, 1874-02-28


The confirmation OF Summons as Collector OF
the Port of Boston, which was achieved yester-
day BY = vote Of 27 against IT, has broader
significance than as mero settlement Of local
squabble in the Republican pArty Of Massachu-
sctts. The case had grown out Of the garments
With which the Administration thought to c1otho
it. 1t had become Of national Importance as
an incident in the process Of disintegra-
tion which the Republican party is now under
going. The appointment, al things considered,
was one Of peculiar atrocity, since it involved
the removal Of competent and worthy mau to
make room for one Of Gen. Buffers retainers.
The effect Of such change will be felt by Mas
sachusetts alone, and more especially by the
Boston merchants; but the spirit which sug-
gested it, and the SUCCESS that has awaited
it, are OF national concern. simmons'
confirmation shows where the real strength Of
the Republican party lies It is with Grant
and Butler, and the people they represent, and
it ia fighting reform with the stubbornneBs Of
desperation. The most respectable Republican
newspapers Of Massachusetts protested against
the confirmation. The most prominent business
men Of Boston sent special committee
to Washington to labor With the Prcsi-
dent and to resist the confirmation,
The Massachusetts Congressman who dared
defy the party lash demonstrated. And,
finally, it appears that not only Mr. Sumner, but
the cool and calculating Boutwell,, oppoaed the
confirmation before the vote was taken. That
Simmons was confirmed in spite OF all tlis op-
position, is pretty conclusive evidence that the
Butler theory Of politics is al that is left to the
Republican party, and that it will prevail from
now on as long Us the party prevails.
We expect the Republican newspapers which
dread tho result but dare not rebel
to answer that Simmons secured his
confirmation with the aid Of Democratic votes.
Such an answer will be new confession. Tho
ruling remnants Of the Republican party find
1eady corporation in the inefficient relics of tho
Democratic party. This is the source whence
they drew their strength in tho last national
contest. Such corporation is not new. It was
present in tho Credit Nobilier frauds, in the
eale,y-gTab, in the Fort Smelling swindle
It will be found from now on whcz-
ever there is job, q STEAL or q
national disgrace. It has confirmed Simmons,
and thereby confirmed once again the hopeless
decay Of the party that elected Lincoln and
achieved emancipation. Traditions cannot out
live such dissertations a. these. Tho pure-rnind~
ed but wrong headed members Of the party who
still cling TO it are beginning to recall that Grant
aud Butler we're original Democrats This ia
nos the truo explanation of the trouble. Both
the old parties have outliyed their usefulness,
aud they have met on the common ground OF |
intrigue and corruption, having no other field to
work. II is possible that Mr. Simmons. as Col |
Lector Of Boston, will help Gen. Butler forward |
10 the Gorernornhip OF Massachusetts, which !
9as the purpose Of his nomination, but he is |
more likely to help the Republican party on to
is. ruin. We had in bis appointment another
official expression Of the Administration notion
II C1yil-Se1yice Reform; aud now We have in |
,is confirmation the proof that the sentiment OF
he Administration is the sentiment Of the Re- ]
publican party.