The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-09-12
MASSACIpCSE'T'rS.

Massachusetts has spoken, but to what
extent is not yet fully known We know
that Benjamin F. Butler, finding his
chances utterly hopeless, withdrew his
candidacy. and that William b. Washburn
received the unanimous. or nearly unani-
nous, nomination as the republican candi-
date for governor. We know also. that
General Butler proved himself an I'M
principled demagoguc, gave the lie to all
his past professions and speeches, and de-
clarcd that he should support the reelection
of Governor Washburn. We know, more
sive announcement thereof Thursday
morning, that resolutions were adopted de-
nouncing the back pay and salary grab,
and that General Butler although defending
himself in an able speech, as it is said, ex-
pressed the hope that they would be
adopted. We have not, at the present
writing, received the full text of the reso-
buttons, and must, therefore, reserve n full
discussion thereof until another day. We
propose, at this time, only to call attention
to two points prominently brought out by
the Geographic report already referred to.
The first point is General Buffers dema-
gogucism, cowardice and want of political
principle. We need not, we are aware,
spend much time upon this topic, for the
fact must, by this time, be patent to all,
but we cannot forbear word or two in
reference to the back salary bill. General
Butler framed the bill, worked for it, en-
gineered it through the committee and
through the House, was its especial cham
pion, and steadily voted for it. Wherever,
whenever or however it originated, it be-
came his bantling, and he was not only the
putativc, but the avowed father thereof
His action was either right or wrong in the
premises, and he was either honest or dis
honest in pursuing the course which he did.
His course and action could not partake of
both qualities, hut must have been all one
way or the other. Unless he was honest,
and believed his action to be proper, he had
no business in Congress. He had ample
time to deliberate upon the matter. The
question was not sprung upon him. He
took his course deliberately, and has since
deliberately defended the same. How shall
we rank him then, when he urges upon the
convention the passage OF resolution de-
nouncing the measure i! Is he not self
condemned as an unprnciplcd, unscrupul-
Gus, selfish, cowardly politician What
cares such man for principle or honor?
There is another point to which we de-
sire, briefly, to call attention, and that is
the interference of the federal administra-
ton in local politics. We have, hereto
fore, denounced it, and do not intend now
10 consider it in that view, rcserying such
comments until we receive the full text of
the resolutions. We think however, no
matter whether the delegates had manli-
ness enough to make themselves heard and
felt upon the subject, that one lesson has
been taught this and all future administra-
lions. That lesson is that a free people
will not brook federal interference in theii
local and state affairs We have heard
''time without mind" of federal interfer
cnce in state politics, and ever since the
days of General jackson there has been toe
much truth in it. The man must be dolt
indeed, that cannot see that in certain 10
calites, federal Office hoders-acting by
dictation from Westinghouse pri
mary meetings, caucuses, and nominating
conventions. 1t is difficult for the people
of Vermont to fully realize the extent o
this malign power and influence, because
we arc beyond its reach. Other states ant
other localities have felt its grinding an,
crushing power, and have been helpless t.
resist
The expose of the workings of the New
York custom house. in the days of Jack
son and Van Buren,, by Mackenzie, first re
ally opened the eyes of the country to tn
evil, but il did not check it. 1t has grown
year by year, until now such influences ar
terrible power with which to contend
Out of this has grown the belief that al
administration could perpetuate itself, o
dictate the succession, when the party il
power was in the majority. AS in all case
of attempted wrong, Of encroachments Of