New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-07-04
TIE FErD AT BALTIMORE.
THE COMPETITION OVER THE CoILEcloR5HIP BE-
COMING sCANDALoUs-AN EXPLANATION OF TIE
FIGHT.


FIGHT.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBrSE
WASHINGTON. July 3.-The scandalous quarrel Of
tbe MARYLAND politicians over the Baltimore Col
lectorsbip. grows out If an old feud between two
factions of Republicans one headed By ex-Post-
master General Creswe and the other by c. {. Ful-
ton editor Of The american, and by ). X. Thomas
who appears to be his lieutenant. The quarrel has
developed into open and bitter warfare. In The
baltimore sun Of this morning, Mr.. Creswel pub
Lsbed As an advertisement three-coumn attack on
Mr. Fulton, containing several letters from the lat-
ter. written when the two engaged as loving
friends in distributing the Federal offices Of Mary
land to their mutual satisfaction. 1t now remains
ONLY for Mr. Fulton 10 print Mr. CreswelIs private
letters to made the exposure complete.
Nlcssrs. Creswell and Fulton pulled admirably to-
eether a. leaders in The Republican team until the
former entered President Grants Cabinet and began
10 dispense the official patronage of the State with
out sufficient regard for his old associates opinions
A coldness grew I'D between them which, after
time turned into unconcealed hostility. Mr..
Fulton as the editor Of The Republican had a
vigilant eye TO the interests OF the party III
MARYLAND Believing that Mr.. CreswelPs appoint
ments were running It, he began to attack Mr Tres
we'll and having a rich and widely read newspaper
~ his weapon he obtained the better of his antago-
ever Mr. CresweH had his ear and presided over the
division Of spoil. He had Thomas removed from
the Collectorship and Booth put in and the latter
proving of no value to the party and besides nefi-
Gent on account Of bad health, was forced 10 give
nlace about a year ago to Mr.. wilkins. Mr.. Fulton
said that Booth ran the Custom House IN the interest
of Gov Carroll and Gov. Bowie, both Democrats,
and the Archbishop.
truce was patched up in June, 1876 for cam
paiga purposes, which Mr.. Creswell called at the
time "a compact for harmony and victory" MI.
FutoD declined the Guardianship Of the State Com
mlttee because the President entertained ian aver
sion for him. Mr. Thomas took the position. The
Collectorship was given TO Mr. wilkins who was to
be- according to Fulton, mere locam tcnens. to
mold the place until new Administration came III at
Washington. Mr.. Creswell denies that there was
any such understanding. and so does Mr. wilkins
but Mr. Fulton is backed up in his statement by a
number of prominent politicians. AS soon rs Presl-
dent HAYES came into office Mr.. Fulton moved for
the reappontment of Thomas. Mr.. Creswell took
ND arms for his friend wilkins The battle has been
raging at Baltimore and at the White House for
three months and If not settled by the appoint
1uent of Thomas for wilkins declares that
ne will appeal to the Senate % defeat
the confirmation of the man, and renstate him
under the Tenure of Once Act.
Nh Fulton saws that he represents ~, 900 Mary
land Republicans, while Cresweli If at the head of
pettv faction only Mr. Creswell reyerses the
figures. and declares that the party Is at his back,
and that Fulton Is one of a set OF inappeasable
nalipnants." Mr. Fulton asserts that Creswell and
Wilkins acted the part Of disorganizers in the recent
campaign. because of their animoslty towards
Thomas This, in turn. Mr.. Creswel srrenuousy
denies.
President Hayes evidently sides with the Fulton
faction. disappointment Of Gen. 1yleras postmaster
al Baltomore some weeks ago showed that the Cres-
well men had nothing TO hope from him. lie thinks
that Mr. Thomas was unJustiy removed ahd that
the wrong done HIM ought to be righted