The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1924-06-19

eility among the old-time party lead
ers toward William M. Butler of
Massachusetts,, designated by Presi-
dent Coolidge as his spokesman, and
subsequently elected chairman of the
National Republican committee. The
resentment was voiced in the caucus
es of various state delegations at the
convention and on the return of lead
IS. A digest of the various opin-
ions indicates that the party leaders
regard Butler as an arbitrary indi-
vidual who has been si%ngularly sue
cessful in business, but not thoroughly
acquainted with the ways Of politics.
Many have gone so far as to lay the
charge of ineptitude at his door. but
the principal complaint is apparently
based on his alleged tactical errors
On the other hand, Mr.. Buffers sup
porters contend that a disciplinarian
# his type is necessary in these hec-
tic days when party leadership is a
mere empty phrase. 1t is argued that
the heretofore designated party lead
ers have not made good their prom
ises of party control, especially in
congress, and the time has come when
stern measures must be adopted to
bring about a victory at the election.
Whether or not it will be posi-
Bile to bring about harmony in their
ranks as a result of the attitude taken
by many state leaders, is a highly i'm
portant question. There is a certain
that a disagreement may reach
that regrettable stage wherein the
contest resolves itself into a struggle
for an individual rather than party
triumph. By that is meant the de-
of a fight between the leg
islative and executive branches of the
government. If this sentiment actual
ly assumes definite proportions, it
will undoubtedly play havoc with the
national ticket as members of con-
gress would likely go back home to
protest their own interests first and
make the presidential contest a sec
ondary matter in their political man
euvers. In the heat of a campaign,
This dubious situation may be quick
altered.
The feeling of pessimism which was
apparent in the Republican ranks may
De attributed, it is said, to the above
,nditions. The influence of LaFol-
cite was felt at the convention when
Wisconsin filed a minority report
against the platform adopted by the
convention. The possibility Of the
Wisconsin senator heading a third
ticket does not contribute to the gai-
sty of the political spectacle.
After all, the fundamentals of par
isan politics seldom if ever, vary.
1eTocqueville, one of the foremost
authorities on political science in his
analysis of political conditions in
America, written in the early part of
he nineteenth century said: "Politi-
al parties in the United States are
ed to rally round an individual in
to acquire a more tangible
in the eyes of the crowd, and
he name of the candidate for presi-
lent is put forward as the symbol
md personification of their theories.
these reasons parties are strongly
Interested in gaining the election, not
much with a view to the triumph
f their principles under the auspices
f the President-elect, as to show, by
he majority which returned him, the
trength of the supporters of these
principles"
Subsequent events have borne out
n many instances the prophesy of
his noted Frenchman. written in
he days when the government of
America was young and practically