A Second Party in Vermont

In Shaftsbury, Vt. last week, Republicans gathered to observe the tooth anniversary of the G.O.P.'s founding. Shaftsbury had a particular reason to celebrate. It is the birthplace of Jacob Merritt Howard, who wrote the first Republican platform in 1854 and later became a U.S. Senator. On hand for a chicken barbecue, parade and party rally were Vermont's governor, a U.S. Senator and other officials, Republicans all. G.O.P. National Chairman Leonard Hall was there, too. But the most important honor guest was Mrs. Ruth Howard Matteson, 97, Jacob Howard's grandniece.

In Vermont, which alone of all states has never voted against the G.O.P., everyone can be considered Republican unless proved otherwise, and Mrs. Matteson's politics were taken for granted. While waiting to make his speech, National Chairman Hall chatted with her about the party and finally about party programs. Spry little Ruth Matteson, peering at him from under her flower-trimmed hat, listened quizzically. Finally, she put her foot down. "Young man," she said, "I don't think it will do you much good to continue. I've been a lifelong Democrat, and I'm afraid I'm a little too old to change my ways."

Called to speak, moments later, a shaken Len Hall told the story; the audience gasped, then broke into good-natured laughter. From her perch in the spotlight, Jacob Howard's grandniece twinkled and beamed at the throng below. Said she later: "I didn't mind being here. I'm a great believer in the two-party system. I liked my great-uncle Jacob. He taught me how to spell, but my father taught me my politics."

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