Do you happen to recall who that turn-of-the-century politician was? I'd always assumed the joke had originated with ole Earl.
Butz also gets credit for another joke, referring to the Pope and reproductive rights: "He no playa the game, he no maka the rules." Cardinal Cooke demanded an apology. "I'ma sorry I speaka dat way."
Never heard it attributed to anyone in particular. Probably just a folk saying.
The ‘No playa da game...’ quote was popularized by Vice President Spiro Agnew.