Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-07-05

The veteran statesman and politician,
Thurlow Weed, of New York, was inter
viewed on public topics, the other day. Of
Congress, he said
" Craftsmanship in Congress is now so low
that it will take many years to build it up
to a higher tone. Probably the most III
huential and the ables: man in Congress
to-day, is Benjamin F. Butler, as he is the
worst. Not that he would be bad from pre-
terence, but that he expects to rise by bad
methods. He would be good, | think, if he
could secure his aims by being so. l think
he is man who says to himself, that while
he is doing evil to foist himself into power.
he would use his illgotten power in a right
way. He never expects to get power except
by unworthy means. Massachusetts, never
served the country SO badly as when she sent
Butler this last time to Congress. 1t is an
alarming sign of the times that man of
Buffers astuteness thinks that the course he
chooses to adopt is one which will give him
a large following
Mr.. Weeds Characterization of Butler
will ht some other men We wot Of. 1t
fits Bradley Barlow, for instance, well,
on several points. Mr.. Barlow is not As
able as Butler but he is, if We mistake not,
about as INSCRIPTIONS. His friends praise
his shrewdness, his energy, his knowledge
of men and things, his success these are
the qualities which they present. quite
truthlully, as his title 10 support. But are
the freemen of the Third District satisfied
with the certificate? l. it enough to send
to Congress a man who will undoubtedly be
able and influential. but Of whom it must be
added that his ability and influence is of the
worst kind? That, we question not, will be
the verdict on Mr.. Blrlow's congressional
career if he ever ItacEes a seat in the ma
tional legislature.
We would not willingly do Mr.. Barlow
an injustice. Personally We would far
rather praise tlan blame him, if We
could truthlully do 50. We would gladly
avoid the duty Of discu ssing his character.
But he has chosen to put himself where dis
cuSsions of his character and ways Of doing
things are necessary. We say. then, that he
is man Of INSCRIPTIONS character and reck-
less methods. iiavir in view an end which
he wishes to compass. he cares little for the
character of the means he uses to accomplish
it. We say OF him, as Mr.. Weed does. Of
Butler, that we do not think him bad from
preference but it must be added. and there
is no fact more notorious or uuquestionable,
that he expects to rise by bad methods. Not
to dwell on his methods as illustrated in mail
contracts and in lavish use of money to pre-
vent Congressional investigation thereof, his
present canvass shows most forcibly by what |
unworthy means he expects to get to power. |
1t has been, on his part, pushing of him
self upon District which, without such |
pushing. would never have thought of him
for its representative. 1t has been, on the |
part of himself and his managers, a campaign |
of wire-pulling, bribery and deception. Men
who could be bought to support him have |
been bought. Men easily impressed by per-
nave pcSu LhhdC "
that he was sure to be the winning man
couldn't be beat. Influential men, who were
never for him single day, have been boldly
claimed as his supporters. Mems reputa-
tons and influence have been falsely played
against each other, and made to mislead each
other. Every possible personal or business
has been brought to bear-every
string of interest and favor pulled. That
Mr. Barlow has thus secured a formidable
is not to be denied. But the very
act Of following SO secured is dangerous
act, and ought to tell against him, with
thoughtful and patriotic men. Let not Yer
mont multiply such alarming signs of the
lines" There are demagogues, tricksters,
inscriptions managers enough
n Congress. Let the men of the Third Dis
rict beware how they damage or disgrace
,ur Green Mountain State, by adding to the
number.