The Monmouth inquirer., 1896-08-27

was made on saturday, and II was natural
IL expected that as he had retired because
he felt Obliged to support the nominees Of
his party az Chicago his successor would
be in full harmony with Dir. Cleveland on
the money question. There was feeling
also that the president would probably So
lect Mr.. Smiths successor from the mid
die west, as the south was already well rep
resented IN his official family. Specula-
tion therefore went to Missouri, Indiana
and Illinois, and the name Of Ex-Governor
Francis, ex-Congressman Bynum and 9th
ers naturally suggested themselves. Gov
erpQr Francis took a ssgong stand in favor
of the gold standard in the preliminary
battle for delegates to the Chicago conyen
ton, but he and his associates We're disas-
trousIy 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 utterances
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 conven-
ton
Warm Supporter of Cleveland.
Governor Francis throughout his politi-
cal career has been strong supporter and
a warm friend Of Mr.. Cleveland and the
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 strong
impression for a time that he would be
given a portfolio He had been mayor Of
St. Louis and twice governor Of Missouri,
and before Mr.. Cleveland's nomination
f<>-- ~
presidential nomination. At the time he
was talked of fer a cabinet position it was
said that he had been bitterly opposed BY
a faction in his state, and that q remon-
STRANGE against his selection was forward
cd to Mr. Cleveland Ex-Governor Fran
els is well 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 be
had gone to Gray Gables. Despite the high
honors he has already achieved, he is still
a comparatively young man, in the neigh
berhood Of 46, strong and vigorous, Of
sunny temperament and genial dispesi-
tion Although taller in stature he some
what resembles Secretary Morton in per
sonal appearance. He has a forid com
plexion, sandy hair and Inustache. Ez
Governor Francis is said to be man Of
considerable means He was said to be
millionaire few years ago
Ex-Governor Francis is 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 time president Of the st. Louis
Merchants Exchange. His first appear
ance in politics was in 1884, when he was
a delegate TO the Democratic national con
vention at Chicago. In the following
spring he was elected mayor Of st. Louis.
In 1sSS be was chosen governor of Mis-
souri, and has since been prominent in
state and national politics.
Secretary Smith evinced the greatest
satisfaction when he heard the name of
his successor. He said in response to ques-
tions: II have the pleasure of an intimate
personal acquaintance with Ex-Governor
Francis and esteem him most highly. He
is a man of marked ability OF course
feel a deep interest in the department and
l don't know any one to whom would
more willingly turn it over