New-York tribune., 1870-12-14
GEN. BUTLER At BOSTON.
Prom The SATURDAY Review.

Gen. Buffers insOlent speech at Boston,
although II IA below intellectual criticism and moral
consure, may perhaps p0rtend mischief. The most
prominent member OF class Of politicians peculiar to
the United States, Gen Butler scarcely pretends to self
respect to honesty or to regard for justice. In some
respects Gen. Butler might bo thought not to be o
formidable enemy. BY the best Of his own counrymen
no has been repeatedly denounced the most dscreda
BILE specimen Of an unscrupulous class. As admins
traitor he was loudly accused Of peounary corruption
az soldier he incurred the contempt and censnre
tive weapons have been buster and calumny and when
ne acted as manager OF the Impeachment OF President
Johnson Ills foum0uthed violence provoked the indg
nation even Of the utraRepubican majority OF the SEN
ate. In all respects he resembles the Ceon Of Thucyddes
ual military success Unfortunately it is possible that
he may also resemble Cleon In directing or influencing
him. His coarse vigor will make him, since
the fs,,,t de defeat Of Gen. schenck in the recent
House Of Representatives and although the strength Of
tho party In the House has been largely diminished con-
siderable section OF the Democrats win always be ready
to support hostile against England. Gen. But
er has recently been again returned to Congress BY the
by eeetng him when he appeared as the most promi-
nent advocate of population Few American peculiar,
indiiference With Which the language and pro-
ceedngs Of the House of Representatives regarded
The members are rarely chosen. as in Utopia, for
their wisdom and virtue in England account OF
ther social and political Importance and the ConSlt
the debates attract little more Attention than the discus
sions OF the Convocaton OF Canterbury but, neverhe
less, House of Representatives which expressed
strong popular feeling might especially under the guild
erable power determined majority acting in concert
WITH the President might perhaps balance the power OF
that he may control both the Executive Department and
the House OF Representatives.
In his former canddature Gen. Grant relied on his
great and recent public services; and the most upright
O hs supporters hoped that they had at last discovered
President strong enough in reputation and public conf
personal lntprpSta.
apparently Gen. Grants political knowledge and ability
were not propOrtiOnate 10 his military skill During the
he had shown both generosity and Judgment in the
choice OF his nedenants and in his cordial ap,
an American and soldier he thinks that any
man Is good enough for any civil Office His
struggles against the domination OF election managers
and trading politicians have constantly become fainter;
and MS early attempts 10 assert bis independence In the
choee OF ms hlsIers nave Deen nnaiy aDnnoned; Mr;
and the Secretary Of the interior pre-.
ferrcd the efficiency Of the civil service to the encourage
are necessarily attributed to his anxiety for reiecton
and the professional politicians prepared to play
stll further or his weakness. Mr.. Boutwell,, who not
withsanding his defects nnancer, holds an In
and II is UmOrGd that Mr. Fish ia TO make room I'm the
Department OF state for GEN Butler such an appoint
ment would indicate immediate rupture with England.
OF patriotic solder s President Although the Presi
cannot declare without the OF the Senate
he at any time give directions to the Army the
Navy which would render war unavoidable. II would
pe Unjust to the President TO anticipate such policy
on hs part; but It is known that Gen. Butler
has lately become Of his chief political adj
ysers During tho last months OF the Gen. Grant
stated published dispatch general order that Gen.
Butler and bis forces might well have been coked up
IN bottle as have held the position which they had oc
cupicd throughout the campaign. In deerenee to the
opinion Of the General-inChief Gen. Butler was dis
missed from his command and he remained without en-
p0ymeut during the remainder of the IL has since
been remarked that he has become the eulogist and
friend OF Gen Grant although persons OF his tempera
ment are not in the habit Of forgiyng crushing
sights without sufficient reason. Perhaps he
could have secured no more efectual revenge
than by becoming tho political guide OF his for
military superior. Gen. Butler understands far bet
than the President the manipulation Of factions aud
OF electlons but 1t would appear, from the correspond
ence on resignation OF Mr. Cox that he has found
doce pupil. II is unucky that English cruiser has
had occasion TO capture American vessel for some
real supposed trespass the Canadian fishing
grounds. II Il the may DO justified If II is
legal and that there will be no hesitation in disavOw
ing and repairing any which may posi-
bly, have been committed; but on several
recent occasions Cen Butler has endeayored TO
fasten quarrel Oh England In connection with the
fisheries and even II the trespass which led TO the cap
tuTe not committed at his instgaon lie viii not fail
TO take the opportunity Of appealing TO popular passion
There are probably many Americans who would dlsap
prove OF boodshed and plunder beratey planned for
the benefit OF political adyenturers; but IL Is not the Gus
OF the country defend by public protest the cause
Of Justice morality when 1t happens also to DO the
cause OI England.