Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1896-08-28

was made on Saturday, and II was natural
ly expected that as he had retired because
he felt obliged to support the nominees Of
his party at Chicago his SUCCESSOR would
be In full harmony with Mr.. Cleveland on
the money question. There was feeling
also that the president would probably Sc.
leot Mr.. Smiths successor from the mid
die west as the south was already we'll rep
resented In his official family. Specula-
tion therefore went to Missouri, Indiana
and Illinois, and the name Of x-Governor
Francis, ex Congressman Bynum and 9th
ers naturally suggested themselves Gov
ernOr Francis took a strong stand In favor
Of the gold standard in the preliminary
battle for delegates to the Chicago oonven-
tion, but he and his associates were disas-
trously beaten In his state During the
convention ne was also very active Since
the convention he has, 1t is said by his
friends here given no public utteranoes
as to his position with regard to the Chi
cago ticket and so far as known has not,
at least actively, allied himself with the
movement for the Indianapolis oonven-
tion.
Warm Supporter Of Cleveland.
Governor Francis throughout his politi-
cal career has been q strong supporter and
q WdIIh AIlbnA VI WI OAON1AhuO anu bnb
administration. 1t is recalled that when
Mr.. Cleveland was at Lakewood making
up his cabinet prior TO entering upon his
second term Ex-Governor Francis was
summoned there, and there was 8 strong
impression for a time that he would be
given portfolio. He had been mayor of
st. Louis and twice governor of Missouri
and before Mr.. Cleveland's nomination
became certainty was pressed for the
presidential nomination. At the time he
was talked Of for a cabinet position IL was
said that he had been bitterly opposed by
O faction in his state, and that remon-
STRANGE against bis selection was forward
ed to Mr.. Cleveland. Ex-Governor Fran
ois Is we'll known in Washington. He has
been here frequently and is exceedingly
popular. He was here only few days ago,
and it was thought when he left that he
had gone to Gray Gables. Despite the high
honors he has already achieved, he is still
O comparatively young man, In the neigh
borhood of 49, strong and vigorous, of
sunny temperament and genial disposi-
tion. Although taller in stature, he some-
what resembles Secretary Morton In per-
sonal appearance He has florid COM
plexion, sandy hair and mustaohe. Ex-
Governor Francis Is said to be a man of
Ilo WINS bdAa W 10 u
millionaire few years ago.
Ex-Governor Francis is a native Of Ken
tucky and is about 46 years Of age. In
early life he went to st. Louis and was
educated at Washington university in that
city, which has since been his home. He
has been prominent in business affairs and
was for a time president Of the st. Louis
Merchants Exchange. His first appear
anoe In politics was In 1884, when he was
q delegate to the Democratic national oon-
vention at Chicago. In the following
spring he was elected mayor Of st. Louis.
In 1888 he was chosen governor of Mis-
souri, and has since been prominent In
state and national politics.
Secretary Smith evinoed the greatest
satisfaction when he heard the name of
his successor. He said In response to ques-
tions: "I have the pleasure Of an intimate
personal acquaintance with Ex-Governor
Francis and esteem him most highly. He
is man of marked ability. OF course
feel deep interest In the department. and
don't know any one to whom l would
more willingly turn IL over"