New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-09-11
the DEGREES of the court as has thus far
characterized this case.
MASSACHUSETTS.

MI. butleT was uOt yOotOitnJ
as for some days it has been plain he would
not be and he did not bolt-as The TRIBUNE
has all along said he would not,-having abso-
lutely nothing to gain and everything to lose
by such course. He has led the respectable
portion Of the Administration party OF Massa-
chusetts a very lively dance for three months
past, and, we presume, has taken q savage
sort of satisfaction in the mental and moral
disturbance he has given the gentlemen VINO
have so little stomach for him. The shaking
up has done Massachusetts, some good, ana
cannot fail to have wholesome influence on
the country at large. The effect OF such speech
as that of Gov. Bullock, upon taking the chaii
of the Convention, can hardly be oyeresh-
mated. 1t was stirring and manly. 1t was an
earnest and dignifed protest against existing
habits of political thought and the demoral-
ling tendencies of the time. 1t was an eA-
preston of the gentlemanly instincts and po-
litcal responsibility, not only OF Massacnu-
sets. but of the whole country. III VIII nc
well if the party which it rebuked ana tne
Administration which il criticised shall give
heed TO its utterances and profit by Its sug-
pestions. Had Mr.. Buffers candidacy ac-
complshed nothing more than 10 give
the country such speech from INC
presiding officer OF an Administration
Convention, it would have been wen worth
while. But it has done more. 1t set the IN
telligent thinking Republicans OF Massachu-
setts face to face with question that goes 10
the root of much of the corruption and dis
honesty 40 prevalent in our politics-the ques-
ton of the sanctity of the caucus ana the
binding force of regular nominations. Inc re-
spectacle portion of the party was hardy
nrepared to meet it squarely and defiantly.
But Mr.. Butler held them to it, while they
ouibbled and evaded, till one man was found
bold enough and conscientious enough to ac-
cent the issue, and fling his gauntlet down
before the Convention and the party, in favor
of absolute freedom from the tyranny OF
caucus, and individual responsibility for pollu-
cal conduct.
More than this was gained. The Conven-
ton. spurred thereto by a genuine sense OF
patriotism and duty as well as by desire to
rebuke, IN the most positive manner, the
audacious demagogue who had, all day, con-
fronted them with his pretensions, put on
record an indignant protest against the inter-
ference of Federal Office holders in State politics
and against the disgraceful acts of Republican
Congress. The resolutions upon these points
give no uncertain sound. Their meaning is
clear and unmistakable, and will be under
stood even in Washington. The high office OF
the President of the United States is treated
with marked respect, and there is manifest
disposition to treat the President personally
with the utmost kindness and consideration
but there is not lacking in the resolutions a
tone of gentle rebuke for his mistakes i'll pol
lev and administration, while the absence of
the usual sweeping Endorsement and approval
is worthy of note
AS to Mr.. Butler himself, whose ambition
and audacty have occasioned all the commo-
ton. he is simply defeated once more in his
desire to be Governor of Massachusetts. He
has not been driven out of the party, nor has
he INDUCED in anything which, to partisan,
would seem like indiscretion. He has been
shrewd. sharp, and cunning, has made his
fight, and keeps his place. He is stronger
with the Administration to-day than ever be-
fore, having made sacrifices for the integrity
of the party, borne the odium of the
increase of salaries which was the pet
measure of the President, and forced
his opponents into a position Of quasi
hostility to the Administration and its office
holders. He goes back to Essex County and
back to Congress- and prepares for another
raid on the State and it is but fair to say
that if the ideas of party allegiance and party
obligation which hold sway to-day continue.
in the ascendant, he will go into the next
State Convention with the chances decidedly in
his favor. There is no way of escaping from
Butler and his kind except in such loosen
ing of party ties as will leave men free to
act from their own sense of personal duty and
individual responsibility, regardless of party
or caucus We ought to be thankful to him,
for he is driving honest men to just that con-
clusiOn.