New-York tribune., 1896-08-26
HOKE SMITHS SUCCESSOR.
THE NEW SECRETARY LONG a FRIEND
OF THE PRESIDENT.
HE is EXPECTED TO ASSUME OFFICE ON SEP
TEMPER THE GEORGIA STATES
MANS PLANS.

Washington. Aug. o5-Secretary Smith to-day re-
plying to injuries regarding MS retirement, said
81 will retire from Office on september ara u IS
nv purpose TO return 10 Atlanta at once. My
resignation due alone TO the fact that lntehd
10 support Bryan and SewalL l have always voted
the regular Democratic ticket. and shall make no
exception this year. 1t is my purpose to devote my
time TO the practice Of law and TO my private
business have. however siGnifcd my Willingness
TO make two or three speeches In Georgia for the
State and National ticket. but the time necessary
TO the resumption OF attention to my professional
and private business will not permit me to enter
actively in;o the campaign outside my own state
Ex Governor Francis is expected to return 10
Washington Monday. and Secretary smith
thinks he will assuIre his duties Secretary Of
the Interior Tuesday. September ]. The FAC;
ttat he would accept the office and the further
fact that his views to the general financial
policy OF the Administration would be in entire
accord with the krown views o, President Cleye-
land and Secretary Carlisle were fully established
during the protracted interview which the ex-Gov-
ernor held with Secretary Carlisle last week
The friendship between President Cleveland ard
Governo. Francis OF Missouri. began during NJ
Cieveands first Administration. Mr.. Francis then
Mayor Of s.. Louis headed delegation which called
or The President a. the White House and Invited
him . take part in celebration in St. Louis
The Missourians received In the East Room and
Mayor Francis made. apparently impromptu. one
seemed to make great impression on the Presi-
dent. whose reply. under the impulse OF the momen
devoid Of he usual perfunctory Character Of
such responses. Mr.. Cleveland further showed his
appreciation Of his visitor by inviting him to stay 70
luncheon Therein began friendship which has ex-
tended 10 this day. After Mr. Cleveands election
the second lime Governor Franciss name was one
OF those discussed for Cabinet position. and. II is
said there was at time an iniea'!J1 on me
Presidents part 20 offer him The portfolio placed
at his disposal Personal pressure from the Soutn
n favor of Hoke Smith and factiona! opposition 10
Governor Francis from Missouri controlled the day
Governor Francss action at the late Chicago CON
Ncnion where ne led the sound dmoney forces IN the
Missouri delegation. It is understood. did not by any
means diminish the esteem IN which ihe President
he'd MIN and which had been enhanced since their
hrs meeting 10y many visits paid by Governor
Francis TO Washington. on each of which occasions
n had been visitor at the White House
The selection OF a new mar for the head or the
Interior Department. instead OF the promotion OF
The assistant secretaries. relieves the situation
Of embarrassment. ;he CHIEF Assis ant Secretary
General Sims, OF Mississippi Is understood 20 be Tor
free coinage. To have promoted his assistant MT
Reynolds. Of Pcnnsylv3 MA, who IS sound money
advoca ie General Simss mead, would have been
somewhat demoraizirg the discipline OF the De-
partncni. The Interior Department has had one
other secretary from Missouri in recent years-Gen-
eral John W. Noble. who was appointed by President
Harrison.