New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-11-26
ANOTHER GREAT SILENT MAN.

Mr.. Butler of Massachusetts has been so
long conspicuous figure in politics, ana
always SO conspicuous, that his opinions upon
the late disasters to the Republican party, and
especially upon 80 much of them as was per-
sonal to himself, would be, if he could over
come his modesty to the extent Of uttcring
them, matter of some public interest. 1t will
be observed, however, by tho report of his
brief replies to a visitor of an inquirng mind
at the Fifth Avenue Hotel yesterday, that he
is not disposed to be garrul0us upon the sub
icct, or at any rate that this is not his
week for unbosoming himself. He has not
always been so reticent. lie is a person
who, in ordinary times and under
ordinary circumstances, can advance you
theories and furnish you reasons and dis
close causes for political phenomena in the
most profuse and voluble manner And his
theories, though they may lack conformity
with the facts, are never destitute of ingenu-
ity and a certain FEASIBILITY, which make
them at least entertaining. 1t would be very
interesting to know what he thinks of the
late elections; but for once he keeps his WIS
dom in him. 1t may be that, like the profane
person who found when he reached the top
of the hill that the tail-board of his cart had
been removed and his potatoes had all run
out, The feels he "cannot do justice to tho
subject" More likely, though, he has de-
l;berately entered upon new role, and
proposes hereafter to act the Great Silent
Man, In that event we shall have two of
them.
Obviously, however, it is not his intention to
retire from politics. Were that his purpose
there would DE no need of his putting any re-
s;raint upon himself or refrainiDS from free
disclosure OF his views and opinions. Remcm-
bering all his bitter contests within the Re
publican party, and feeling that he has ibeen
unfairly treated by his political associates and
defeated by the party which he claims to have
done so much for, he must have some notions
! about the causes of the disasters which he
does not think it prudent just now to disclose.
Doubtless he prefers to wait and trust to time
to make all things cven.' Whether be looks
forward still to the GovcrnorShip or waits for
Mr. BOutwelps shoes, or has aspirations Ill
some other direction, he does not propose
now to say. lie has tried audacious
lighting, has Oravcd public sentiment, and II
his principles were bad, or he had none, he
has made no secret of it; but, with unparal-
leled eflrontcry, has claimed to represent truly
4 popular instinct of scllishncss and greed.
Iii the long run he has found it unsuccessful.
lie may change his tactics, but he viii not
retire. That kind never goes ont. lie stays.
He is scapcgoat who does not turn his face to
the wilderness worth a cent. While the organs
Of his own party are laying all the blame of the
defeat upon him and chuckling over his de
feat, thinking taat it will finish hi; career
and put an end to his capacity for mischief to
them, he sits and thinks it over and says
nothing; but undoubtedly to his confidential
friends and intimates he at intervals lazily
but visibly winks. And there's speculation in
thnsp ewes.