Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-08-26

IL appears that the Butler bull IN the political
pasture has been goring the wrong OK. and the
wild animal cannot De restrained Secretary Chand
Ter Is credited with having been Instrumental in
persuading Gen. Butler 10 declare himself candi-
date for President, his idea being that the latter
would make inroads upon the democracy without
hurting the republicans. But the fusion scheme Of
the General cuts both ways. In the east it weak
ems the democrats. and in the west 1t helps them.
II Is reported that Secretary Chandler quick to
the two-sided effect OF fusion, visited Gen. Butler
and vainy urged him 10 abandon his scheme Of
combining minority factions and parties all over
the country. The fusion idea is not original with
Cen Butler, by any means. Ii has often been put
In practice. and the history OF such movements
shows that they are not, generally, successful, IN
less there IS some common principle actuating the
several clements. A fusion for the mere sake of
political success and spoils does not often win, be-
cause IL drives of men who believe in honesty In
politics as well as In other affairs of life.
In 1856 the republicans and Americans Of Penn
sylvania united electoral ticket but ii failed
as IL Was not heartily supported by the Americans
In 1860 fusion electoral ticket of Breckenridge,
Douglas and Bell men liz New Jersey was parti-
ally successful The Douglas democrats rejected
the fusion and ran a straight ticket, which In
Guided the names OF the three men on the fusion
Ticket These three were elected, while tie two
Bell men and two Breckenridge men We're defeated.
Though in each OF these cases there was the bond
OF common political sentiment to unite the fusion
lists, it did not bring the elements together in
dial cooperation.
The most successful fusion OF recent years was
that Of the readusters and republicans in Virginia
The moving impulse OF that was a reduction OF the
state debt, but 1t was greatly aided by the vndic
tive treatment OF readjusters by democrats. But
when readJuStment was accomplished the coalition
lost It's power, and was OverthrOwn.
Cen Buffers plan 10 10 have his followers unite
With either party, or any party against the major
lty or dominant party ia a state In New York,
New Jersey and Connecticut neither party will adj
nit that 1t is the minority, and hence fusion there
Is not entertained But IN each of those states as
Wen as in Massachusetts, Intelligent political judy
ment comedies that Butler viii weaken the democ-
racy by attracting votes that, If he not in the
Held, would be cast for Cleveland. In New York
and Massachusetts,, particularly the Butler follow
Ing consists very largely OF democrats and his can
dldacy Is most pleasing thing to the republicans
In Michigan, Iowa and other western states. how
ever, the fusion renders uncertain electoral votes
which would otherwise be certain for Blaine. But
then comes the consideration OF that patent fact
that fusionS do not command the entire vote Of
each separate element. There are men who SO
stoutly object TO this sort of political partner
ships that they abandon their party when 1t en-
cages In them.