National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-02-07
The Norfolk va.) post-omcc

MASONIC TENrtE-washngton Light Guard Fair. |
The Norfolk Nn.) Post-Ohicc.
There is a aconsidcrablee effort beingmade
to enlist the symputhics, feelings, and
interests Of members of the House of
Representatives in the matter of the APP
pointmcnt of q postmaster for the city of
Norfolk. The incumbent, Mr.. Nichols,
who has held the office for some fourteen
years, applies for reappointment, and is
indorsed by the member from the Nor
folk District
Opposed to him is Mr.. Rue, most
worthy man, reliable Republican,
and ut present member of the
State Senate. He is indorscd by every
Republican senator and delegate in the
Virginia Legislature from the Congress
sional District which Mr.. Dczcndorf
represents, by the judge and mayor at
Norfolk, by the Republican County Com
mittce, by the Republican State Central
Committee, and by Senator Malone and
Senator-elect Riddlebcrger.
General Malone says the contest is of
no consequence so far rs the individual
interests Of the candidates are concerned,
but it is of vital Importance in political
point Of view, because the claim of Mr..
Dezcndorr to the appointment of Mr.,
Nichols has been urged so strongly that
to Conccdc it would be an Endorsement
o. hit course and rebukc to the success
ful coalition to which he was opposed. Mr..
DcZcndorf Is said to claim that he is, by
usage, entitled to the appointment of .
postmaster for the place Of his residence
But his opponents say he does not reside
in the city Of Norfolk. lie claims 60 be
in good standing in the Republican party
His opponents say he fought the Coali-
ton, and thereby aided the Bourbons,
and that if he could have had his way
the BourbOns would have carried the
Legislature and elected their United
States Senator BY this they say he for
feited his claim to be regarded as Il good
political adviser in Virginia.
Now, all this makes much confusion,
and requires few words Of general cX-
planation, We disclaim any personal
hostility TO Mr.. Dezcndorf We regret
what we regarded at the timo, and still
do, as the unwisdom of his course. Under
any ordinary circumstances il might be
easier to ignore it, But as matters stand
it would seem that he cannot be given
his way in this affair without rcpudiat-
ing the great body of the Republicans
and anti-Bourbon Democrats who
defeated him and his friends.
Would il be well for the Re-
publican party to order new friends
ont of the house and shut the doors
against them? Should the Administa.
ton be asked to apologize for being
found in General Mahoncs company and
10 surrender the grand victory Of Novcm-
Der into the hands of those who were
defeated? The usagcs among Senators
and Representatives. Of the same party is
for the former to defer greatly to the
wishes of the latter in their Districts, but
no one will seriously claim that when
there is fundamental political conflict
the Administration should be asked to
disregard the advice of friendly Senators
10 crafty members against whose efforts
the party of the Administration has tr-
unphed.
The name of Mr.. Nichols was sent in
last Friday week by a clerical mistake.
On the following Tuesday the mistake
was corrected by the Withdrawal Of the
nomination by the President. The sub.
icct of appointment is NOW 10 be decided.
The appointing power is in possession of
all the facts, and to its decision all must
kindly submit. THE REPUBLICAN never
volunteers any opinion ~ TO who ought
TO be appointed to office, But il has too
much anxiety for the success Of the grand
Liberal movement so trimmphantly COM
menccd in. Virginia 10 be silent rs be.
tween the friends and the opponents OF
that cause.
Our Nation cannot longer Inc saved from
Bourbon restoration by any narrow
hide-bourd, clcse.communion policy Il
the enemies Of progress at the South in
sist upon seventeen years more Of that
straight Republicanism which mean,
only the Federal Offices in exchange foi
national delegates and no serious effort,
10 carry elections outside of four or five
congressional districts, and if the Nortl
does not give them strong rebuff and il,
earnest support 10 the more unsclhsl
Republicans and the Independents, thcr
we may well despair Of the requisite
number Of electoral votes in 1851 and
may also expect 10 lose the next House
Of Representatives And right on thi'
point let it be understood that i
the coalition in Virginia is sustained
it will this year elect not less than sever
members of Congress. But If in tes
case it should be put under the foot Of ,
single Representative in Congress whc
has been uniriendly TO it, il would BE-
broken up and Bourbon success would be
insured. In such a case no man can fore
Isll when. If ever again, any attempt