The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1866-04-18
The New Collector Of New York
Opinions Of the Press.

The press of New York speak of the Pres
dents second appointment for collector of
that port, in the following complimentary
terms:
[From the Tribune, Extreme Radical
Henry A. smythe, president Of the Central Ma.
tional Bank was yesterday nominated for collector
Of this port So the long agony Is over, and we
think happily over. Mr.. Smythe was never much
Of a politician, belongs to no wing, no clique
and had very little political support POr years a
prosperous and at length an eminent merchant, Of
late leading and successful banker, his backing
was almost wholly from business men, and his Sc
lection reflects credit the President who made It
the more that his leading competitors were conspic.
uousy strong and ct men.
And now, II Mr.. Smythe shall DO allowed to
manage the custom.house as he does his bank, we
predict for him brilliant and honored career II
he has to run the machine as tender rather than
q locomstiye-if he must make places for this po-
litica pauper and keep that in the place he al
ready holds he will fail Of course as good men have
failed before him. But lot him put In and keep in
only such men as he shall 6nd capable and worthy,
wedding out the other sort without fear or favor,
and he will prove most energetic and efficient col
lector."
prom the World, (Copperhead)l
/" Mr. Symthe Is known to awide circle Of friends
and business men as gentleman Of unquestioned
integrity, Of moderate fortune, and Of excellent
Zone further consideration weighed with the
President in appointing Mr.. smythe. He was al.
most unanimously Endorsed to Mr.. johnson by the
business community Of this city as an acceptable
Collector. The value Of such an Endorsement for
such place will be thought much or little Of by
those who know little or much Of the difficult and
peculiar nature Of the Collectors task. It perhaps
guarantees smoother working II Mr.. Smythe's un.
tried capacity shall enlarge to the lull measure OIL
his new duties. That he will do his best TO ease
and economics the machinery Of the Custom House
we do not doubt, nor that he will make haste Il
acquire the technical and also the legal knowledge
which is essential to him. II he proposes to be Col
lector In fact as well as In name.
a. He has our best wishes that his eyesight, which
is defective, may not fail him. and that his health
and spirits may be so buoyant rs to leave his excel
lent administrative faculties full force for the task
Of his arduous Office"
tProm the Times, (Uuion)l
"After a series Of announcements and many dis
appointments the name Of q New Yorker has beer
sent for confirmation as collector Of this port Il
the Senate. The fortunate individual, whose day
will henceforth be continuous scene Of turmoil
whose nights will belong rather to his politica
friends than to his family, Is Mr.. Henry A. Smythe
Mr.. Smythe Is not q politician, and has no Very
marked political affiliations He Is u Republican
Of the deepest hue, friend to President johnson
and an active and consistent member Of the party
| Formerly he was q merchant now he Is presiden
| Of the Central National Bank, his friends benj
among the best and most reputable Of our success
| full merchants