Vermont Phœnix

Gen. Butler takes the Hopeful View.

In his speech before the Vermont Legislature, on the 16th, Gen. B. F. Butler took a cheering view of things:

"It is said, and it is our say, if you will allow me to so far prophesy, 'we are fighting the battles of posterity,' not only as regards our enemies at home, but our enemies abroad. For, Sir, we have demonstrated to the nations of the earth that we can carry on the war with money at the usual rate of interest; after we have shown that we can carry on the war—burning bread stuff for fuel in the West, and exporting it to foreign countries in the East; after we have shown that we can provide an army larger than was ever organized in the same time by any other nation, better fitted out, better paid than almost any other branch of human industry—when we have shown that a navy of vessels can be gathered thus rapidly—when we have exhibited that spectacle to the civilized world, and shown that the strongest Government upon earth is that which rests upon the free hearts of the people, that volunteer their treasure and their blood in defence of their rights; will you tell me what power—will you point me to the nation—will you specify what Government will like to meet in arms the United States, thus demonstrating their power in the future? We shall then have settled the question about the honor we claim for ourselves, and it will be decided for us by every other nation—that we are the first-class power of the world. And, therefore, I say, Sir, in the spirit of prophecy, that we shall come out of this contest successful. Our children will have no war at home, and no war abroad, but may turn their minds to the arts of peace.

"But again I hear the doubt raised, 'What if England—what if the European Powers should interfere and recognize the Confederacy?' Being myself a citizen of the United States, I can give answer: God help the people of the South if England or any other foreign nation does interfere! We are now carrying on war against them as if they were brothers. When they bring any foreign Power into the war, they would make themselves, what it would almost seem they would wish to be, foreign enemies. But when the freemen of the North are called upon to fight against foreign enemies, we will arm every man upon the continent, be he black, white or gray. [Applause.] We seek no contest with any Power; we desire to live in amity with every nation. We only desire to be left alone. But if the spirit of gain shall tempt any nation to interfere with us, let no man fear; let no man's cheek grow pale. I have no doubt of the power of the country to take care of the enemies within it, and to hold at arm's length those without."