New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-02-27
THE BOSTON CoLLECToRsHlP.

sIhMONss NOMINATION VIRTUALLY REJECTED BY
THE sENATE-REPREsENTAT MADE TO THE
PRESIDENT BY THE MASSACHUSETTS DELEGA-
TION-THREE NAMES FOR THE NOMINATION -
COMMENDED.
lBr TELEGRAPH TO TIRE TRIp>rfl
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2G.-SimmOns, or more strictly
speaking Butler was virtually rejected by the Sen
ate this afternoon The Committee reported against
him having previously Endorsed Senator BoutwelPs
adverse report. Mr.. Sumner united with Mr.. Bout
well in opposing confirmation after some time occu-
pied by a few administration Senators who did not
desire TO act until it was more fully understood what
the President intended to do in response to late
representations made to him by the Boston
delegation, and members Of the House, and some
advocacy of Simmons from Butler sources, vote
was taken resulting in 20 against Mr.. Simmons and
only Is for him. This lacked two of being quorum,
and though there were three more ADMINISTRATION
Senators present they declined TO vote, and adjourn
ment became necessary, thus leaving the matter
still pending though by common consent virtually
settled so far as Simmons is concerned. Had the
three present voted the matter would have resulted
i'll rejection.
The fact that the nomination was taken up was
owing chiefly to Mr.. Buffers urging action, and If
a short delay had occurred intimations would prob
ably have been received from the White House that
delay of a day would be desirable. In that case
il is regarded as certain that Simmonss nomination
would have been withdrawn aud one of the three
names proposed by the seven members Of the dele
cation in the House have been sent in. The events
Of the day preceding the Executive session az
follows:
Messrs Pierce and +. r. Hoar went to Mr.. Butler
az soon as the House met, and requested
him to sign a letter presenting the names
I n.
course refused TO sign. Mr.. Pierce then started
with the letter to offer Senator Boutwell, chance
TO unite with the members Of the House who had
signed it, Mr. Pierce also gave Senator Boutwell, u
letter setting forth at length his view Of the stua
ton and of the circumstances attending the nom-
nation This letter and that signed by the majority
of the House delegation have been given to the AS
ISOLATED Press.
After showing the letter recommending the three
names TO Senator Boutwell,, Judge Hoar and Mr..
Pierce went direct TO the President and laid it be-
fore him as an answer to one Of the things he de-
sired 10 have the delegation do. Mr. Forbes accom-
panied these gentlemen and read to the President
carefully prepared statement embodying the views
Of the delegation in regard to the manner in which
tho nomination bad been obtained; its effect upon
the real friends of the Administration IN hassachu-
sets and the unfortunate influence confirmation
would probably have in weakening the RepuDDcan
party in the State. The President listened intently
to the document, and by bis conversation evinced
an earnest desired TO learn what the best class Of
Republicans IN the State irrespective Of all factions
really thought Of the pending contest. He said he
would at once send for Messrs. Butler and Hooper,
and give them his views Of what they ought TO do.
When the delegation left the White House IL WAS
not expected that the Senate would take the matter
up but before any ntimatOns Of the change in tha
situation had reached the Senate the matter had
advanced as far as indicated above.
BOTH PARTIES HoPEFUL-RBPREsESrATIvn pIRRcy,s
LETTER TO SENATOR BOUTWELL, AND THE LETTER
OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE PRESIDENT.
fGEEERAL PRESS DIsPArCHl
WASHINGTON, Feb 26.-The Senate to-day in Ex
ecutive session debated for an hour aDda-haf the
nomination of Simmons to be Collector Of Boston
On the question being taken the Senate found Itself
without a quorum, and the subject went over unit
the next Executive session. The vote is represented
ss Is in favor and 20 against. 1t is claimed by Sim
mOns's friends that this is not indicative Of
the result. half the Senators beiDl
absent Both the friends and Oppo
nents Of Simmons at work to-day and tonight
on this subject Some Of the latter say that Mr.
Forbes to-day made written report in behalf OF
himself and others TO the President against the
nomination Of Simmons, and that the President re
phed that he would take II into consideration and
ADVISE with Gen. Butler and Mr.. Hooper The Op-
eonsaas u simmons are hopeful thai tie noyulnatiOl