The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1871-03-23
Blaine and Butler.

verbal duel which for sharpness and acri-
mony has seldom been equalled II is
understood that ill-blood has existed be-
tween the two ever since Blane's first
election to the Spcakership, in conse
quence Of the appointment to an impor-
tant craftsmanship, which Butler thought
his right, having been conferred upon
another
The immediate cause of the outbreak
was the passage Of a resolution providing
for select committee to investigate the
condition of the South Butler had pre-
pared bill in relation to Southern
troubles, which would have made him
self the chief inquisitor into the affairs of
the South, with opportunity to apply his
peculiar tactics. 1t so alarmed the re-
publicans, and Blaine among the rest
that they resolved TO Kill the measure,
and did the deed Butler caused print
ed letter to be laid on the desks Of
members, in which he denounced the de-
feat of his measure rs "a leg iSlativc trick, y
and by inuendo imputing that trick to
the Speaker.
As soon as the debate opened, Butler
made an attack on Blaine. Before the
debate had proceeded far, the speaker
called another member to the chair, and
took scat upon the floor. 1t was evil
dent then that there was q breeze coming.
We copy below the most interesting por-
ton Of the debate
Mr.. Peters said the resolution proposing the
Select Committee was written by his colleague
aud friend. Mr.. Blaine. The friends of the res
nlution went about the House and consulted
with other gentlemen. Many Republicans
thought the resolution desirable as Il comprom-
iSc and ought TO pass, even if other legislation
was 70 come 1t was not sprung upon the
House. for all the notice was given that
could he given in the way he just mentioned.
1t was also shown 10 the gentleman from Mas
sichusets
Rutler-What was the answer:
MI Peters replied that he stated the fact ::
not being called upon TO give an answer
Ilter-'The answer was, on no condition
could | vote for it.
Mr.. Peters resumed, saying it was stated in
caucus that lis action was not binding, but it
was understood that the bill for the protection
of loya citizens should not he introduced, leav-
ing all at liberty 10 do what they thought proper.
There was no trick whatever in the ease; but
acting ON his own responsibility no caucus de-
termination would have restrained him from
the right lie would however go into the eau
Gus and bind himself for the organization of the
House. He would 90 into the caucus. and if
possible agree with his friends TO certain cX
tent; but he could not he forced into voting
against The measure because the gentleman
from Massachusetts opposed it or gentlemen on
the other side :iINOt1tpI I He pDIlU he
driven TO vote for free salt or coal because Dem
orrats wanted them He believed the rcsolu-
ton salutary, and he congratulated the House
that il had been passed by majority of ali The
Republicans and Democrats who voted
Mr.. Butler asked what the gentleman would
have thought Of him or ten of his friends, who
having attended the caucus and agreed upon a
ncmiuce, should come into the House and
throw the Speakcrship into the hands of Demo-
Gratis.
Mr.. rccrs-I should suppose You had some
dcrclict design.
Mr.. Butler-We agree fully. Daughter
Mr.. Blaine, Mr. Speaker (Mr. Wheeler of
New York in the chair.l desire to ask the
gentleman from Massachusetts, (Butlerl
whether he denies to me the right TO have
drawn this resolution.
Mr.. Butler-I have made no assertion on that
subject one way or the other.
Mr.. Blaine-Did not the gentleman distinctly
know drew it,
Mr.. Bntlcr-No sir.
Mr.. Blainc-Did ] not take it 10 the gentle
man and read il TO him.
Mr.. Butler-les sir.
Mr.. Blane-1n my own handwriting.
Mr.. Butler-No sir.
Mr.. Blainc-And at his suggestion added
these words And the expenses of the com
mite" shall be paid from the contingent fund OF
the House of Representatives." (Applause.)
The fact that the Ways and Means Committee
wanted TO pay expenses WAS the only objection
he made toit.
Mr.. Butlcr-Wlat was the answer the gen
tlcman made suppose may ask that now
that the Speaker has come upon the floor.
Mr.. Bl;lne-1he answer was, ] immediately
wrote an amendment providing for the pay
ment OF the expenses of the committee.
Mr.. Butl"r-What was my answer. Was it
not. under no circumstances would have any
thing 10 no with il. being bound by the action
of the caucus.
Mr.. Banc-No. sir; your answer WAS. UNI
der no circumstances would you serve as chair
man.
Mr.. Butler-Or have anything TO do with the
resolution.
Mr.. Blainc-rhcrc are 23i members of the
House Of Representatives. A committee can
be formed without the gentleman from Massa-
chusettS being on it. His services are not es-
scntial TO the constitution Of the committee.
Mr.. Butlel-Why did You not find such
committee then:
Mr.. Blaine-5ecause | knew very well if
omitted the appointment of the gentleman it
would be heralded throughout the length and
breadth of the country by claquers who have
so iud1StriOuslv distributed this letter this
morning. that the Speaker had packed the com
mittee, rs the gentleman said | would do, with
weak-knccd Republicans who would not go in
TO the investigation vigorously as he would.
Thai was the reason. (Laughter.) so the
Chair laid the responsibility upon the gentle
man of declining the appointment.
Mr.. Butler-I know that was a trick OF the
Chair
Mr.. BIaihe-Ah. trick. am very glad the
trick WAS successful
Mr.. Butler-No doubt.
Mr.. Bainc-lt is this trick which places the
gentleman from Massachusetts on his response
blity before the country.
Mr.. Enthusiastically.
Mr.. Blanc-Now. sir, the gentleman from
Massachusetts talks about a coercion by which
republicans were 10 be made to vote for the
resolution. do not know what any one of
them may have TO say. If there be here to-day
a single gentleman who has given to the gentle
man from massachusetts, an animation Thai he
lett coerced. lhal he was IN some way restrained
from action, let him get up and now speak or
forever after hold his peace.
Mr. Butler-Oh. yes.
Mr. Blaine-The gentleman from Massachu
sets says IN his letter: "llaving been appoint
ed against my wishes, expressed both publicly