The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-01-15
Gen. Nathan Gotf Appointed Socre-
tary Of the Nayv


WASHINGTON, January 6 The
President, in his appointment of a
Secretary Of the Navy to succeed
Secretary Thompson, has put pohti-
cal prophets to blush. The name of
Nathaniel Goff, of West Virginia.
Was meyer mentioned by those who
sss.esl 4. ]. sfist Ksrae;.
dent's theugists ana movements in
this direction. Though the term of
office OF this cabinet minister under
President Hayes administration will
be snort, the appointment is, never
theless considered as signifirant.pa
tlcularly as it was first believed that
General Garfieid'S wishes would be
considered hy the President in max.
ing the nomination. Mr.. Goff is an
active and prominent Republican of
west Virginia. He was the Repub-
lican candidate against Gov, Mat.
thews in 1878, and ran very close to-
the successful candidate. He was
also for twelve years United States
district attorney for his State. What.
however, gives special significance to
his nomination is that G0ff was one
OF the most pronounced and active
supporters of Senator Blaine's nom
lhatlon, and that it was he who
headed the Blaine delegation from
his state to the National Republican
convention. Immediately after the
Senate went into executive session.
This afternoon Senator Blaine moved
to take up Mr.. GOff's nomination,
and theni asked for its Immediate
co tirmation. NO objection was
made, and Mr.. Goff was declared
unanimously confirmed. The Senas
tors all consider this Blaine ap.
pointment, and knowing the rela-
lIons existing between the Maine
Senator and the appointee. they did
not hesitate to confirm the appoints
ment without debate or reference.
Speaking of the Appointment after
/ the adjournment to-day, pro .ninent
Senator remarked that Sen. Blaine
whatever position he may occupy
after March 4th, will show that he
will not forget what he owes to his
friends who for him bore the brunt
of the contest for the Presidential
nomination. Taken in connection
with the anti Conkling nominations
sent to the Senate by the President
before the Holiday recess, this APP
poIntment of one of the warmest
friends Of the generally conceded fu-
ture Secretary of State is considered
one of the straws hich indicate the
policy Of the next administration
AT any rate the political weather.
cocks are puzzled, Mr.. Golf, was
present at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
conference, attended by Presidents
elect Gar field, previous TO the presi-
dental campaign. The new secretary
was here last week, and it is under
stood advocated the claims of Gen:
Wickham for the place. He enters
upon his duties at the Navy Depart
ment next week.
The appointment is the leading
topic of conversation tonight. 1t
has strengthened the belief that SEN
atOr Blaine will be one of the leading
spirits of the next administration
and there is good authority for such
belief. 1t is stated on the highest
authority that General Goff will hold
this position Under the Garfield ad-
miniStration, and that the appoint
ment was made with the latter's adj
vice. II is known that Senator Blaine
supported General Goff's claim for
the position. Both of the West Vir-
ginia Senators, who are Democrats,
speak in the highest terms of the
new Secretary, and say that his APP
pointment will give great satisfaction
to all classes of people of that State.
Benjamin Wilson, a Democrat, who
defeated Golf for Congress, also speaks
in the highest terms of him, and
adds that no appointment could be
received with greater qualification by
his people. General Golf is about
forty years of age, and served with
distinction in the Union army dur
Ing the late war, retiringa as brigadier'
general.
President Hayes place in history
il erivinor tho nan,,,o,.,+;o al;. 3. L