The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1891-10-22

Mr.. Howell comes of an old and dis
tinguished Georgia family. Born in
Erwinton, S. c., Sept. 81, 1868, at his
mothers old home, his life up to date
has been spent in Atlanta Young How
ell was ushered into the world in troub-
lous times, and it is worthy of note that
on the night of his birth the great battle
of Chickamauga was being fought, and
his father, Captain Evan P. Howell, was
in the thick Of the fight, leading dash
ing charge against the enemy.
Travel in those days was attended by
many dangers, but as soon as possible
Mrs. Howell returned to Atlanta, and
there the story of her sons bright life
began. At an early age he was placed
at the public schools, where he made
rapid progress, laying the substantial
foundation of an education which was
completed at the State university, where
he graduated with high honors in 1883.
AS boy he showed marked aptitude
for journalism, frequenting The Consti-
tuition editorial and news rooms, rum
maging through the exchanges, and max
ing suggestions to older heads which
soon attracted attention. While yet in
his teens he decided to become "a news
paper man." and with this end in view
he went north. There he served his ap-
premiership as q reporter on the New
York Times.
From New York he went to Philadel-
phia, where he did most excellent re-
portorial and desk work on The Press.
1t will be rendered that there was then
considerable talk in the south and else
where of the denomination of the old ma
tional Democratic ticket, headed by the
names of Tilden and Hendricks.
For three months everything was in a
state Of political uncertainty, which was
increased by rumors to the effect that
Tilden was physical wreck. No def
mite word, however, could be obtained
from him.
A bright idea struck the young jour
nalist, which was to get an interview
with Tlden and set the matter at rest
one way or the other.
A train was leaving, and Howell
boarded it, armed with several strong
letters of introduction. These, together
with his genial personality, secured him
the coveted interview, and the utter
occasion turned the tide in the presi
Dental race. This work was recognized
as important by the press Of the whole
country.
Returning to Atlanta with his north
era laurels so worthily won, SO modestly
worn, Mr.. Howell was made night editor
of The Constitution. This was in 1894,
and the responsibility of the position can
we'll be imagined. In that capacity he
did good work, but as Mr.. Grady's time
was necessarily much occupied in public
enterprises, and he was consequently
obliged to be absent from his Office very
frequently, he soon found the services of
an assistant managing editor indispen
sable.
And so Clark Howell was installed in
a new Office. From that time until Mr..
Grady's lamented death in December,
1899, much of ths detail work of the pa
per was executed by him. On the death
of Mr.. Grady Mr.. Howell assumed his
position as managing editor, which posi-
ton he now holds and in which he has
achieved the greatest success.
But Mr.. Howell's honors do not come
from the newspaper field alone. A few
days before attaining his majority he
was nominated for the state legislature.
He did not solicit the Office, and was
elected without a canvass. He was re-
elected to this honorable position thre
successive terms. and is now serving his
sixth year.
In 1890 ne was elected speaker Of the
Georgia house Of representatives, by a
unanimous vote, his term Of Office being
for period Of two years. He had been
prevailed upon to enter the race for the
speakership before the death Of Mr..
Grady, but the election did not occur
until a short time after that deplored
event. He has led his ticket on every
occasion on which he has been a candi-
date for any ofice-one Of the greatest
compliments that could be paid his abil-
ity and popularity.
What will be Clark Howelrs future:
From present appearances it will be
closely identified with the Atlanta Con.
stitution. In recent interview he states
in positive terms that he will retire from
politics at the expiration of his presen,
term as speaker, and will then devote his
whole time and energies to the Atlanta
Constitution, as that is the work with
which he is most i'll love. Newspapers