They were never on very friendly terms, though each of them found it wise not to break with the other.

When Blaine was a candidate for Speaker, to which office he was chosen in the spring session of 1869, his principal competitor was Henry L.Dawes.

Dawes's chances were considered excellent until Butler, who had great influence with the Southern Republican members of the House, declared himself for Blaine.

Butler was exceedingly anxious to be Chairman of the Committee of Appropriations.

This would have been an offence in the nostrils of a large portion of the Republican Party.