Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-07-30

THE PoLITIcAL SITUATION IN MAssAcHU-
SETS.
From a special correspondent
BosTos, July %, 1884.
| Editor Kenn>5ec Journal:
1t is much easier, now that both OF the
/ Presidential tickets are in the field. 10 get
correct idea of the political situation and
to make predictions as to the outcome of the
campaign The nomination of Cleveland by
the democratic convention is every way sat-
isfactory to the independents. He was the
man they earnestly desired ~ support, for
he was the "Reform candidate so-called,
and as has previously been remarked, no.
body catches the support of Massachusetts
independent as quickly as the Reformer with
a big "R" But it is one thing to satisfy the
band Of independents, men Of unquestioned
respectabilty. learning and wealth. and
another to pacify the rank aud file of the
democratic party. The old-time democrats,
men who adhere to Bourbon principles for
what they are, without thought Of personal
gain, regard Cleveland's nomination with
favor, but the rank and file of the party are
disappointed that the mantle did not fall up
on the shoulders Of one whose record is more
extended, and whose democracy is OF the
intensely stalwart type. Among the work
ingmen, particularly, there IS feeling OF
disappointment over the nomination, for the
brawny sons OF toll are inclined to look up
on the New York governor as friend OF
monopolists rather than as the defender of
H. uprkiuutnan Not few of this class
have openly bolted the nomination and de-
clared their intention to vote for Dir. Blaine.
For it is an undisputed fact that among the
Irish American citizens there Is a friendly
feeling toward the Maine statesman. Just
think tor a moment, OF General Buffers in
fuence and his attitude at the pr, sent time.
He was routed root and branch at the Chicago
convention, and failed even of getting the
complimentary vote of the Massachusetts
delegation what had been promised him.
Then he attempted to sit-down upon ex-
Mayor Prince OF this city, very popular
democrat, and prevent his reelection as sec
retaTy of the democratic national committee,
meeting with an ignOminOus defeat. In
truth, he failed in everything he undertook to
accomplish at the Chicago convention, save
in essaying the role of a clown, which he
carried out to q successful tinality. "A a
natural result Butler returned from Chicago,
sour, disgruntled and out of sorts In every
way, his political influence weakened and
vtlated and his sovereign power much reduc-
ed. Newspaper men who have sought to ln-
terview hiE have been protanely snubbed
and even the more intimate of his personal
friends have not been admitted to his conf
dence. He SAYS nothing, but it is hard to
find anybody who believes that in his present
nf md ba ii dom IL
ticket. Last year, it is to be remembered,
Butler polled 10000 votes in the State
Admitting that his power and influence have
been greatly weakened since his antics at
Chicago, it is yet apparent that the ''old mans
grip" is not wholly powerless, and that he
can command more voters than the Massa-
chusetts democrats can afford to lose.
What is Butler going to do? This question
Is asked on all sides, and one answer is as
good as another, save that there isn't much
possibility that he will rally to Clevelands
support One report is that he will come out
for Mr. Blaine, but more likely he will run
as the greenback and anti-monopolis. candi
date. In either event d loss of voters to the
democratic machine would be assured
There has been good deal of
talk in the independent and democratic papers
about the disatfection in the republican state
committee, but now the committee has reor-
gained, Mr. Lodge, who has come out
squarely for the ticket. being elected chair
man and Col Whipple secretaav, in place of
Col. Flagg. The work of raising funds has
begun in earnest, and the work of the cam
paign will be pushed with vigor. On the
other hand the disafiection in the democratic
state committee is quite wide as that which
has existed in the republican organization at
any time. As evidence of the fact Col.
Plympton, the chairman, aud Mr.. Drink
water, the treasurer, resigned their respective
positions Saturday, and the vacancies were
rendered to several gentlemen before they
were finally filled These designations grew
out of Buffers disatfection, and were precip-
itated by the quarrel between the city and
State organizations.
In one respect Buffers course at Chicago
| causes rejoicing among all the anti-BHtler
men. 1t is that his asinine freaks have done
away with the remotest possibility of his
candidacy for the gubernatorial Office on the
democratic ticket Gov. Robinson, who has
been much stronger with the people since he
came out for Mr.. Blaine, will be renominated
and reelected without doubt, and it is pleasant
to feel that his opponent in the contest will
not be a man who will wage contest of in
decency and mud-slinging The above is but
a brief summary of the political situation in
Massachusetts, and all that it is necessary to
add is that the old Bay State is good for
% 900 majority for Blaine and Logan in
November. F.