New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-07-15
A SOUTUERN LEADER.

Our readers know that there has been much
high debate and secret discussion lately, al
Washington and elsewhere, about political
affairs in Texas. 1t may not have been appa-
rent why the condition of that remote State
should occasion so much solicltude, ana there
has naturally been some curiosity to learn the
details Of the interviews between Gov. DAVIS
and other distinguished politicians touching
these mOmentous public affairs. The DISPOSE
ton of o little beggarly Federal patronage
was surely not of such vital Importance as to
Justify all this pother. But Texas Is State
of great possibilities. The possession or
petty post-office on the Rio Grande opened
prospect of unlimited influence, reaching
far beyond the boundaries of Texas,
and covering perhaps the whole South.
Such was the vision which appeared before the
eyes of the Hon. William I. Clark, ex-Mem-
Der of Congress from Texas and Postmaster
of Galveston Mr.. Clark went to Texas as
General in the Army, and when the troops
came home he stayed behind to reconstruct
the State His labors in that direction were
blessed with abundant success, for ne was
twice elected to Congress, and according 10
his own story he not only carried himself INTO
office but was the making of Gov. DAVIS 100.
It is with Mr. Clark that Gov. Davis seems to
have had the greatest difficulty in discussing
the political future of Texas and here Is the
account of their interview given by Mr. clark
to a Washington correspondents
az told him it was no use for him TO think OF being
candidate again. that had spent $5 900 in his interest
and that couldnt carry him any longer he insisted
on being candidate denounced all the Federal Office
holders In Texas who have been recently appointed by
the President and confirmed by the Senate and wanted
10 put a nigger-yes, Sir, dirty guorant, pusillani-
nous - Digger-in my place in the Galveston
Post-Ofice He said that 1 had been selling public
offices and making money OF them, and called me
thief made him take that back and then hanled OUT
OF my pocket bill OF his that had settled and asked
him IL he would pay that that lpuling out another
or thati or that He said that he would pay
them II I would wait 60 days-the dirty, pusllan-
mous wretch. Yes, Sir. I've got here bills amounting
to s17OO signed, Received payment by W. T. CLARK
for his shirts and the gold studs in them and for his
hoard and washing and paid them right here In this
CITY told him he had turned the best men In the state
out of Office and knew itand some OF them were mere
70 nrove H. And 80 they were for six-year Senator
who sat there jumped up and said. That's go Tor ne
turned me out told him did mt care for the Calves
ton PostOfce but did for being the leader OF the
Republican party the South. If he had not broken
every promise he ever made to any Of his friends,
should have been Congress now. He ought TO haze
giuen me the certificate he promised aud whieh ne first
made out instead OF that no gave me certificate that
was ut elected. Why Sir he could MT get hundred
votes IL he had all power OF the State and General
Government help him That's all there was of 1.-THE
pusillanimous cuss ("
Whether it is right that a Governor of Texas,
who allows another gentleman to pay for his
shirts, should lead the Republican party in
the South, is very nice question, into which
we do not feel called to enter; butt seems
to be pretty certain that Mr.. Clark at any
rate has not strengthened his own case by his
interesting and valuable statements.