The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-12-21
DEMOCRATIC POSTMASTER
General john R Matthews Has Been
Confirmed by the Senate
He VIII Enter on His Duties as Soon as His
Bond Can Be Sent to Washington
and Returned

General John r. Matthews has been
nominated by the president and confirmed
by the senate as postmaster of Los An
geles, and as soon as the necessary bond
can be prepared and forwarded to WASH
ington for approval by the postottice
authorities the new officer will enter on the
discharge of his duties, succeeding the re-
publican incumbent, Henry V. Van Dusen.
Yesterday morning General Matthews re-
ceived telegram from Senator Stephen
NJ. White stating that his name had been
sent to the senate, and in the afternoon
another dispatch from the senator saying
that he had succeeded in securing his i'm
mediate confirmation, without having the
nomination referred in the regular routine
to the committee on postoffices and post
masters, which would have caused con-
siderable delay.
General John r. Matthews, the new post
master, is one of the best known Demo-
Gratis in the State, having an extended
acquaintance from San Diego to Siskiyou.
He was born in St. Louis. Mo-, in lS4S,
and educated at Washington university.
In 1883 he removed to Los Angeles, where
he entered into a partnership with his
DTOllleF Ill tilt COlululS-lOl DusliitSSs diit.
has since made this city his home. Cen
eral Matthews has always taken an active
part in the commercial affairs of Los An
geles, and was largely instrumental in or
ganiziBg the board of trade and chamber
of commerce. in military matters the
general also took deep interest and was
the first brigader-general of the n. G. e.
south of the Tehachapi, having been com
missioned by Governor Stoneman. Owing
to his great personal popularity he was
nominated for the assembly i'll 1890, and
carried his district, although there was
a Republican majority of 400 against
him, by 1858 votes. Two years
later General Matthews was nominated
+ the senate, and was again victorious,
B rbara convention, when the Democrats
r. used to nominate a candidate for con-
e ssman, and after at Los Angeles, in
d ,rsed Cannon, Gen. Matthews took an
.'ive part. tie declined to allow the use
his name as candidate. although i'm
portuned so to do, and was the consistent
friend of Senator White throughout In
the senate. too, Gen. Matthews gave Sen
ator White his hearty support. and worked
faithfully for his election. Gen. Matthews
is man of fine executive ability, and will
doubtless administer the affairs OF his
Offices in m amer creditable to himself as
we'll the administration which appointed
him.
Henry V. Van Dusen. the retiring pos
master, is Union veteran, who lost an
arm at Gaines HILL before Richmond, in
1862. He was captured. and spent some
time in Libby prison, suffering great hard
SHIPS. Mr.. Van Dusen was appointed post
master by President Harrison in 1891
He had served a term in the city council
from the first ward. but at the time of hi:
appointment was in the insurance business
on the East side. He was a compromise
candidate. but has made a faithful ant
efficient officer, and will leave the office
with the beat wishes of citizens at large
irrespective of politics.
Several weeks ago Captain Seamans re
signed as assistant postmaster, and MIR
Van Dusen. in anticipation of the change
appointed VIM. f. Humphreys, son @
John F. Humphreys, and nephew of Gen
Matthews. to fill the vacancy, Gen. Mat
thews will therefore enter on his dutie
with an assistant thoroughly trained in thu
routine of the otilce-an advantage which
can be readily appreciated.