Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-25
NAME is FRANCIS.
The Successor Of Hoke Smith
in the Cabinet.
EX-GOVERNOR OF MISSOURI STATE.

During the Balance Of Clevelands Term
-Promptuess Of the Nomination Causes
Surprise at waslington-Ncw Omcial
Popular There aud the appointment
Highly Satisfactory to Smith.
BUzzARDs BAY, Mass, Aug. a5.-Presi-
dent Cleveland announces that ex-Gov-
ernor Francis, Of Missouri, has been ap-
pointed secretary of the interior, vice
Hoke Smith.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25.-The announce
ment that the president had appointed ex-
Governor Francis, of Missouri, to succeed
Hoke Smith as secretary of the interior
rather surprised Washington. more be-
cause Of tho suddenness with which it fol-
lowed on the heels of the announcement
of Smith retirement than because of the
selection. The reasons for Secretary
Smiths voluntary withdrawal from the
cabinet were understood as soon as the
announcement was made, and it was nat
urally expected that as he had retired be-
cause he felt Obliged to support the nomi-
nees of his party at Chicago his sue
cessor would be in full harmony with
Cleveland on the money question.
Was Gold Man at Chicago.
There was a feeling also that the presi-
dent would probably select Smiths sue
cessor from the middle west, as the south
was already we'll represented in his Of
fetal family. Speculation, therefore,
went to Missouri, Indiana and Illinois,
the names Of Ex-Governor Francis, ex-
Representative Bynum and others natur-
ally suggesting themselves. Governor
Francis took a strong stand in favor of the
gold standard in the preliminary battle
for delegates to the Chicago convention,
but he and his associates were disastrous.
ly beaten in his state. During the con-
yention he was also very 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.
Been a Strong Friend of Cleveland.
So far as known he has not, at least &C.
lively, allied himself with the movement
for the indianapolis convention. Governor
Francis, throughout his political career,
has been strong supporter and a warm
friend Of Cleveland and the administra.
ton. 1t is recalled that when Cleveland
was at Lakewood making up his cabinet
prior to entering upon his second term ex.
Governor Francis was summoned there
and there was a 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 Cleve-
lands nomination became a certainty was
pressed for the presidential nominal ton.
Is Popular at the Capital.
Governor Francis 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 a compare.
lively young man, in tho neighbOrhood OF
30, strong and vigorous, of sunny temper
sment and genial disposition. Although
taller in stature, he somewhat resembles
Secretary Morton in personal appearance
He has florid complexion, sandy ha I
and moustache. Ex-Governor Francis IL
said TO be u man of considerable means
He was said to be millionaire a few years
ago.
Tho Ex-Secretary Well Pleased.
Secretary Smith evinced the greatest
satisfaction when he heard the name OF
his successor. He said in response tc
questions: Il have the pleasure of an in.
innate personal acquaintance with Gov
ernor Francis and esteem him most high
ly. He is a man of marked ability. Of
course feel deep interest in the depart
ment and don't know any one TO whom
would more willingly turn it over
Secretary Smith Immediately telcgraphed
his congratulations to Governor Francis
He expects to relinquish his office to his
successor on the LIST of September.
CAREER OF THE NEW SECRETARY