Changes

In 1879, Blair ran for U.S. Senate. Among his intraparty opponents, he led former Sen. Bainbridge Wadleigh on the first ballot, nearly began to trail ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott on the fourth ballot, though ultimately secured the party nomination.<ref name=blairnominated/> Blair then won the appointment race to serve as U.S. senator.<ref>[https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=413182 NH US Senate - Appointment Race - Jun 16, 1879]. ''Our Campaigns''. Retrieved November 26, 2021.</ref>

In 1879, Blair ran for U.S. Senate. Among his intraparty opponents, he led former Sen. Bainbridge Wadleigh on the first ballot, nearly began to trail ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott on the fourth ballot, though ultimately secured the party nomination.<ref name=blairnominated/> Blair then won the appointment race to serve as U.S. senator.<ref>[https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=413182 NH US Senate - Appointment Race - Jun 16, 1879]. ''Our Campaigns''. Retrieved November 26, 2021.</ref>

During late 1882 and early January 1883, Blair added an amendment to the [[Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act]] that prohibited hiring habitual drunkards to federal government positions, reflecting his effort to combat alcohol abuse.<ref>''Henry W. Blair's Campaign to Reform America'', p. 143.</ref> However, he did not vote on the final passage of the Pendleton Act.<ref>[https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/47-2/s646 TO PASS S. 133.] ''GovTrack.us''. Retrieved November 26, 2021.</ref>

During late 1882 and early January 1883, Blair added an amendment to the [[Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act]] that prohibited hiring habitual drunkards to federal government positions, reflecting his effort to combat [[alcohol]] abuse.<ref>''Henry W. Blair's Campaign to Reform America'', p. 143.</ref> However, he did not vote on the final passage of the Pendleton Act.<ref>[https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/47-2/s646 TO PASS S. 133.] ''GovTrack.us''. Retrieved November 26, 2021.</ref>

Sen. Blair chaired the Committee on Education and Labor, where he renewed efforts to provide federal aid to public schools.<ref name=britannicabio/> Despite previous successful passage of such measures in the chamber, an effort in 1890 resulted in failure.<ref name=harpweek/>

Sen. Blair chaired the Committee on Education and Labor, where he renewed efforts to provide federal aid to public schools.<ref name=britannicabio/> Despite previous successful passage of such measures in the chamber, an effort in 1890 resulted in failure.<ref name=harpweek/>