The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-04
THE NEW COLLECTOR OF BOSTON.

What He Knows Concerning His Con.
hrmation-Is II . Crime To Re Born
PoOr9
Between six and seven O'Clock yesterday morn
ing the train from Washington arrived only little
late, which Is o rare occurrence. Among its many
passengers was Mr.. William A. simmons, the newly
confirmed Collector OF the Port OF Boston. Mr.
Simmons was taken to the Westminster HOTEL
where shortly after breakfast HERALD reporter
called upon him.
Mr.. simmons professed himself only too happy
to give any information concerning his difficult
and ultimately victorious campaign. He of course
gave full credit to the energy and courage of
General Butler in fighting his BATTLE and Of Pres-
dent Grant he cannot find terms sufficiently glow
ing to sound his praises for turning deaf ear to
the opportunities Of his tSimmonsD opponents.
''What caused the fierce opposition made to your
nomination by your opponentss'' queried the re-
porter; to which Mr. Simmons replied :--"You see,
In our town, we have . class OF people who are
proud OF belonging to the classic precincts known
as Beacon Hill. They are mostly all highly re-
spectacle folks, but aristocratic and purse proud.
! had the misfortune OF having awakened 20
as the North End. pp For years our promi,
nent officers hailed from the first families, and,
pute the claim until now NV opportunity was
not OF my seeSlng. Ny friends had an idea that
was competent TO NIL the place made vacant by
yuags husseils resignation, and was nominated.
Since found That my friends were earnest In che
matter went to Washington, took a hand in the
hght, and the result is known. Il was q tough
batte put, as an Old soldier who never saw de-
feat on the held, fought against odds and won.,
hEfoRTEREMr. Collector, can readily see the
motive OF the opposition OF Senator Sumner to
your continuation, but why did Senator Boutwell,
come out against your "a
Mr.. SlAMONS-Well, to tell you the truth, Mr..
bOutwel nad too much pressure brought upon HIM
rom the Beacon Hill" side to resist. We had
always been good friends, and never had the
sngntest MISUNDERSTANDING with him.
KEPoRTER-The opposition OF the Boston mer-
cuants, DOw 90 you account for that2
MI SihAONs-AlmOst Tor the same causes. My
case formed good ground for q sensation ana,
having nothing better TO talk about, they made
the most OF that. You will find that they win not
oner mucn opposition to my administration, and
tne merchants doing business with the Custom
house VIII thnk no more about the matter in .
lew Gays IMAM n no new Collector had been ap-
p oeu a., intend TO do my duty, and shall do 1t
u99er an circumstances, TO the best OF my ability.
Mr. simmons continued in this strain for some
Time, ana during his entire conversation he ex-
pressed MS great gratitude TO President Grant,
SeneIai Butler ana those friends who assisted
him IN his struggle. The new Collector looks well,
and was decidedly the lion OF the day. He
c c upon General Arthur, at the custom
house, wnere he was greeted by General Sharpe,
surveyor; Mr.. Lafiin, Naval Ofrcer, and Mr..
Lydecker, special Deputy Collector. He likewise
During the day he received q number OF invita-
tons to dine In the evening among them one from
the Union League CLUB.
Mr.. simmons Will remain In New York probably
ts,y Only, and then leave for Boston. over
twenty OF the wealthiest citizens OF Boston have
offered TO Justify his bonds This Is not bad for
'the poor ooy OF the North End"