The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-19
BOSTON COLLECTORSHIP.

the Butler Party
BOSTON, Feb. IS, 1874.
The Boston collectorshp still continues to be
the chief topic Of conversation here, and the In.
terest seems to be nearly absorbing in social
In business circles. Both the friends and Oppo-
nents OF Mr. Simmons, the new nominee, are work.
ing with zeal and industry not unlike those char
acteristic OF close and bitter political campaign
AS before intimated, the struggle is between the
Butler and antiButler wings Of the party, the
democratic influence and sympathy, of course,
being thrown In favor OF simmons and Butler.
The Beacon Hill element comprises the chief
opposition thus far against the nominee; but that
opposition is OF a magnitude not to be despised.
What they require is heightened graduate of Har-
ward, and as Mr.. Simmons does not answer the re.
quirements and being a native and resident OF the
North End BESIDES his lack of qualifications is par
ticuarly conspicuous in their eyes. Such news
papers as opposed Butler oppose Simmons and
they are filed this evening with denunciauons of
the appointment The Herald declares the nomi-
nation to be the worst blunder the President ever
made and the Journals criticisms OF the Execu-
tive are equally bitter
The opposition element attempted to lead OF IN
public demonstration of indignation this after
noon, under the auspices OF the Board of Trade
In point OF numbers and enthusiasm the gather
lug was a failure. Less than dozen were present
altogether, including such men as J. NJ Forbes,
cussing the question in an informal man
ner the opinion was IN favor of hav-
ton as the best means to keep Simmons
out OF the place. Collector Russell was therefore
requested to attend the meeting and, after his ar
rival, the sentiment OF the meeting was made EVIL
dent TO HIM by many complimentary illusions to
his past services, and an earnest request was made
that ne should withdraw his resignation and con-
tlnue IN the Office 1t was stipulated, however,
tnat Collector Russell was to desert Butler, and in
return for such new departure he was to receive
Judge, after considering the matter for a moment,
concluded TO leave the Butler ranks and hereafter
become faithful follower and worker on the other
side. He then teegraphed the President the with.
drawal of his resignation, and Mr.. Rice also sent
the following despatch to the President and the
Massachusetts congressman.
At informal meeting of mercha hts and members of
Hon Thomas Russell be Requested to Withdraw 6 res
gnahon as Collector OF the Fort of Boston and that the
earnestly requested to in such withdrawai We
authorized to state that Collector Russell accedes
xhGXANDER av RICE, Chairman of the Meeting
Committee OF the Board OF Trade.
A petition Is also In circulation throughout the
different sections OF the city, and Is receiving q
few signatures requesting the President to con-
tinue Collector Russell in his position. Teegram5
to the same effect have also been numerously for.
warded to the Congressman asking them to do all
IN their power to defeat the nomination OF Mr..
Simmons. On the other hand, the friends of the
peror qualifications for the place they assert with
out fear OF contradiction, aud telegrams have gone
President to "stand firm" The members OF the
Legislature are arrayed almost unanimously on
the simmons side-a fact somewhat sig
nificant OF the effect OF Buffers peregrinations
around the State last fall. On the public surface
the feeling seems TO be decidedly in favor of Sim
mons, and 1t is not unlikely that the action Of
Judge Russell this afternoon will improve rather
than injure the chances OF the young candidate.
His friends look upon this opposition movement
as too insignificant to demand a counter demon
straton, but 1t Is not impossible, as there may be
one Of some sort. Mr.. Simmons is in washington
himself. and 1t is telegraphed from there tnat he
has urged everybody to Keep cool and challenged a
full investigation into his personal character and
business qualifications.
The question has been an exciting one this even
ing. Hotels, theatres and all other places OF pub
lie resort have been for the moment transferred
into Custom House debating society. Anticipat.
ing that the Senate may act tomorrow on the
nomination., The friends OF Mr.. simmons
have rallied In large and influential num-
-<bers, and kilograms and petitions IA
yoring the confirmation of the Presidents
nomination continued to be sent over the wires
No local political matter mas ever attracted so
much attention in Boston, and pcne was ever
fought more fercely. AT this writing the chances
are decidedly in favor OF the combination OF Mr..
Simmons nomination. His supporters are found
among the active and young business men OF the
period, and the opposition comes from the venera-
Bile survivors OF the old school. In the meantime
Bostonians await the consequences with consider
able interest.