Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-01-06
The New Secretary OF the Navy.

GEN. GoFF, OF WEST VIRGINIA, NOMINATED.
The President to-day sent the nomination Of
Secretary Thompsons successor as the head OF
the Navy department 10 the senate. The
Iominee, Nathan Gof, Is at present U. S. dis
trct attorney for West Virginia He was first
appointed TO that position by General Grant In
May, 1872, and was reappointed by President
Hayes lit May, 1877. He is better known as
General Goff. He was Union soldier during
the war. He was good officer and achieved
President Hayes in West Virginia and Virginia.
he has been one OF the most successful In the
whole list OF district attorneys He is yet
He does Lot look 70 be over IS. HIs face ' is as
smooth as boys His manners are very pleas
ant and polished. He Is very fond Of good
story, and can tell one even as Well as ex-Secre-
tary Thompson. He is one of the most popular
men In West Virginia, and IS fine speaker all
who heard him deliver the grafton at Arlington
three or four years ago will subscribe to This.
His oTatiOD possessed also the extraordinary
merit OF brevity. Gen. Gof was born In Vir-
giDia-
The nomination caused general surprise
when 1t reached the Senate, except to the few
who were in the secret OF the Presidents pur-
pose to make 1t. When the nomination ar
rived, Gen: Gon was az the Capitol. occupying
seat III the room Of the Senate committee on
appropriations. He was colonel of the Sd Vir-
ginia regiment in the union army and rose to
the rank OF brigadier-generaL. Six years ago
he was the republican candidate for Congress
and he got so many democratic votes that he
came Eear being elected. FoUryears ago he ran
for governor and was beaten by Matthews,
democrat. Gen. GOn Is q very popular man
throughout the state, and In every race he ever
made for Office. he received a good many demo-
cratic votes Senator Davis says Gen. Goff Is
very able and very popular man. and that
he Will make an excellent head of the Navy
department. While Gen. Goff's friends do not
say so, there is no doubt that he expects or
hopes to continue at the head OF the Navy de-
Dartment under President GARFIELD, and il Is
tntimated that his chances are good.
GEN. GOFF TO HOLD THE POSITION UNDER GEN.
GARFIELD.
A STAR reporter learned to- day from gentle
man prominent in public lfe and who has been
influential la securing the nomination of Gen.
GOff, that the understanding is he will continue
10 hold the Secretaryshtp OF the Navy under
Gen. Garfield; that the appointment was made
with Gen. GarfieldS sanction; that while Mr.
Campbell was prominently urged for Cabinet
position, the statement that he would get IL
because OF his relation to the establishment of
the Christian (Campbellite) Church reacted
against him. it being concluded in high
circles that IL Campbell were appointed the I'm
preston that 1t was due to church influence
co0id never be eradlcated. West Virginia hav-
Ing made favorable showing for a Cabinet
position IL was decided to appoint Gen GOff as
Secretary OF the Navy. and reappoint him un-
DER Inc incoming administration. Another
point In favor OF Gen. GOff's holding over under
Gen Garfield, is that he resigns position u.
8. district attorney which pays him S12 OHO a
year, AID that he would not surrender this for
seat In the Cabinet for two months. Both
the West Virginia Senators say Gen. Goff Will
be confirmed Jc day without single objection
HDNa,