Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1896-08-27
FRANCIS APPOINTED.
Takes the Place Of Hoke Smith in
Cleveland's Cabinet.
WILL TAKE CHARGE IN A FEW DAYS
Sketch of the Political Career of the New
secretary-to-be Francis
Business Man Smith
is Satisfied.

Buzzard's Bay, Mass. Aug. 45.-The
announcement was made by President
Cleveland at Gray Gables tonight or
the appointment OF Davis r. Francis,
ex-governor of Missouri. as secretary
of the interior, vice Hoke Smith, who
recently resigned the secretaryship be-
cause of his financial views.
Mr.. Francis will probably assume the
office on September l, as that is the date
named in Secretary Smiths res1gna-
ton.
Washington, Aug. 24.-The announce
mens that the president mas appointed
Ex-Governor Francis of Missouri to sue
coed Mr. Smith as secretary of the in
terror rather surprised Washington to-
night, more because of the suddennesS
with which it followed on the announce
ment of Mr. Smiths retirement than
because of the selection. The reasons
for Secretary Smiths voluntary retire
men. from the cabinet were understood,
as the announcement was made on sat
urday, and it was naturally expected
that as he had retired because he felt
obliged to support the nominee OF his
party at Chicago. his successor would
be in full harmony with Mr.. Cleveland
On the money question. There was a
feeling also that the president would
proba bly, select Mr.. Smiths successor
from the middle west, as the south was
already well represented in his Official
family. Speculation, therefore, went to
Missouri Indiana and Illinois, and the
Games of Ex-Governor Francis, ex-Con-
gresham Bynum and others naturally
suggested themselves.
FOR THE GOLD STANDARD.
Governor Francis took a strong stand
in favor of the gold standard in the pre-
ir1in taS fO no
cago convention, but he and his asso-
ciafes were disastrously beaten in his
state. During the convention he was
also active. Since the convention, he
has, it is said by his friends here, given
no public utterance as to his position
with regard to the Chicago ticket and,
so far as known, has not, at least ac-
lively, allied himself with the move
ment for the Indianapolis convention.
Governor Francis throughout his po-
litical career has been a strong support
er and a warm friend of Mr.. Cleveland,
and the administration. 1t is recalled
that when Mr.. Cleveland was at Lake
wood making up his cabinet prior to
entering upon his second term, ex-Gov-
ernor' rancis was summoned there and
there was strong impression for a
time that he would be given a port
folio. He had been mayor of St. Louis
and governor of Missouri and before 4
Mr.. Cleveland's nomination became a
certainty, was pressed for the presi-
Dental nomination. At that time he
was talked of for cabinet position it
was said that ile had been bitterly OPP
posed by faction in his state, and that
remonstrance against his selection
was forwarded to Mr.. Cleveland.
POPULAR IN WASHINGTON.
Governor Francis is well known in
Washington. He has been here fire.
quently 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
ilonors he has already acieved, he is still
a comparatively young man, in the
neignborhood of so, strong and vigor-
Gus. of sunny tempera ment and genial
disposition. Although taller in stature,
ne somewhat reSem bles Secretary Nor
ton in personal appearance. He has a
iilorid complexion, sandy hair and
rloustache.
Ex-Governor Francis is said to be
possessed of considerable means. He
was said to be millionaire few years
ago.
Secretary Smith evinced the greatest
satisfaction when he heard the name of
his successor. He said in response to a
question:
Il have the pleasure of an intimate
personal acquaintance with Governor
Francis and esteem him most highly.
He is a man of marked ability. OF
L
partnlent and don't know any one to
whom 1 would more willingly turn it
over
Secretary Smith Immediately tie
grapled congratula to Governor
Francis. He expects to relinquish his
office 20 his successor on the first OF
September.
FRANCIS BIOGRAPHY.
St Louis, Mo-, Aug. 24.-Ex-Governor
David Rowland Francis is nearly 46
years OF age, having been born at Rich
snond, Madison county, Kentucky, Oc-
tober l. 1850. His education was receiv-
ed in Washington university, this city,
his family having moved to st. Louis.
In 1870, he graduated. receiving the de-
gree of B. A. His first employment was
with a grain commission house, con-
sinuing until 1877, when he began bust
ness for himself. In 1884, the d. r.
Francis & Bro. Commission company
was esta blished result of the
growth os his firm. That same year he
became president of the Merchants ex-
change. His first political position was
that of delegate to the national Demo-
cratic convention of 1884. In April, 1885,
he was elected mayor of ST. Louis, hav-
ing been nominated as a dark horse on
the 1S5th ballot. In 1888 Mr.. Francis
was elected governor of Missouri At
the expiration of his term, in 1892, he re-
HiImed the active management of his old