New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-07
THE COILECTORSHIP.

THE COLLECTORSHIP.
GOSSIP IN AND AROUND THE CUsTOM-HoUsE.
The bomb cast into the CustOm-lOuse camp
six days ago has not yet exploded and the most agra
waiting suspense stll prevails among the hundreds OF
deeply interested officials who seek to them
by arguing that the Senate must certainly and g
ANONYMOUSLY reject the extraordinary and obnoxious
nomination of Thomas Murphy for Collector OF the Port
of NewYork The present Collector is personally very
well liked. and his many appontees Of course desire his
retention in Office, but it is easy 10 see that
the enthusiasm for Grinnell is by no means
so strong the antipathy TO Murphy whose
venomous antFenton has made him many bitter
enemies Grants original distribution Of the NewYork
Custom House offices garded sngularly impartial,
and iudiciousy calculated to harmonic the conlcths
Fenton and Morgan wings Of the party in New-fork.
The leading position given to Mr. Grinne who was
emphaticaly Grant without any decided leaning
toward either Fenton Morgan. The Naval once was
assigned to Gen. Merritt special representative OF
the Fenton interest and the suryeyOrshp was given TO
Mr.. Cornell, a pronounced Morgan man. This equitable
division is completely upset by the new
deal, wherein a virulent anti-Fenton man ~
named for the leading Office, Gen her-
rift is summary dropped, and Mr.. Grinnen, under
the disadvantages of removal TO inferior poston
"a left Fentons only representative. No amount Of
favor shown to the Senator from Chautauqua with refer
to the other NewYOrk appointments can, It ar
ged possibly alter the fact that this change involves
IOss VI power NhlVH 10
disaseful to Fenton and his followers 1t is con-
coded by all, by those most likely 10 suffer from
change that Grant means WELL and is honestly aiming at
once to secure a competent Collector and to benefit
the party far possible. 1t is admitted that he
NAV really think Murphy the best man TO build up the
party this City, but il maintained that he IL most
wofully mistaken in that opinion Concatory measures
are needed above ALL and how it is asked, concia-
ton be expected from who sided with the Demo-
Gratis 10 defeat Fenton, worked most unscrupulousy
against him in the Morgan Senatorial Tight and
went to Chicago purpose TO oppose by FAR means OF
foul his nomination to the VcePresdencyi The friends
OF senator Fenton are numerous ana lhnuehtia esl@-
cally In the interior OF the state and the feel
an exrAssembyman from Cayuga County, who
declared that Grant could not possibly have made
can party than that OF Tom Murphy for Colector II
maintained that the German Republicans Of this city find
ay, and that some OF them even 90 far to regard
MS nomnation as personal aront 70 me Thoie Dernan
that Murphys confirmation would be party misfortune
ma the sd0G Of me leader not to Sh
into" Murphy as he would be supported by the Demo
erats on the ground that his confirmation would neylt-
ably promote discord in the Republican ranks and widen
the party breach already existing. ,,-,o.
the proposed changes is universally regretted. Few
his and it is the general verdict that but few public
men have ever discharged the duties OF IA dihcult
tory tory to ali eoncerned lie accepts tie situation
very calmly and with great good huInor, loosely
head should drop OF Mr.. GfnneIi is equally tranquil
but expectant He declines to say whether he would
that or nothing but those best informed believe that he
would IL is suggested that if the nominations now
fore should through then Gen. Merritt viii
be made Surveyor in place of Mr. Cornell thus partially
restoring the present balance between Fcnton and Nor
gan. This, however, is regarded improbable, mas
much as Mr.. Cornell has lately been honOrod with the
offer of the Assistant Treasurershp and is not likely TO
be suddenly displaced.
Gen. Merritts friends showing around statement
Of the present organization OF his office, compared with
what il when he assumed his present duties. At
that time he found in Office and has since retained II Rad
Conservatives. he has apUOiutp1 Office
Radical and 7 Conservative Republicans, SO that
the present organization Of his Office is 81
Radical and % Conservative Republicans, includ-
ing among the latter an adopted son Of
Thurlow Weeds. Mcrritt's friends say that this
distribution his patronage has been fair and impair
tial between all wings and factions OF the Republican
party TO preclude the possibility Of assailng him
the ground that he is a Fenton anti-Morgan
man. anti-Conkling man, anything but a Repuh-
lican pure and simple
THURLOw WEED OUT FOR MURPHY.
To the Editor Of The Commercial AdrertSer.
Since my constrained retirement from The
Commercial Advertiser, more tran two years ago, you
know how entirely have ahStalned from business and
politics-ayoiine under strict medical mjunctious, as
Although never nsensbe to the welfare Of my country.
the interests OF my friends, seriously impaired health
prevents my doing anything for either.
gratited with Dir. Grinnells appointment Col
lector II seemed suitable reward for long political
NSf was awaTS Of sGcen REASON for
But the statement in morning p9per that have long
ces against him. IL an utter msapprehenson. have
known Thomas Murphy from his boyhOod. He has
grown up TN aud with my regard, friendship, and conf
aeuCe Though not, In my Judgment in all respects
adapted 10 the Office of Collector ne has good sense,
large business experience. and integrity and he would,
have no doubt. call 20 his aid who would enable
him Discharge the duties OF Collector credahly tn
himself, satisfactorily 10 merchants and usciuy to
the Government. 7. W.
JOHN NJ. FRANCIS THINKS GRINNELL CANNOT
ACCEPT THE NAVAL OFFICE.
From The Troy Times.
II Mr.. Grinnell is past the prime of life, il is
believed he possesses pride OF character and clyario
feelings OF selfrespec And these would lead him to
promptly reject the nomination Of Naval Officer 10 i'm
plies Judgment OF him that an hOnored gentleman OK
the old school cannot with proprety submit 10. We trust
that, for his good name, and in Nndcaton OF his
record for integrity he will promptly decline the ENecu
tive pToter of the Naval Office, Mr. Cornell did that Of
the Assistant Treasury shp Of New-Iork. But, again.
why should Mr.. Merritt be removed No doubts his
capacity. No one more competent ever held tho
office His superior executive abilities are Cou-
coded lie has discharged his Official duties faithfully.
The Government has largely profted from his service.
His integrity cannot be questioned lie is devoted,
jealous and influential Republican. He served hs
country faithfully during the lie discharged tho
difficult and at the time auuous and responsible
duties Of Quartcrmaser General of this during the
last years the war; and In the closing up OF accounts
with his depart ncnt, amounting to millions OF dollars
his record clear and pure. and patriotic He served
with credit IN the Constitutional COnN cuti0n ~ TINS Stlio
I'm l6lS ana In that hOy lc exhibited good lud,uent,
hm integrity ana earnest devotion to Tie tau't o 'pu-