The St. Louis Republic., 1904-12-27
PRACTICAL Politics.

That Ruersm is undesirable t" the 81. Louis
Democracy from the standpoint of practical politics
appears conclusivey in the returns ot the November
election.
In this election the city ticket was defeated by
average majority of only ITO votes The
Butterflies were active in defeating tho ticket hut
they did not disclose their intention until the last
moment-too late for the party 10 defeat their
plot. The Buffers had the organization and election
machinery of five wards under their control Il
strength sufficient to accomplish their purpose in
some instances. but which would have been INSULT
cient TO heat the Democratic candidates had the
Butler method been understood the public thor
oughly awake TO Butler intentions.
Men whom the Buffers particularly opposed and
clearly known he opposing were elected.
and the fact Of this opposition had much to do with
tlectng them. Whenever it known thar But
leism opposed any man that man ran far
ahead of the others.
Taking into consideration the fact of the Repuh-
lican landslide in all the big cities the st. Louis
vote demonstrated that the people appreciated the
good government given To them by the Democrats.
The conclusion is irresistible also that had Butler
opposition to this good government been defined
earlier in the campaign the Democratic ticket would
have without exception. The election demon
strated hat Butler opposition IS good thing for
Democracy. The results show that the strength of
Butlerism with the organization in FIVE wards is not
over 2.J0O votes. Without the party machinery it
would amount to very much less. The active and
open opposition Of the Buffers on the other lianl.
ought to bring Democracy 10000 votes to offset the
$500. When Butlersm is clearly stamped Democ-
Iacy need have fears of elecring its ticket, pro-
vded that ticket be good one.
So that putting aside the question of decency
and good government. politicians, from tn, hare
standpoint of securing results. ought to sec that
Buterism is detrimental rather than advantageous
This is of Butlerism at its best Il is tenfold
true of Butlerism at its weakest. deprived Of ward
machinery. To drive Buersm openly into the Re
publican part is the very best practical politics.
The Republic has consistently advised this course
for long period Had the local Democracy taken
this advice enough. had Buersm been plainly
set the other side of the line at the outset
the polls on November would have told far diff
feren story. As it was. the party suffered Il bitter
experience. But the costly lesson of defeat may
be turned to good account: II will have been almost
worth while If the party stands upon its rigid cx-
clusOn of Butlerism. To be done with this element
and for all is a consummaton all the more 10
he valued because of the struggle and disaster
through which it is reached
Butlerism will be the issue in the spring There
can he doubt of this. The Republicans count
! on Butler aid-but not the open kind which is
disadvantageous. The Republicans desire the game
without the name. and will endcavor to fasen tle
latter upon Democracy. Butlerism eager for venge-
will probably almost undoubtedly, call itself
Democratic Butlerism is thoroughly conscious
| of its own detrimental influence |, knows itsc'f
better than others know It. In =. spring Repuh-
licanism and Butlerism will conlc to dscrrdit the
Democrats. There is hut thing for :le Dem ,
Gratis to do and that is TO emphasize the fact that
Butlerism is not of them and name ticket which
b conclusive its face Of good government