Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-03-22
Hon. X. N. Dana.


the vacancy caused by the enforced rcsigna-
ton Of General Scheuck, was one most emf
ncntly fit TO be made. II met a very hearty
response from the Republican party over the
whole country. 1t was a departure from the
usual method of the administration in such
cases. Here, at least, there was no reward
for party services II is even said that Mr.
Dana did not vote for Gen. Grant, bat for
his rival. at the last presidential election
lie certainly had consented TO run against
Gen. Butler for Congress, but his patriotic
self-donial did not win the election. lie is
not strenuous partisan, though he believes
in the principles which the Republicans
have enuuoiated And he is an honest man
vithal. lie does not belong to a stock which
can be brbed. Ills character is above re-
proach lie is an author of some celebrity
and lawyer of high reputation On the
whole, the nomination Of Mr.. Dana was very
satisfactory. lie would not be likely to ex-
Gel in poker, nor write handbooks concerning
that diplomatic game. The adventures who
deal in mines, patent rights, and the va
rious ingenious contrivances to tighten pie
thoric Englishmen Of their money, would not
be likely to catch him in their nets, and put
him under the necessity TO withdraw from
his mission without a courteous farewell TO
the Queen of Great Britain and the Empress
Of India. The country is beginning to think
little about having little more respecta-
BILE diplomatic service at the court Of St.
James. The people are ashamed to have
their representative abroad SO forgetful as to
compromise the honor Of the country, And
they welcomed the nomination Of a man out
side Of the political rings, Of heightened
character as a gentleman, and scholar Of
eminent professional requirements. Surely,
they thought, England will forget schenck
when they see Dana. The English people
will know that Schenck and his pals are not
the consummate fruitage of American po-
litical institutions that we have men the
world may respect, and who will use official
powers for patriotic purposes.
1t seems, however, that the nomination,
which the President, earnestly besought to
do so, refuses to withdraw, is stenuously re-
sisted in the Senate. Gen. Butler Of Mas
sachusets, is using all his energy to defeat it.
against Dana for Congress. lie cannot rec
ognize the merits Of his old adversary. The
pure character of the nominee is a reproaoh
to him now, as il was in the congressional
canvass. II is enough, in his judgment, to
disqualify a man for any position of trust OF
honor, to have contended against him. And
it is said that he has satisfied some of the
Republican Senators that a gentleman who
has opposed Butler is not worthy to b.
named for any high official honor But th'
people think differently. Very few suppose
that a mans opinion of Butler is the meas
ure OF his political orthodoxy, or Of his quail
ifications for exalted position. Most mer
even think that a low opinion OF Butler, anC
a desire to cast him and all such politicians
as he is out of the high places of politica
influence and power, would be a commenda
ton. Butler represents a class of politica
ideas that are not very acceptable just now
| They smell of dishonesty and are odorous o
corruption. The most thoughtful Republi
cans are inclined TO cast him out and all hi
works lie has festered in the Republican
party lie represents a clique Of selfish AM
dishonest placemen. His influence ha
been always to the injury of what he ha
advocated, and he has enriched the politica
organization to which he belongs with hi
own principles.
There seems to be feeling prevailin
quite extensively that refusal, by the RI
publicans Of the Senate, to confirm the non
nation of Mr. Dana, would be needles
and foolish exhibition of political spite tina
would result injuriously to the best interest
OF the Republican party. 1t would add a
additional weight to the load which IL no
carries The people do not wake easily
they are heavy and slumberous, but they al
beginning to rub their eyes and open then
And when they are walked all through,
will be bad day for those who are williu
TO sacrifice the interests of the country to I'll
qualification Of personal selfshness or polit
cal jealousy. We trust that the opposite
to Mr.. Dana's confirmation will be utter
unsuccessful. The defeat of Mr. Dana vi
not be regarded as the triumph of polite
decency, but rather as its overthrow.