1915-02-20oo

“Under the heading of ‘Dick Butler and Clinton,’ the Daily Public, of Clinton, Ill., in an editorial in the issue of Feb. 6, has the following to say of Richard Butler, the United States vice-consul of this city and Muser of the Spectator staff”

Hamilton Spectator.   February 20, 1915.

With the above introduction, the Hamilton Times reprinted the following tribute to the Old Muser, the long-time writer of Saturday Musings.

Mr. Butler had recently sent  a column in the style of his “Musings” on Hamilton’s local history to Clinton with his memories of that town.

The Muser had recently celebrated his 80^th birthday :

“His name is Richard Butler, but his Clinton friends remember him as ‘Dick.’ He is 80 years young, but his Clinton friends remember him as a strong, virile man, who counted his friends by the hundreds. “Dick” butler was a man who did things for Clinton. As an editor of the Public in his early days, he made a name that will last in memory long after those who now control it have passed away.

“ ‘Dick’ Butler never forgot a friend, he forgot few men he ever met.. His letter is in some respects the most remarkable piece of writing that possibly ever appeared in the columns of the Public. Pick over the men you know ten to twenty years younger that could sit down and unfold in written words so splendid a piece of history as Mr. Butler’s story. He apologizes for perhaps forgetting a few characters who have been famous in Clinton during the last forty-three years.

“Apologize? Really, it is almost inconceivable how any man could recall the names and facts of such a galaxy. He doesn’t seem to have omitted any name from Clinton’s list of immortals.

“Would that we had more men like ‘Dick’ Butler, a man who is an inspiration to young men who never knew him. It is an inspiration to work in the same office where ‘Dick’ Butler once toiled for a better Clinton. It is an inspiration to live in a town which ‘Dick’ Butler once honored by making it his home.

“You who knew him, sit down after you have read his reminiscences, and write him a letter or a card. Thank him for unfolding Clinton’s history in the way he has portrayed it. You can read the homesickness for Clinton between his lines. Honor him now, not later, for he is already past the allotted time of life. He will appreciate it.”¹

¹ “Pay High Tribute to Richard Butler : Paper in Muser’s Home Town Tells of Debt People Owe Him”

Hamilton Times.    February 20, 1915