The St. Louis Republic., 1903-03-19
GOVERNOR FRANCIS NOT IN POLITICS.


st. Louis appreciates the tribute to Ex-Governor
Francis contained In the connection of his name with
the Presidency of the United States
1t not the less emphatically be said that the
suggestion of candidacy for the Democratic nomna-
tion does not proceed from him or from his best
friends; and that there is distinct regret over the
favorable comment which has developed among Dem
ocrats in widely separated parts of the country.
Democrats in St Louis heartily join In the national
applause of Governor Francss brilliantly successful
visit to Europe. They know even better than their
party friends in the North and South that he pos
all Of the qualifications which would character
ze great President-menta force. energy OF action,
high patriotism profound experience in affairs and in
sight into the best interests of all sections of the
ton.
But his abilities and energies have been given to
the Worlds Fair st. Louis feels that the term would
not be too strong if it said that his efforts through
the next year and a half consecrated to the
Worlds Fair. The injustice would affect Governor
Francis much the Exposition If the people of
the country permitted to form impression
that he is either active receptive candidate for
a Presidential nomination. The Worlds Fair must be
kept free from association with partisan politics. and
since Governor Francis is thoroughly identified
with the Fair. he cannot be regarded political
candidate without enveloping the enterprise in dam
aging tnge of partisanship
In America it is truism that every citizen would
like to be the head of Government in the power
full of nations 1t stirs the best of mans ambitions
to be seriously discussed in that relation Governor
Francis and his personal friends would be more than
human and American if they not gratifed at the
kind words spoken by Democrats of differing shades
Of opinions. The Worlds Fair, however, must he
first for its leading spirit He cannot be spared; while
to be retained he must be relieved of any connection
with party struggles.
This would be the situation If his party were
unanimous. But st. Louis recognizes another YET
more dissgreeable element to be appreheuded. Who
is candidate for the Democratic nomination
next year, and whoever is nominated must endure
the afiction of savage abuse from persons who pro-
fess to be Democrats; from the common scOlds and
gangrened soreheads who nfest every party and who
surely not lacking in the Democratic party to-
day. There are Democrats who would spread quad
renniay Barmecide feast for the party voters I'M
less they constituted the committee programme
and bill of fare Under ordinary conditions leader
is prepared to bear that burden Of abuse and fight his
battle. st. Louis and the Exposition present diff
ferent The welfare Of the city and the national
of the vast educational display depend upon
the ability of the management to get the very best
out of the of the Louisiana Purchase Ex-
position. Tie friends of Governor Francis and his
associates in the management will not willingly per-
NIT him to be made the target of Misrepresentation.
The Democratic party find other candidates The
Worlds Fair cannot at this stage find another chief
executive without serious disarrangement.
St Louis will read with grateful interest the fat
tering words spoken Of Governor Francis in the
States of the Union With all respectful apprecia-
ton, 1t must insist that he Is President of the Louisi
ana Purchase Exposition and will not be political
candidate until the gates of that enterprise closed