The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-07-29
COL. HENRY Deb. CLAY.
Deserved Words Of Compliment from COmrade

Deserved Words OF Compliment from q COmrade.
To THE EDITOR: A complimentary aliusion
by the Hampton VA Monitor to Col. Henry
Deb. Clay Commander, Department of Vir-
ginia, GAR. }, as a candidate for the Republic
can nomination for Congsess from tho Second
(Norfolk) District of Virginia, reminds me that
in a speech during a debate on q pension BILL
Gen. Grosvenor, Member Of Congress from
Ohio, made a telling hit by quoting the address
OF Col. Clay to the late Encampment of the De-
partment Of Virginia GAR, as appears by
the Congressional Record Of about fortnight
ago.
1t appears that quite large number OF ex-
Union soldiers and sailors had been discharged
from the Norfolk Navy Yard and other public
offices in Virginia in open violation of Section
l755, Revised Statutes, and that Col. Clay, in
his capacity as Department Commander of the
Grand Army, visited the President and Secre-
tary OF the Navy, on several occasions, to urge
the restoration TO Office Of these veterans. His
visit 20 the Department in June OF last year
resulted in his removal from Office as Collector
OF Customs at Newport News, before expira-
ton of his term Of Office, and without the
shadow Of a charge Of any kind having been
made against him.
The inference is therefore strong that having
exerted himself so decidedly TO secure the res
toration of the old soldiers and sailors, some of
whom were MANNED and wounded, to Govern
ment employ. the Department considered it
offensive partisanship" and cut off his official
head, not only as a rebuke 70 him for his zeal,
but 10 the Grand Army Of the Republic as an
organization, and to ex-Union soldiers gener-
ally. To speak plainly, Col. Clay was made an
example of
i have known him for years He was
/ gallant soldier in the Regular Army, having
\ been, possibly, the youngest Captain in it. He
was appointed May II, l56l, when only Is years
Of age, and was badly wounded at the battle of
the Wilderness. He resigned from the army
| in 1870. He will be remembered as Colonel Of
| the Centennial Guard, semi-military police
| OF 200 men, at the International Exhibition
| held in Philadelphia in 1876, and such was his
success in that capacity that he was especially
mentioned IN the reports TO Congress as having
distinguished himself as an effective organizer
and competent official. Since that time he has
lived in Virginia, engaged in farming. though
| taking lively interest in politics. His ability
| as political organizer was shown in the Repub-
lican campaign Of 1884, when, as a member of
the State Committee, as the writer is advised
by prominent gentleman Of that State, he
organized and conducted a political contest
that gave the National ticket the greatest ma
jority ever acquired in the Second District
since the days Of reconstruction. He is well
informed upon all public questions, is ready
and apt speaker, aud is very fayorably known
In this city, where he has many friends promi-
nent IN civil and official life, who will be
glad TO know that his sterling qualities have
been recognized by the good people of Virginia,
as an act Of simple justice TO one who has
served them faithfully, and who has the means
10 conduct the campaign successfully, in the
event that they bestow the nomination upon
him. He IS credited by friend aud foe with
being "shrewd and energetic in politics" and
If Col! John Goode is to be "vindicated" by
the Democrats, as rumoted, because his nomi-
nation TO pablo Office Was rejected by the Sen
ate, it stands the Republicans in hand, if they
desire victory to perch upon their banners, tC
! "eiRdieate" Col. Clay, because OF his removal
from Office by the President. He would har
. monte all the elements and receive more vote:
than any other Republican that can be nom
mated. Indeed, he is believed to be the only
man who can beat Goode 1t is because W,
think his nomination and election would re
suit in good 70 the soldiers at large well as
his district that we speak thus at length, aH6
are glad to say his prospects for the nomina
tion are as 10 !. His success as party man
ager marks him especially as the man for vic
tory.-A CoMRADE.