The National tribune., 1896-08-27

who, from humble beginnings. amassed hand
some fortune. There is something of the irony
of fate in the passing of his property into the
reputation.
It has come at last. The announcement is
authoritatively made that Secretary Uoke
Smiths resignation has been rendered the
President, and accepted to date from Sept. i.
This event will be everywhere accepted as
having a much deeper significance than the re-
tirements of Cabinet officials have generally
had. 1t is the first time in the history of the
country that a member of the Cabinet has
been forced out because of his support of the
ticket nominated by the party which
elected the President This is merely of his.
torical interest, however, and of little
practical Importance. The practical import
ance lies in its being demonstration of the
Administrators active hostility to the faction
which seized the party's machinery at Chicago.
Mr.. Smiths resignation gives distinct warning
to the whole army of office holders, and it comes
at timely stage of the campaign. His case is
a peculiar one. He has been strong advocate
of Sound Money. and was deeply disappointed
when the majority of the Convention at Chicago
went barloting off after the hercsies of Populsm.
For awhile he could not make up his mind 10
follow them. But he is ambitious of further
political honors, and his State is unequivocally
for Free Silver. He found that out when he
went home and tried to stay the tide. lie has
also valuable newspaper property in the At
lanta Journal, which would be terribly injured
if it did not promptly move into the popular
current. lie yielded to the force of circum-
stances. his paper finally came out for Bryan
and the Chicago platform, and then he got over
the fence onto the Free Silver side. This CON-
PEELED his retirement from the Cabinet. The
correspondence between the President and Mr..
Smith has not been made public, and probably
will not be, for it is said that much of it would
not be pleasant reading for those with whom
Mr.. Smith has decided to cast his lot. 1t con-
txins, however, cordial expressions of mutual
and sincere regret that political exigeucies force
them to take different paths.
4
Since the above was written the entirely I'M
expected announcement has come from Gray
Gables that ex-Goy. Francis, OF Missouri has
been appointed Secretary Of the Interior, to
succeed Mr.. Smith. and will assume the place
immediately upon Mr.. Smiths retirement.
Ex-Gov. d. Il. Francis was born at Richmond,
KY, Oct. j, 1850. His father removed to St.
Louis, and young Francis entered commits
sion house as clerk. lie went into business for
himself on affirming manhood, and became
very wealthy, building up one of the largest
grain commission houses in the West He
took an interest in politics, and in 1885 was
elected Mayor of st. Louis, and in 1883 Gov
ernor of Missouri. 1t is known that Mr..
Cleveland considered him for the Cabinet at
the outset of his Administration, but reasons
dictated that the appointment should not be
made. Mr.. Francis was leader of the Sound
Money forces from Missouri at the Chicago
Convention, and went down 10 defeat with
them. He is more than millionaire, lives in
fine style, and is quite social lion at st. Louis
The Republican Congressional Committee j!
very busy just now. it can hardly supply the
demand for literature fast enough. Chairman
Babcock said the other day that the committee
was in daily receipt of information tending IL
show the successful work of the committee
in sending out literature. lie says that the
reports show the people are very anxious L
read the documents, which are having good
effect ia arming the Republicans SO that they
can meet ali argument OF the Democrats
"Our object" be said. 81 is not so much to maxi
| proselytes in sending ont the literature, but L
| hot has h, ~,
| formed and ready in argument. One maj
writes me that be has distributed 300 docu
ments we sent him. aud that these document
| have won over TO voters to tue Republics,
Cause"
Mr. Bryan, the Democratic candidate for tn
Presidency, in letter TO the District Demo
cratic Central Committee. says: :" / will stop j
| Washington my way from the South to Ne,
England. cannot e < the date. but l hope
| will not be long after Sept. 90" The Distrie
| Democracy will arrange to give him a big r,
ception when lie comes here. A ratification
meeting win be held, and it is expected tina
large crowds viii attend from Maryland an
! Virginia. Convention Hall or Baseball Par
| will be engaged.
/ II
Louis Gathmann, Chicago astronomer. in thi
city now. made an Interesting discovery las
| week. 1t was that of a satellite crossing tn
disc of the sun. This is said to be the first in
stance in which such a body has been know
to cross the san. According to Mr.. Gathman
the satellite took eight seconds in its passag'
Its distance frcm the earth is unknown, bu
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