The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-03-31
MINISTER TO JAPAN.
Frank L. Coombs, of Napa, Cal, Sc
cures tho Appointment.

Frank l.. Coombs, of Napa, CAL, Sc
cures tho Appointment.
WASHINGTON CITY, March s0-The president
has sen. to the Senate the nomination of Frank
l. Coombs, as minister TO Japan.
frank l. Coombs wss born in Naps, Cal, in
isoo, ana is, therefore, only So years of age He
was educated in the public schools and after
wards attended the Columbian law college,
Where ne remained until he graduated. He re-
turned to Napa City and commenced the prac-
tee OF his profession, in which he was success
III from the first. The first political position
with which he was honored was that OF district
attorney of Napa county He was elected to
tnat once In 1879, and at the end of his term was
again chosen to succeed himself In 1886 he
sa, was put forward as the Republican
nominee Tor the Assembly, and despite the fact
that at that time the Democrats had majority
IN Napa county. he was elected by majority of
ooo woes In 1855 he again ran for the assembly
ana was reelected by the increased msiority of
6i7, this being considered a mos. hatterng iu-
dorsement OF his career in the state legislature
Mniie member of the assembly in 1856 Mr..
Aoomos was early recognized as one of the
aDiest men representing his party, and he was
looked upon as a Republican leader. He was
ever ready to champion the cause of right
against might, aud became famous in his Wig
orous opposition to all corrupt measures.
In 1883 he was the choice OF his party for
speaker OF the House, and received the
complimentary vote, the Republicans being in
the minority He was reelected to the leg sla-
ture in 1890. when he was made speaker of the
House. In the struggle for gubernatorial honors
thab ScrE OouulUS touk u 00uu, ana Wnlle ne
was never seriously in the fight ne had re-
spectacle following. As the leader of the lower
house OF that memorable Assem- blage, the legis-
lature of a Thousand scandals, be made a very
fair record as a presiding officer, and came out
OF the melee untsinted by the corruption that
injected SO many OF the men that sat under him.
During his term as a Legislator he was very use
fui TO the vineyardists of the state, and was al
ways staunch friend of the irrigationists He
was also the auth0r of an item in the general
appropriation bill passed in 1858 providing for
the holding of citrus fairs in Northern aud
Southern California; He assisted in secur-
ing tie passage of the mutual insurance bill
aud many other meritorious measures
In private life Mr.. Coombs difcovered a ere.s
fondness for horses. and his AMPLE means gave
him an opportunity to indulge it. Besides b
ing the owner OF several animals that have
made creditable records on the rate tracks ha
holds several important positions III national
and state associations devoted TO race b; r-es.
Mr.. Coombs is however, b-tt.r known 20 the
general public By his prominence in the aft lis
OF the Native Sons of tho Golden West wnea
that organization took form be, with several
ether young men of his county, formed Napa
Parlor, which he has several occ .Sioas Yv Dr.
sented in the Grand Parlor. At length, in Isss,
he was made grand trustee. and in the great
celebration OF the fortisth anniversary OF the
admission of California into ths Union, in 1870,
Ccomhs was one Of the most aetiye among the
Native Sons who planned and carried ont that
event. He is at present grand trastee.l