The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-01-13
Secretary Of the Navy.

The President, on the 9th. sent to the Sen
ate the nomination Of Gen. Nathan Golf,
of West Va. as Secretary of the Navy in place
Hon. r. W. Thompson, resigned. The nomi-
nation was at once taken up in Executive
Session. and unanimously confirmed, without
the usual formality of reference to committee.
Gen. Golf is q son Of Hon. Waldo P. Golf, of
Clarkesburg, w. Va, at one time member OF
the State Senate of Virginia, before the divis-
ion of the State, and a gentleman of fine bust
ness capacity and considerable wealth.. Gen.
Golf is one of the most pleasant and entertain
ing of gentlemen, in social intercourse, an able
and eloquent speaker, tried republican, firm,
unwavering in his convictions, and without a
blemish upon bis personal character. The
Washington correspondent of Philadelphia
Press has the following reference to the ap-
pointment and reflections growing out of it
General Golf was born in Virginia and is a
member of one of the old families of the State.
He is lawyer by profession: During the war
he commanded the 3rd Virginia Union Volun-
teers and served in the army with President
Hayes. Twelve years ago he was appointed
United States District Attorney for the Dis
trio. of West Virginia, and he has since filled
the position with great ability and success.
Senator Davis says that General Golf is the
most popular republican in West Virginia,
and his political career as a member of the
minority party in the State certainly jusiifes
the encomium. Six years ago. as the candidate
of the republicans of the First Congressional
District, he came within about one hundred
votes of defeating Benjamin Wilson, the
Democratic n at from hot
district, whose last majority was in the neigh
borhood of 3400 votes. He is yet young
man. being only AZ years of age. He does mol
look to be over IS. His face is as smooth as a
boys. His manners are very pleasant and
polished. He is very fond of good story and
can tell one even as well as ex-Secretary
Thompson. He is a fine speaker. All who
heard him deliver the Grafton at Arlington
three or four years ago will subscribe to this.
General COTS nomination derives its chief
interest from the statement that he is likely to
be continued at the head of the Navy Depart
ment by the next administration. So far as
can be learned there is no real evidence to
justify this supposition. The fact that Senator
Blaine is friend of General Golf, and it is
said urged his appointment, gives credence to
the report that General Garfield has promised
to continue him in Office. 1t is argued that no
sensible man would resign the position OF
United States District Attorney and its salary
to become Secretary ofthe Navy for six weeks
This reasoning would be satisfactory if it were
not known that the President has promised
to appoint no successor to the vacant district
attoraeyship. This leaves the office open to
General Golf in case there is no other demand
for his services by General Garfield 1t is
now quite generally understood by intelligent
republicans that General Garfield is not en-
gagged in suggesting appointments for the
present administration. The Erening Star to-
night prints the following:
Star reporter learned to-day from a gen
tleman prominent in public life and influential
in securing the nomination of Genera, Golf,
that the understanding is that he will con-
tinue to hold the Secretaryship of the Navy
under General Garfield; that the appointment
was made with Mr.. Garield's sanction; that
while Mr.. Campbell was prominently urged
for a Cabinet position, the statement that he
would get it because of his relation to the es-
Enlistment Of the Christian "Campbelite"
Church reacted against hims it being con
cluded in high circles that if Campbell were
appointed the impression that it was due to
church influence could never be eradicated
West Virginia having made favorable show
ing for Cabinet position, 1t was decided to
appoint General Golf as Secretary of the Navy
and re-appoint him under the incoming admin
istratiOn
The members of the West Virginia Republi-
can Association called in a body upon General
Goh at the National Hotel this evening and
paid their respects. The Association was
headed by Major Gaines, the vice President
and Captain E. w. s. Moore made the intro
duction. Afterward General Cot called at
the White House. The nomination in the ex-
ecutive session Of the Senate was Immediately
confirmed without the usual reference to a
committee