Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-31

I
sets absorb the attention of the leading politi-
clans at the capitol. 1t has always been taken
for granted that the Bay state can take excel
lent care of itself. 1t is nearly a quarter of a
century since any one has asked who is to be
the next senator from Massachusetts. Her
governors have hitherto been gentlemen of such
prominence in political life that the office has
naturally gravitated TO them; has seemed to be-
long to them by the fitness of things. But just
now that office claims unusual attention. XII
klux and San Domingo are forgotten, and the
chief topics of conversation are the New York
frauds and the governorship of Massachusetts,.
Every one is asking if Butler is to be the next
candidate; and the more ignorant inquire
whether he can beat the republican candidate if
he does not get the nomination himself
There are many reasons why Gen. Butler is
well thought of here Located on the border
line between the two civilizations, Washington
naturally feels good deal of southern influence.
We know what it is to have rebels in our midst
fighting the constitution, the black man, and
the amendments. The porty contempt of the
aristocratic Southcner for the northern mudsll
is as strongly expressed here as in Charles
| ton or New Orleans; and we have here,
what is unknown there, the express
sion of the other side Men tell us
of the social ostracism that prevails at
the south; of kuklux outrages, of burning
schoolhouses and robbed teachers, and so we
are reioced TO hear of the strong will and iron
hand of such a man rs Gen Butler We like
TO see man who can brush all legal impedi-
ments from his path and do substantial justice
to rebel and to loyaIist. We can appreciate that
stern New England rule that made even the
yellow fever afraid to come to New Orleans in
the height of summer and that kept the streets
clean and the inhabitants decent in their re
marks about their national government.
But there is something to be said on the other
side Gen. Butler has now been in congress for
four years, and they have all been years of
quarrel and of storm. His attacks have not
been against prominent democrats. but republic
cans he has sharply assaied such men as
| Dawes and Blaine, Schenck and Bingham His
| apparent object has been to show his superiority
over the leading men of his party and the con-
sequent necessity that he, the ablest man left in
republican ranks, should be considered the
head of the party. He has scattered more fire.
brands in party ranks than any else, forgetting
rather than to disintegrate He is a fighter by
his very nature he does not know what it is to |
be quiet
His speeches have given great dissatisfaction
TO prudent men. A leader of public opinion, |
who openly expresses his desire for a war with |
Great Britain as party measure; who weakens |
public credit by the advocacy of the pay
ment of our debt by the issue of au infinite |
number of greenbacks; who justifics the con-
duct of Hall and Keso in forbidding Orange
men to walk in the streets of New York; who
utters words of appreciation for the Paris com
mune and disapprobaton of the financial con-
duct of Massachusetts,; such man is not
thought well of by the more iudicious men OF
any party. Nor did his last speech at Spring
field help Butler here. As the opening speech
of the campaign, it was expected that he would
state his political views; would present the
grounds on which he asked to be made governor
of Massachusetts,. Instead of this, the whole
speech appears to have been TRADE against his
| enemies. Politics were hardly mentioned, nor
did he attempt to prove the goodness of his own
record. The whole speech went to show the
worheSsness of Gen. Buffers enemies.
The general is a man of undoubted ability,
but of very doubtful political conduct One is
never sure of his attitude till after he has made
it known himself, and then he is likely to
change the next day if it is for his interest. The
general opinion of him here was condensed in
the remark of an old colored clergyman to me
one day. Coming to my desk one day after
Butler had been making one of his rasping
| speeches, Massa H" said he, isn't one of
| your Massachusetts members got more brains
than is good for him?" The old darkey was
right General Buffers greatest fault is his ex-
cess of brains over judgment
Dr. Loring is next inquired after; and never
having held public employment, every Que asks
who he is and what he has done to merit this
high office. When told that he is lifelong
democrat, a friend of President Perce's an ad-
vocate of every pro.slavery measure ever
brought forward by the democratic party, an
opponent of Lincoln. John A. Andrew and the
war, men ask in establishment what virtue can
there be in his agricultural services that should
entite three-year old member of the party to
the highest office in its gift.
Mr.. Rce's name is not often mentioned here;
his chances are not supposed to be very good.
Jewell is considered stronger and ADLER; but his
political life has been so much within the state
that he is but little known here; but that little
| is in his favor.
William B. Washburn is we'll known to us
here by eight years of excellent congressional
work. Not speaker, not politician, but a
man of a high order of common sense, thor
oughly honest and of excellent business habits.
His record as chairman of the committee of
claims stands high IT, as Gen. Butler alleges,
the finances of Massachusetts, need inyestiga-
ton, he is the very man to do it. Sorry as we
should be to lose Mr.. Washburn from the con-
| gressional delegation, we should feel that the
old Bay state had elected thorough republican,
prudent counsellor, an honest and an able
man. w.R.H,