truth when he said in his modest
announcement that he had received
many requests to permit the use of his
name. Much pressure has been exert
ed upon him, both by those who are
dissatisfied with the other candidates
and by sincere admirers of Mr.. Gates.
He enjoyed the unique experience of
!: being drafted for the governorship and
his record as governor has been one of
pleasing success. One journal stated
it correctly when it said that if all of
Mr.. Gates's friends voted for him he
would be an easy winner.
But will they? While continuing
their sincere regard for him, and join
) ing heartily in praise of his official
course thus far, they honestly doubt
{ whether Mr.. Gates is fully equipped
: and especially fitted for the very differ
t ent duties of a United States senator
, ship. They question whether he
2 would be an improvement upon Page
j or the equal of Fletcher. 1t may be
' that in the final analysis their reg arr
for him will be so strong that it will
! conquer their misgivings and carr!
r their votes for him, but in genera
s Vermonters are apt to be governed b!
s their judgment rather than theiI
: affections. If they could unreserved
i feel that Governor Gates would MAKE
stronger senator it would give then
e the keenest satisfaction to supper
n him.
We are aware that this is rattle
r negative and confusing summing up o
: the senatorial situation, but we ar
n not alone in this state of mind. From
r many quarters is heard the lamenta
e ton, "Oh that Vermont had now som
l. really big. brainy man of large prom
|. Use, young or middle-aged, whom SD
s could send to the senate with assur anc
r that he would grow ripe under tn
l. experience of years until our stat
would be fiattered in his possession
d Some man who would measure up t
d the traditions of the past and caus
t. the nation to owe Vermont a debt O
y gratitude. There may, indeed, j
# our opinion there are such men, blu
is under the peculiar conditions that no,
n exist it is almost idle to expect ther
J. to appear. 1t will rest between tn
e three announced candidates, and ma
,e the best man Of the three win.-Rar
le dolph Herald & News.
)t