The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1911-12-15
new NEWS OF YESTERDAY
Federal Official Who Won Pro.
motion by Assault.
s%torekeeper In New York Custom
Houee Resented Abuse Of General
Grant, to the Delight Of Col.
iector Tom Murphy.
BY e. J. EDWARDS.

lector Tom Murphy.
BY e. J.. EDWARDS.
Tom Murphy is at this day almost
forgotten. But forty years ago bel
was one of the closest of the friends
of President Grant, the intimate friend
of General Chester A. Arthur, the col
hector of customs at the port OF New!
York, and influential as a Republican
leader. Murphy had gained a fortune
as a manufacturer of hats. He was al
jolly. witty, very generous lrish-Amer-
lean, quaint in some of his ways and
characterized by an intense affection
and admiration for General Grant.
General Grant took a great liking
for Murphy the first time he met him.
He was fond of hearing Murphy talk:l
he was greatly amused with Muir
phys stories and keenly relished the;
wit of this good natured, warm-souledI
Irish-American. 1t was an act OF pure
friendship and nothing else which led
President Grant to appoint Tom Muir
ply collector of customs at the port
of New York. Murphy had, however,
gained so many friends among the
Republican leaders of that time. bel
ing especially friendly with Senator
Conkling and General Arthur, that his
appointment, although not recommends
led by any politician, was warmly APP
proved by the leaders.
At the time Murphy became col
hector of the port, the storekeeper I'M
the New York custom house service
was a man of the name Of George Bar
Iker. He was as ardent an admirer on
President Grant as was Murphy him
self, although he was so quiet In bis
manner, 10 reticent in his speech. that
none outside of his family knew the
extent of his admiration and the depth
of his affection for President Grant.
One day Mr.. Barker entered the Of
flee of one of the subordinates under
Collector Murphy. the officer who was
in Immediately authority over that de-
partment of the custom house In which
Mr.. Barker had been placed. He sais
to hts superior officer:
II have come, sir. to report myself
for a .grievous i%nfraction OF duty"
What was it," the officer asked.
Well, sir" was the reply. you
know that Collector Murphy shortly
after he took Office caused every en-
ploye of the custom house to be in
formed that he expected all of us to
show the utmost courtesy and consid-
Grafton to every citizen who had bust
ness in the custom house. He init
ton of the rules which would cause
him greater %displeasure or result in
the exercise of greater discipline than
a breach Of courtesy or politeness.
Well. sir, l have disobeyed that rule.
I have come to report myself"
How did you break this rule?" Mr..
Barker was asked.
We'll, 1t was in this way: One of
the large importers of New York came
to my room on business and in the
course Of conversation he told me that
General Grant was not a great gen.
eral, but was a great butcher OF men.
told him he'd have to take that
statement back and apologize. He
told me that he would see me damned
first. Then I went around from be-
hind the desk, l hit him twice, 4
knocked him down. and then l kicked
him out Of the Office. l guess l hurt
him badly. I suppose it will cost me
my Office"
We'll. l shall have to take you to
the collector" Mr.. Barker was in
formed. for this is, indeed. a serious
breach of rules"
In q few moments Mr.. Barker stood
before the collector. He told that Of
fetal that he had been remiss in his
duties; that an importer had said
something to him which made him
lose his temper. and that he had
knocked the importer down and kicked
him out Of his office.
why, man. you have committed q
lcrime!" Collector Murphy cried. "YouI
have committed an assault. You are
certain to be arrested and punished
and Of course you cannot expect ia
stay in the custom house."
Yes. that punishment ts justified. 1
know" Mr.. Barker. said. Il should not
have lost my temper"
What did the man say to your
Collector Murphy asked.
HE told me that General Grant was
no general. that he was only q BUTCH
er. | couldn't stand that and so / hit
him"
instantly Tom Murphy a from be-
hind his desk. He embraced Mr.. Bar
ker. He patted him upon; the shoulder
and he said to him: :
Barker. It would have been a crime
II you had not resented an Insult I'd
General Grant. II you had let thar
man talk to you about Grant IN that
way and had not kicked him ont %
the ONCE. I should have discharged
you. l am proud OF you. and the next
time I see President Grant / ann 70;
ing to recommend you for promotion
And Tom Murphy was q good q
his word. for Barker got his promo