The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-04-01
CLARK is A DIPLOMAT.
How the Montana Senator SecureI
Place for a Friend.

Il Place for a Friend.
"You have all heard great many
stories about Clark and his money, his
big deals and his marvellous luck, but I
want to tell you a true story of how he
obtained the appointment Of a friend to
a government position" said Franklin
Pierce Morgan, at the Ineprial, recently
to a New York reporter.
During President Cleveland's last adj
ministration Clark, as the leader Of tho
Democracy in Montana, was accorded
control Of the patronage Of the state. In
the distribution Of places he picked out
John S. M. Neill for surveyor general Of
Montana, and his name, with Clark's In
dorsement, was sent to the interior de-
partment. Clark's selection DID not meet
with unanimous favor at home, Protests
were filed with the secretary of the in
terror, and Tom Power, then United
States senator from Montana, threatened
that If Neilrs appointment was insisted
upon he would defeat It's confirmation in
the senate.
'Hoke Smith was then secretary of the
interior, and he hesitated about appoint
ing Neill. About this time an agent whom
Clark had stationed. here to look after
his interests was taken sick, and Clark
himself came on to force NeilPs appoint
ment. If possible. NELL was In the city
and was feeling low-spirited over the out
look. s1,
whats the matter, old fellow?' Clark
asked, when Neil called upon him at his
hotel the. first evening.
:" You give up too easy said Clark, in
q cheering manner. Just wait and be
patient
THE following day Clark paid g. visit to
the interior department. He sent in his
card and was promptly ushered into the
presence Of Secretary Smith. They had
never met before.
How do you do, Mr.. Clark? And
what can I do for your Secretary Smith
said. putting forth his hand and greeting
him most cordially.
Why, Mr. Secretary, Clark began in
his modest way, you know before the
war mint was operated at Dahlonega,
Ga, and large amount In gold was
coined there. 1t Is pretty generally be-
lieved that this gold IS buried in that
neighborhood. Now, gold has been found
in Georgia, some In paying quantities. I
have great faith In the state Of Georgia
as a producer Of the shining metal.
believe that there are mines in Georgia
as rich as can be found in the West, and
1 am thinking seriously that should put
in considerable money In developing the
mines OF Georgia, and at the same time
institute a search for the gold supposed
to be in the neighborhood OF DahlOnega.
merely came in to see what you thought
OF my. plan. OF course the investment
of so much money and the development
of mines on such an extensive scale would
naturally benefit the entire state. You
are thoroughly familiar with conditions
In Georgia. and I shall rely greatly on
your opinion.
Now, Hoke Smith is one OF the most
public-spirited citizens OF Georgia. Here
was the wealthiest man In the United
States. IL not In the world. willing to risk
money in large punches to Develop the
unknown riches of his state. The matter
was talked over in all its phases. The
secretary thought 1t was a good thing.
His opinion was decidedly favorable.
Clark babe Smith goodbye. As he reach
ed the door Smith interrupted him
By the way. Mr.. Clark sal he. about
that appointment OF Mr.. Neill. I have
just reached his case. and think every
thing will be all right
oh. yes. said Clark. but 1 didn't
como in the interest OF that. / knew OF
course. that 1t would be reached and dis
posed of tn due time
We'll. to make long story short
Neilfs appointment was sent to the SEN
ate the next day. and 1t was confirmed.
I don't know whether Clark and Smith
have ever met since. but the gold mines
Of Georgia are yet in an undeyeloped
state"