Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-02-09
The Norfolk (Va.) Post Office.
HOUSE, OF REPRESENTATIVES. February 5. 1882

To the Edition. Of the National Republican:
AS you have deemed it proper to make the above
heading subject for leading editorial, in which
you take occasion to criticiSe me, may be per-
mitted space for reply?
cannot and do not believe that you would will
1ngly misrepresent facts, or Intentionally do me
an injustice. yet there are many statements In
your editorial which does both
Henry B. Nichols the gentleman whom have
endorsed for postmaster at Norfolk, was a captain
in the 18th Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and
served with honor throughout the entire war, hav-
ing been wounded in BATTLE and was honorably
discharged at the close Of the war. He settled in
the city Of Norfolk and engaged in mercantile
pursuits. He WAS first appointed postmaster by
Gen. Grant In 1869, and was reappOfnted by Grant
in 1873, and by Hayes in 1877. His record as post
OF any postmaster In the country.
He has been recognized leader 1D the Republi-
can party of Virginia ever since its first organiz
trying days of reconstruction; always c0ntribut-
Ing literally to the support OF the party, both in
national, state, district and municipal contests,
the records Of the various committees will show
He Is COOL capable and competent political ad-
wiser, and was for many years chairman OF the
district republican committee In the campaign
OF 1880. which resulted In the defeat of John GOOde
and my election, his advice and services were in
valuable.
In 1879, in the state election, Capt Nichols was
warm advocate OF Mahone'S policy. and in the
contest in the legislature, which resulted in the
election OF Gen. Malone to the United States Sen
ate, he went to Richmond and advocated the elec-
ton of Gen. Malone, when others, who are nO,r
shouting loudest for the Malone movement and
opposing Nichols, were then doing everything they
co uld to compass his (MahoneS) defeat.
In the last state canvass Capt. Nichols was an
earnest supporter of the Malone movement, and
by his advice and work contributed largely to its
success in the second district.
Although northern man and republican, and
a consistent and active one, he has by his strict
integrity and honorable conduct public officer
and a gentleman commended himself to the conf
dence and esteem OF the whole community.
Capt. Nichols is indorsed by ali the local republi-
can ORGANIZATIONS; by the Grand Army OF the Re
public; by Hon; Ro; "; Hughes, judge of the q. s.
republican member OF Congress from his district.
Although his commission expired November 8, 1881,
to him. II Mr.. Rue is Senator Mahone's Candidate
he has as yet filed nothing to indicate it, and
shall not, therefore, say anything now regard
You say ''that Mr. Dezendorf's claim to the ap-
pointment of MI Nichols has been so strongly
OF his course and rebuke to the successful coali-
ton to which he was opposed" How it be
rebuke to successful coalition to appoint to Office
It 81 Snail II be said no
| who favored the Malone movement, and no read
uster per Sc, shall be appointed to office If he hap
pens to be my .frfe7tdf Is that the way to build
up a liberal pdrtyf
Regarding my standing as republican, point
organization of the party in 1856. While did not
join the coalition in Virginia, supported every
republican candidate in my district FOR the gene.
raj assembly. did not support the gubernatOrfal
ticket, 1t was In no sense republican ticket,
and had perfect right to decline to support 1t.
Ny reasons for declining were made public at the
time and were then, and are now, perfectly satis-
factory to my conscience. Whenever a republican
ticket has been in the field l have always been
No man living ever heard me advocate, directly
or indirectly, the election Of democrat to any
You ask, ''Would it be well for the republican
party to order new friends out of the house and
ask you If it is well to order out the old members
and let the new converts take charge Of the
You ask, "should the administration be. asked to
apologize for being found in Senator MahoneS
company and to surrender the grand victory of
November November lastinto the hands OF those who were
ask you If the administration should be asked
to sacrifice the old leaders Of the republican party
In virginia? Would not the results OF the "grand
victory be more lasting II more liberal spirit was
shown by those who claim to be tne liberal pa,ty
age the evident purpose, on the part Of the Ma
% hone a party, art & TO slaughter politically every man
Should the administration apologize to Senator
Malone because it sees fit to stand by those re-
pubitcans who have always been true to the
You say, s'6ur nation cannot longer be saved
from bourbon restoration by any narrow, hide
w elose quite
bound, close communion policy never existed In
the palmiest days Of the old bourbon party OF yir
liberal party toward those who disagreed with
them in the Late campaign.
II 1Ou say but II IN Jest case (tne c0antlon ID
Representative in Congress who has been un-
friendly to It, It would .be broken up and bourbon
not that seem rather weak even to your prejudiced
mindf Is this coalition In Virginia such ,ceak
bdnfltng, that the appointment OF a postmaster,
who is now and always has been its friend, would
break it up7 II SO, don't you think the coalition
should be rea6f1sted on stronger basis?
No, Mr. Editor, understand this whole busl-
ness. This is not hight against Captain Nichols,
but against me. For eighteen years In Virginia
have battled against the combined democracy OF
Virginia, including Gen. Malone and his friends,
who, until recently were the most bitter among
our opponents In the state. After long struggle
the democracy, by the most persistent efYorts and
the never ceaStng devotion and zeal OF the republi
cans OF my district, black and white, aided by
Goode was defeated, and the district was re-
deemed. In that canvass readjuster. Nr. Lacy,
his friends TO secure his election: 0nd1ng that %
ee impossible his friends kent him IN The fleld IN