The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-04-15

is beyond dispute, and he viii make the
weight of his presence felt in the Unit
ed States senate where brains viii
tell because he is a statesman with
broad mind and a man with a heart
that feels for others. AS public
speaker this country contains no SUI
perior. and he viii soon demonstrate
his ability in the highest body in
America.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also
gives some interesting stories on the
career OF Ex-Governor Clarke, setting
forth his peculiar characteristics, as
well as his fighting qualities.
Former Governor Clarke, although
only 81 years old, has had q long and
decidedly eyentful-nOt to say tumultu-
Ous-poltical career. He is, IL many
respects, the typical southwestern
statesman. the sort seen Of late more
often on the stage than in real life. He
is essentially American.
"Old Cotton Top" as Clarke has been
nicknamed on account Of his snow
white hair, is very tall, lean AM
straight as an Indian. with a handsome.
distinguished face and "a manner the
cloak the impUlsiveness and even feroc-
ity Of the inner man.
He has ever stood firm on all points
where he believed honor to be involved,
and, in defense of his principles. has
made hosts Of enemies, damaged his
political prospects and has even bean
carried to the point Of physical vio-
lence.
Clarke's first public office Of note was
that of attorney general of Arkansas.
In this position he gave general salts
faction, and SO thoroughly convinced
his party of his integrity and ability
that he was brought forward as candi-
date for governor
o g 9
Soon after his election it became evil
dent that he possessed aggressive quail
titles which were far more noticeable in
that exalted post than they had been
while he was merely attorney general.
AS governor, he suddenly brought
himself and his state before the public
( eye by his action in the proposed Cor
I Dett-Fitzsimm0ns fight
C0rbett was at that time cham
/ piOn heavyweight pugilist Of the world.
Fitzsimmons had challenged him, the
articles had been signed and ell that
remained was TO agree on q place
I where the fight could take place with
out legal interference. Hot Springs was
at last chosen.
/ All arrangements were made; The
/ date was set for October, 1866; every
/ legal obstacle was apparently cleared
away and the fight seemed a certainty.
/ But at this juncture Governor Clarke
quietly forbade the men to hold he
/ contest in Arkansas. declaring 1t il
( legal
This unexpected t-aroused the live
lest opposition from all sides. Pro-
tests poured In, a mass meeting was
held, money is said to have been Of
I Tered in enormous sums and influential
statesmen and politicians urged thl
/ governor to abandon his attitude Of re-
sistance. II was pointed out THAI he
( was autagonizing the people and ell
| d3ngering his future career.
The only effect Of all these plaadiugs
was TO strengthen the governor in his
decision that the fight should not come
of in Arkansas.
When it was suggested that means
might be taken to circumvent his au-
th0rity, he Taked up an old statue
which empowered the governor to or
ganize an army Of 100 000 men. if neccs
sary. and take possession Of any sec
ton of the state, holding it until orGel
was restored.
Clarke threaten to raise such al
army and, with himself at its head, t.
Quell any disturbance incident to III!
refusal to permit the fight to 20 On
[ This proved a deathblOw TO the fight
ers' hopes, but it was, perhaps, aim s
as hard blow to Governor Clarke
career.
&. o .
Another characteristic incident, an,