Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-03-20

It's a question which we commend to
the careful consideration of tho representa-
tlves OF the Republican party at Washing
ton, wi ether our party has not had enough
Of that element in the conduct of its at
fairs popularity known as "ButlerismY'
We think ii would be well for those who
are responsible for the management OF the
party, and for the conspicuous public acls
by which ii is judged, to ask themselves If
the country is ready To- follow through thick
aud thin the lead Of ibe Essex Congress
man. There seems to be strong. DISPOSE
ton at the national capital to award to that
gentleman remarkable degree of inhu-
ence and prominence in matters for which
nature and training have not conspicuous
" fitted him. 1t might be as well TO re-
fleet what may be the results upon the for
tunes OF the party aud upon the welfare Of
the country if this disposition is allowed TO
go Oh unchecked.
There is very little doubt in our minds
that the country at large, and especially
that portion of ii most Immediately con-
cernel, is trfle sick of Mr.. Butler. We
do not believe that the famous Simmons
matter, and the conduct of the National
Admin stration with reference 10 it, has
strengthened tue Republican party any
where. We do not suppose any one will
pretend that it has helped the party in Sew
Hampshire or Connecticut, and we do not
see how, in any reasonable portion of the
community, il could help us. We have
not ourselves taken any part in the "Sim-
mons light in the first place because the
ficts were stoutly disputed on either side,
and in the second place ii seemed TO us n
matter that ought to be settled with refer
ence 10 the better public opinion of Massa-
chusetts and New England. What we re-
greet TO perceive is that It has not been so
settled that, on the contrary, the better
public opinion from one end TO the other of
New England is expressing itself as disap.
pointed and outraged by the result. And
the origin of this bitter feeling is no; so
much any special interest in the office OF
Collector ut Boston rs in tue conviction
that Gen. Butler has "run" the whole
thing. So far as we ca judge from the
published staten ents of the Massachusetts
Senators and Represe tatives, this convic.
ton is not without foundation. Butler Ii m
self GEMS TO be doing all in his power 10
sireuSthe" il. He regards himself, and he
Is generally so regarded, the most influ-
entail politician in Washington, and the
impression that he is 50 is all the y lille do
ing the party harm.
Certainly the party is passing through
difficulties. We think the most sanguine
believer in the efficacy OF fixing things
will not deny this. Among the causes oil
discomfort now manilesting themselves is
the conviction that our finances are in q
very bad way for want or decisive Con-
sressional action. Is it quite safe, consid-
crng this fact, to give up the management
Of the party TO a man who's c knowledge o
finance is as limited as his devotion 10 the
well-recognized principles If the Republi-
can party-to a man who has coquelted
with reputation. and il prom, uuced
champion of imitation: Is it prudent TO
| put forward rs the III ost prominent and in-
huential man in the party the counsel OF
| Special Agent Jayne? Gen. Butler is
| Congressman who hires himself to defenC
a Government officer who has made enor
M Gus SUNS of money out of laws that Con
gres' is asked to repeal. II is not a very
| delicate position to occupy, but ii is quite
in keeping with Buffers character, anC
the party representatives, who obey tn,
beck OF Butler only invite for the party thu
odium that attaches to such a transaction.
We take the liberty Of suggesting tina
the party and the country have had abou
emo ugh of him. and of the self-seek ing. thi
a rrogance, the want of principle, and th,
generally low standard of political ilt
hich he represents.-N y Times.