New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-17
A MAINE CONTROVERSY.
WHO SECURED THE APPOINTMENT OF Mr.. MORRILL,
A DIFFERENCE OF AUTHORITIES.
TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.1

A DIFFERENCE OF AUTHORITIES.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
WASHINGTON, March 16.-An exceedingly inter
estmg controversy is now going on in the Maine
delegation touching the appointment of eXSecretary
Morrill, 10 the Collectorship of Portland The Re-
publicans of Maine like those of almost every other
State have their own little rvalrcs Senator Ham
lin is at the head of what are known as the Eastern
men. and Senator Blaine and Representative Hale
have generally sympathized with him. One of
the most prominent of the other set
is ex Gov. Perham and they have claimed eX-Secre-
tary Morrill, as of their side. The Hamlin party
has recently been III the ascendancy and has carried
the State conventions. Mr. Marble is the United
States Marshal for the State a Hamlin man and an
active working politician. The anti-lIamlin people
saw that Mr. Marble came here about the time OF the
Inauguration for the purpose of being appointed
Collector of Portland, the best Federal office i'll
the State and having, as he thought, obtained the
support of thecntre delegation boosted openly that
his name would be sent to the Senate on the l3th
inst.
This was not at all satisfactory to the ani-llam-
lin men. who were unwilling that their rivals should
gain such an advantage over them. They set about
defeating IT, They knew of no way to accomplish
their object except by asking for the appointment
Of Mr.. Morrill,, the President having pre-
viouslv sent him word that he would give
him any place that he desired. Mr.. Nor
rU was sick, but he indicated his Willingness
TO accept the place. Mr. Frye was then asked to and
in getting Mir. Morrill, appointed. He had already
agreed to support Mr.. Marble as against Mr. wash
burn. the present Collector, but not against Mr..
Morrill,. and he went to the President and made the
reouest that the latter be named. His request was
at once granted. This is the version OF the anti
Uamln men, Mr. Frye has given his III. the follow
ING letter which has been printed:
"REvERE HOUSE, Boston, March u, 1877.
oBp An SIR: Jue WAYS OF tie world are devious ana
someties past finding out. Take this Instance: very
earnestly recommended Mr. morrill, week since IOf the
office of collector, aud then called on senator bnc, anu
he informed u he would do what ne couo 10 give Mr.
Morrill, some other place that Mr. marble was 10 nd'
tiis | then saw MIR. Hale. and he was sorIy
had dome ANYTHING of the kind, because the aeeedton
was for Marble on Sunday last i informed senator
Uamhn of what had done, and he TOLD me maiDie haa
The whole delegation except me and MI Reed; that etd
o ,Id he IN the next day, would support Marble
Tndge of my surprise taking up Boston paper since
and reading: Mr. Morrill, was !sppoined on the rec ON
mendaon of Senator Blaine, Eugene Hale, ana Mr. Reed
Erve had nothing do with IL! Now, IL TINS truet Du
they recommend hint II yes they did so aIer 'ney
kncw the appontment was To be made Please let me
know the inside this, and dgoct your iter 90 ewIs
ton. Very truly yours, WILLIAM 4. fkfE'
On Tuesday Messrs. Blaine, Hamlin. Hale, ana
Reed. the new member from the Portland District