The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-08-27
BRIEF SKETCH or FRANCIS.

St. Louis Aug 24-Ex-Goyernor
David X. Francis is nearly 4G years of
age, having been born at Richmond
Madison county. Kentucky, in October.
1851. His education was received in
Washington university. his family hav-
ing removed to st. Louis. In 1870 he
graduated. receiving the degree of Il.
\. His first employment was with II
grain commission house. continuing UNI
i'll 1871, when he began business for
himself In 1884 the ID. II. Francis q
| Co.. commission business was establish
ed rs the result of the growth of his
| firm. That same year he became prcsi-
dent Of the st. Louis Merchants Elk
| change. In April, 1880 he was elected
! mayor of ST. LOuis. having been nOmi-
| mated rs II dark horse ON the fifteenth
| ballot. In 1890 Mr.. Francis was elected
governor Of Missouri. At the expiration
| of his term in 1892 ne resumed the ac-
| tive business of his old firm, which had
| been kept up by the other members of
| the house. His connection with politics
since 1892 has been that Of Il simple citi-
zen with an active interest in the wei
fare of his party and country.
Mrs. Francis is Il leader in st. Louis
society. They have four children
WASHlNGTON WAS SURPRISED.
Washington, Aug. 24.-Thc announce
mcnt that the president had appointed
cX-GOvcrnOr Francis of Missouri, to
succeed Mr. Smith as secretary of the
interior rather surprised Washington
more because of the suddcnncss with
which il followed ON the heels of the an
nOuncCmcnt of Mr.. Smiths resignation
than of the selection.
The reasons for Secretary Smiths
withdrawal were understood as soon as
the announcement was made on Satur-
day. and il was natural that. as he had
retired because he felt obliged to sup
pert the nominees of his party at Chi
cago, that his successor would be in
full harmony with Mr.. Cleveland on the
money question. There was feeling
also that the president would probably
select Mr. Smiths successor from the
middle west, as the south was already
well represented in the cabinet.
Governor Francis took II strong stand
in favor of the gold standard in the
preliminary battle for delegates to the
Chicago convention. but he and his as
sociatcs were disastrOusly beaten in his
state. During the convention he was
also very active. Since the convention.
he has, it is said by his friends here,
given no public uttCranccS as to his pO
sition with regard to the Chicago ticket
and as far rs known has not in the least
actively allied himself with the move
mcnt for the indianapolis movement.
Governor Francis. through his career
has been II strong supporter and Il warm
friend Of Mr.. Cleveland and the admins
tratOn.
Secretary Smith cyinccd the greatest |
when he heard the name
of his successor. He said in response
to questions: IL have the pleasure of |
an intimate acquaintance with Governor |
Francis and esteem him highly. He is |
Il man of marked ability OF course. | |
feel Il deep interest in the department, |
and do not know any one to whom ! |
would more willingly turn it over"
Secretary Smith Immediately telc- |
graphcd his congratulations to Governor |
Francis. He expects to relinquish his |
nllicn 10 lis SmCcnSSOr Spntpmhpr l.