The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-08-29
THE WEEKS NEWS.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25.


dent Cleveland, at Gray Gables, on
Monday evening of the appointment of
David r. Francis, ex Governor of Mis-
souri,, as Secretary OF the Interior, vice
Hoke Smith. who recently resigned the
Secretaryship because of his financial
views. Mr.. Francis will probably as
sumo office September l. as that is the
date named in Secretary Smiths resig'
nation.
The announcement that the President
had appointed Ex-Governor Francis, OF
Missouri, to succeed Mr.. Smith as Sec
rotary of the Interior rather surprised
Washington, more because, it is said, of
the suddenness with which it followed
the announcement of Mr.. Smiths re-
tirement than because of the selection.
The reasons for Secretary Smiths vol
untary withdrawal from the Cabinet
were understood as soon as the an
nouncement was made on Saturday,
and it was naturally expected that as
he had retired because he felt 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
select Mr.. Smiths successor from the
middle West, as the South was already
we'll represented in his official family.
Speculation, therefore, went to Mis-
souri,, Indiana, and Illinois, and the
names of ex Governor Francis. Exon
gresham Byn UNI, and others naturally
suggested themselves.
Ex-Governor Francis took strong
stand in favor of the gold standard in
the preliminary battle for delegates to
the Chicago convention, but he and his
associates were disastrously beaten in
his State. During the convention he
was also very active.
Ex-Governor Francis throughout his
political career has been strong sup
porter and warm friend of Mr.. Cleve-
land and the administration. 1t is re-
called that when Mr.. Cleveland was
making up his Cabinet prior to entering
upon his second term there was strong
impression for time that the ex-Gover
nor would be given portfolio. He had
been mayor of st. Louis and twice Gov
ernor of Missouri, and before Mr.. Cleve-
lands nomination became a certainty
was pressed for the Presidential nomina
ton. At the time he was talked of for
Cabinet position it was said that he had
been bitterly opposed by faction in his
State, and that remonstrance against
his selection was forwarded to Mr..
Cleveland.
Elk Governor Francis is we'll known
in Washington. He has been there fire.
quently and is exceedingly popular. Des
pite the high honors he has already &C.
hieved, he is still comparatively You're
man, In the hsighbefboed Ct so. strong
andvigorous, OF sunny.tsmperament and
genial disposition. He is said to be a
man Of considerable means,
Secretary Smith evinced the greatest
satisfaction when he heard the name of
his successor. He said in response to
questions: 81 have the pleasure of an
intimate personal acquaintance with
Governor Francis and esteem him most
highly. He is a man of marked ability.
OF course, feel deep interest in the
department and don't know any one
RI whom I would more willingly turn it
over" Secretary Smith Immediately
telegraphed his congratulations to ex.
Governor Francis. He expects to relin
auish his office to his successor on Sep
TENDER L.