New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-08-13
VOL.XXxvIII...N NO. 1862.
FAY STATE POLITICS.
A TALK WITH GOVERNOR RICE.

toga has obtained the views of Governor
Rice, of Massachusetts,, about Buffers and
Kearneys campaign in that State, and the
general situation. Governor Rice believes
that Butler will run as an independent can
didate Kearney, he says, is an injury to the
General. The Governor mentioned the caDdi-
dates for the Republican and Temperance
nominations, and was not disturbed in regard
70 the prospects of Republican success. He
regards General Grant as very strong for the
Republican candidate in 1880.
THE STIR GENERAL BUTLER rs MAKING.
A GENERAL GLANCE AT THE WHOLE POLITICAL
sIruATioN-BUTLER PRETTY CERTAIN TO RUN,
WHETHER HE GETS PARTY NOMINATION OR
NOT.
TFRoM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT or THE TRIBUNB.l
SARATOGA. n. Y, Aug. 12.-Unusual interest is
now felt in the aspect of political affairs in Massa-
ohusetts, the vagaries Of General Butler and the
speeches of Kearney the agitator having attracted
much attention in all parts Of the country. Gov
ernor Rice of that State has been visiting Saratoga
for few days. He has long been one of the most
prominent leaders of the Republicans in Massa-
ehusetts. and his years of service in Con-
Oress and his three terms Governor show
how strong his hold is upon their esteem and sup
mort His views in regard to the condition ofpublic
sentiment and concerning campaign prospects in
the leading State of New-England will therefore
command attention.
In the course of conversation with the Governor
he was asked what would be General Buffers proba-
bic position in the campaign.
at seems to meD he replied, that there can be
hardly any doubt that General Butler will run for
Governor. He has gone too far to recede. If he
should turn back now after what he has said and
what his friends have said, it would appear like
showing the white feather"
BU1LER's FoLLowING-KEARNEY.
evil he endeavOr to obtain the Democratic nom
Dationr
There are indications that seem to point in that
direction answered Governor Rice; but on
careful survey of the whole field am inclined to
believe that he will run as an independent eandl-
date. There are two wings of the Democratic party
in Massachusetts, One-the Bourbon Democracy
is led by Judge Abbott Mr. Saltonstall and Others,
who would like to keep the party on high plane.
The other wing is composed principally OF Irish
Democrats and those who affiliate with them. IT
General Butler were to seek the Democratic NOM
inatiOn he would encounter the active hostility OF
the Bourbon Democrats, although he might
reasonably expect to have the support Of
large part of the other wing. 1t is
not unlikely that he will try to make
a secret arrangement with the Democratic leaders.
He NAV say to them: You were buriedunder 10000
plurality last year. and you have chance of sue
cess in a straight fight in this campaign. If, how
ever the Republican party can be overcome In the
stGAch old Republican State of Massachusetts, this
yea4 il will be a bad blow 10 that party, and viii
DISCOURAGE and disorganize it for the Presidential
campaign of 1880 while it Will encourage and make
hopeful the Democrats The only way in which you
can crush the Republicans is through me. You can
not succeed yourselves but my success viii be half
victory for you. l will aid you IN the Congress
sional districts if you will secretly aid me in the
contest for the GOvernOrshiD.' The Democratic
leaders may accept this offer"
at has been reported also that Butler might at
tempt to capture the Republican Convention. Is
there any likelihood Of thatT
"No, think not General Buffers following in
the Republican party is very small. In my view the
number of his Democratic supporters is now two or
three times as large as that Of his Republican
friends His course in Congress has ahenated Re
publicans. Many voted for him with the expecta-
ton that he would be a bulwark against the
extreme Southern element He has disappointed
them His financial views have not been
in harmony with those Of his party in
the State OF in his district His attitude
IN the Potter Committee has not been approved by
Republicans in the State as in bis district. His Re
publican support is also weakened by the falling
away of many who followed him in past years on
account of their hope of personal advantage through
his influence at w &8nlnHlOh anu buIOuBu blh buC-
cess in his undertakings generally"
do you believe that Republicans need feel
alarm lest the party in Massachusetts, be defeated
through Butlerp
"No, expect to see the Republican party victOrl-
GUS The opinions of greenback advocates labor
reformers and the National party have not made
great progress I'm the State There is body Of men
who want more greenbaeks; there is q body of men
who want what they call labor reform. and
then there are the Nationals. But in estimat-
ing the strength of these three elements
they may be counted as one. The green
hackers are generally labOr-reformers and Ma
tonals; the three groups contain almost the same
men In each, and the total number is not large
enough to prevent the success of the Republicans.
Butler win have the support Of these groups and
that Of part of the PrOhibitOnists and the dis
gruntled Of all classes He Wll also get the votes
Of great portion of the Irish Democrats and in
triangular fght-the Republicans and Democrats
both making nominations and be running as an
Independent candidate-he thinks there will be q
chance Of bis getting plurality. But bold, after
carefully estimating the strength Of the various
elements, that he viii be disappointed and the
Republicans will elect their man."
Will Kearney's visit to Massachusetts result to
Buffers adyantageT
In all probability il will be an injury rather
than a benefit" answered Governor Rice. at is
true that Kearney has gathered 10000 people on
Boston Common to hear him. aud has filled Faneul
Ball and the space around il as no man has filed
them before for years. But what do his addresses
amount tot They contain no argument, they
present no convincing array OF facts, they illustrate
nothing, they establish nothing and they contain
no really forcible or effective appeals. The people
N..Is ii atNaaW