Beard,
who had made an admirable Collector, and who was supported
by a large majority of the best men of Boston. It was believed
that this appointment had been made in exchange for assurances
of General Butler's support in the approaching election.
Worthington made a poor Collector, and, at the State election
after his appointment, voted for Butler against the candidate
of the Republican Party. But for the indignation caused by
this appointment, I think the delegation from Massachusetts,
with three exceptions, would have supported Mr. Arthur for
reelection. There would have been no movement for Mr. Edmunds,
and but for that movement Mr. Arthur would have received
the Republican nomination. Upon the final ballot the vote
of Massachusetts was seven for Arthur, three for Blaine and
eighteen for Edmunds.
A somewhat interesting incident occurred which shows the depth
of a feeling, which I think was largely a prejudice, which
is still manifesting itself as a disturbing element in American
politics. There was a great desire on the part of those who
were opposed to both Arthur and Blaine, to find a candidate
upon whom they could unite, of such popularity and national
distinction as to make it impossible for the managers for
these candidates to hold their forces together.
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