The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-10-15

fact that the Democrats of the city
could not agree upon a candidate.
Friends of P. H. Kelly, James King,
John WAGNER, John S. erode. Henry
J. Strouse and some others pushed
their candidates, and it was generally
understood that the appointment would
not be made so long as there were so
many candidates in the field. Michael
Doran held out for his old friend, P. H.
Kelly, for as long time as there was
any hope Of securing his appointment.
But, later, he united upon Robert A.
Smith with others who have influence
with President Cleveland. The result
has been freely predicted for several
weeks. Mr.. Kelly gave up all hope. OF
securing the office some weeks ago,
and it was easy for the friends of Mr..
Smith to persuade the president to
make the appointment after Mr.. Doran
cast his influence in favor of the ex-
mayor
The appointment created little sur
prise With Mr. Kelly out Of the race
and John WAGNER surrendering his
claim by accepting nomination for a
county office, Mr. Smith 1oomed up as
the strongest candidate left in the
field. The news of the appointment
gave general satisfaction. Even the
Dispatch said:
''Unquestionably the president has selected
tho best of the local Democracy, and the
appointment will be received with general
satisfaction, as ex-Mayor Smith is popular
with all classes Of people, and will doubtless
fill the Office to the satisfaction ana creolt
of all concerned. "
Ex-Mayor Smith is one of the best
known figures in ST. Paul. Ills black
slouch hat low-cut velvet vest and long
white beard are known TO every citizen,
old and young. For forty years he has
been a resident of the city, and a good
portion of that time in public life. He
has served the city in various scapaci-
ties, and always with credit to him
self and with profit to the municipality.
In business. as well as political and
social circles, he has been Il pronour ced
figure His success has been due as
much to genial personality AS to dill
gence and application. No public man
ever had more friends in all parties and
in all classes. It was to this popularity
that he was chosen as the candidate
OF his party many times when person
ally he preferred to retire to private
life.
Mr.. Smiths career has been one full
of successes. Fortunate Ill business and
equally fortunate in politics. he has
practically been the leader o. the
Democrats since his first election as
mayor. He came to st. Paul II 1873,
from Bonneville, Ind, as private secre-
tary to Willis A. German, his brother
in-Iaw. who had been appointed terri
torial governor Of Minnesota. Soon
after his arrival Mr.. Smith was ap-
pointed territorial librarian and held
that office until 1853. He was elected
treasurer of Ramsey county in 1886 and
was reelected four successive terms,
serving until 1868. In 1866 he enga 3ed
in banking business, as a member of
the firm of Dawson, Smith & Reed, and
was one OF the incorporarors of the
Bank Of Minnesota, and is now it's vice
president.
Mr.. Smith was elected member of
the city council in 1883 and served by
reelection four years. During the last
three years he was president of the
council and at times ex-ofiicio acting
mayor. He was elected mayor to fill
out the unexpired term Of Edmund
Rice. who was sent to congress-, and
was nominated and elected 10 the ex-
ecutfve chair in 1888. Again in 1890 he
was~ the candidate of the Democrats
and was elected, but in 1892 he suffered
the first political defeat Of his career.
In 1894 he was again chosen mayor, but
was defeated for reelection in the
spring of the present year.
Mr. Smith received the congratflla-
tions of many friends yesterday. Not
the least Of his enjoyment Of his ap-
pointment lies in the fact that there
are no offices to be given out. The post
master, unlike the mayor Of the city,
has no appointments to uaka. There
are none Of the annoyances attendant