The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-08-25
Mr. SMITHS SUCCESSOR
President Cleveland Names En-
Governor Francis, Of Missouri
FOR SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
He Is Said to be o Millionaire, was Twice
Governor Of His State. Mayor Of 81.
tsrv Qv,,gthpu Mnvap,a,t.

ne Is said TO DC MilltOnatrcs was TWlc0
Governor Of His State. Mayor Of 81.
Louis and Is Gold Democrat--Secro-
tary Smiths Movements.
BUzzARps BAY, Mass, Aug e5.-Presi-
dent Cleveland announces that ex-Gov-
ernor Francis, of Missouri, has been ap-
pointed secretary Of the interior, vice Hoke
Smith. ....
The announcement that the president
had appointed Ex-Governor Francis, OF
Missouri, to succeed Mr.. Smith as score
tary of the interior rather surprised Wash
ington, more because Of the suddenness
with which 1t followed on the heels of the
announcement Mr.. Smiths retirement
than because of the selection. The rea-
sons for Secretary Smiths voluntary with
drawal from the cabinet were understood
as soon as the announcement was made on
Saturday, and 1t 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 mid
die west, as the south was already well
represented in his official family.
Speculation, therefore, went to Missouri,
Indiana and Illinois, and the names of ex-
Governor Francis, ex-Congressman By
nun and others naturally suggested them
selves. Governor Francis took u strong
stand in favor of the gold standard in the
preliminary battle for delegates to the
but no ht,
ciates were disastrously 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
utterance as to his position with regard to
the Chicago ticket, and so far rs known
has not, ut least actively, allied himself
with the movement for the indianapolis
convention. Governor Francis through
out his political career has been strong
supporter and warm friend of Mr.. Cleve-
land aud the administration. 1t is re-
called that when Mr.. Cleveland was at
Lakewood making up his cabinet prior to
entering upon his second term ex-Gov-
ernor Francis was summoned there, and
there was strong impression for time
that he would be given u portfolio
He hud been mayor of st. Louis and
twice governor Of Missouri, and before
Mr. Cleveland's nomination became GER
tainty was pressed for the presidential
nomination. At the time he was talked
of for cabinet position it was said that
he had been bitterly opposed by II faction
in his state, and that q remonstrance
against his selection was forwarded to
Mr.. Cleveland. Governor Francis is we'll
l,,,, t,,N ~En,, IJn ho., hapH
frequently and is exceedingly popular. He
was here only few days ago and 1t was
thought when he left that he had gone to
Gray Gables. Despite the high honors he
has already achieved he Is still a compara-
lively young man, in the nighborhood of
50, strong and vigorous, of sunny tempera-
ment and genial disposition. Although
taller in stature, he somewhat resembles
Secretary Morton In personal appearance.
He has ilorid complexion, sandy hair
and morstaohe. Ex-Governor Francis Is
said to be Il man of considerable means.
He was said to be millionaire few years
ago.
Secretary Smith evinced the greatest
satisfaction when he heard the name of
his successor He said: II have the pleas
ure of IN intimate personal acquaintance
with Governor Francis, and esteem him
most highly. He is man Of marked abil-
ity. OF course l feel n deep interest In the
and don't know any one to
whom I would more willingly turn it
over"
Many of the friends Of Secretary Hoke
Smith, both within and outside the de-
partment, called during the day to express
regret at the coming departure A num-
Der have sent communications to the Sec
rotary expressing similar sentiments Sec
rotary Smith has made no plans looking
to participation in the canvass of the state
and has so far declined all invitations to
speak. His intention is to resume law in
earnest and to rebuild the excellent prc-
ticc he enjoyed. He will practice alore.