Evening journal., 1896-08-25

was made ON Saturday, and Il was natural
ly expected that ms he had retired because
he folt obliged TO support the nominees OF
his party at Chicago his successor would
be in full harmony with Mr.. 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 we'll rep
resented in his official family. Specula-
ton therefore went to Missouri, Indiana
and Illinois, and the name OF ex-Governor
Francis, OK Congressman Bynum and 9th
ers naturally suggested themselves. Gov
ernor Francis took strong stand In favor
of the gold standard In the preliminary
battle for delegates to the Chicago conven-
tion, but he and his associates were disas-
trOusly beaten I'm his state. During the
convention he was also very active Since
the convention he has, 1t 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-
tiOn.
Warm Supporter of Cleveland.
Governor Francis throughout his politi-
cal career has been a strong supporter and
warm friend of Mr. Cleveland and the
administration 1t is recalled that when
Mr. Cleveland was at Lakewood making
up his cabinet prior 70 entering upon his
second term ex-Goyernor Francis was
summoned there and there was q strong
| impression for time th0t he would be
| given portfolio. He had heen mayor OF
st. Louis and twice governor Of Missouri,
and before Mr.. Cleveland's nomination
became certainty was pressed for the
presidential nomination. At the time be
was talked of for a cabinet position II WAS
said that no had been bitterly opposed by
a faction in his state, and that a remon-
STRANGE against his selection WAS forward
od 10 Mr.. Cleveland. Ex-Governor Fran
els is woll known IN Washington. He has
boen hero 'requontly and Is exceedingly
popular. He was here only few days ago,
and it was thought when he left that he
had gone 10 Gray Gables. Despite the high
honors he has already achieved no is still
O comparatively young mnn, In the neigh
| bOrhOod OF 80, strong and vigorous, OF
sunny temperament and genial disposi-
ton. Although taller In stature, he some-
what resembles Secretary MortoH In per-
sonal appearance. He has a fiorid COM
plexion sandy hair ond mustache. Ex-
Governor Francis Is said TO DO a man Of
considerable means He was said to be a
millionaire a few years ago.
Ex-Governor Francis is native Of Ken
tucky and Is about 40 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 a time president of the st. Louis
Merchants Exchange. His first appear
anoe In politics was In 1884, when he was
a delegate to the Democratic national con-
vention at Chicago. In tho following
spring he was elected mayor OF Sc. Louis.
In 1855 he 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; 81 have the pleasure Of an intimate
personal acquaintance with Ex-Governor
Francis and esteem him most highly. He
is man Of marked ability. OF course
feel deep interest in the department, and
don't know any one to whom / would
} more willingly turn II over "