The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-09-27
Hox. airHAan Il. cLARkf.


Hon. Richard H Clarke. of Mobile.
will be received with deep regret by
tho people Of Alabama 81
Mr.. Clarke served his State and
people we'll and faithfully. He did his
duty as a Confederate soldier and du-
ring the dark days of reconstruction.
nf which the younger generation
knows nothing except by tradition, ne
was leader true and bold. That is a
chapter In his life which has been
rarely alluded to, but those VINO were
active in the days of '70-'76 in redeen1-
ing Alabama from catpet-bag and me-
gro rule well rem eruber his great SER
vices. For what he did then. ne de-
serves to be enshrined in the hearts OF
all true Alabamians If he had never
performed any other public service.
As a Solicitor he discharged his full
duty and earned the hearty good will
of all the people of his Circuit by his
ability. fairness ana sense of justice.
He was ever the friend of lew and or
DIR ana inherently opposed to oppres-
sion and wrong.
Recognizing his great ability the
people OF the First District elected
him as their representative In Con-
gress in 1873 and continued him in
their service until 1896, when he vol
unfairly retired. His career in Con-
gress was one Of remarkable useful
ness not only to the people of Ala
bama, but of the entire country. What
he did will live long In the memory
of those who are the beneficiaries. AS
member of the Rivers and Harbors
COMMITTEES he was OF incalculable SER
vice to Alabama and ala rsuch toward
improving her waterways and deepen-
ing the channel of Mobile harbor.
| There Is not a citizen of the United
States living along free delivery ru-
raj mail route that does not have
cause to gratefully remember him.
The first step ever taken In Congress
looking to this great benefaetion was
taken by shim and the f1rst speech evef
made In its favor fell from his lips.
| The poor unfortunates of Alabama
who are bereft of reason and sense OF
responsibility are today the recipients
OF benefits following mis- wisdom ano
foresight Through mis- Instrumental.
ty the United States arsenal and bar
racks at Mount Vernon on the Ala
bama River, were donated to Alabama
and have been utilized by the State
as a hospital for the eofored insane.
These are a few or his notable
achievements as a representative II
Congress. There are put few publ,
men who can point to greater recorC
of usefulness.
Mr.. Clarke closed his Congressional
career under peculiar Ind patriotic cir
cumstances. He could no doubt, hav'
continued in Congress indefinitely, bu
he consented at the earnest solicita
ton of friends all over the State q
make a canvass for the Democratic
nomination for Governor in 1896. /
was at time when there was grea
division or sentiment on the none!
question, and those who were oppose,
to the free coinage of silver were anx
ious that the State Democracy shout,
be aligned on thae side. Although /
was at great personal sacrifice. Nj
Clarke, who was an earnest oppon en-
Of THE free silver doctrine, consente
j to make the race and made an abb
and memorable campaign for Cover
/ nor. Although he was defeated tim
has indicated his judgment, and hi
whole course at the time proved hi
patriotism and sincerity.
Since then he has devoted 1imseI
to the practice of his profession at hi
home in Mobile. He served one teri
in the Legislature and was a candi
date in the late Democratic primar
for alternate United States Senator.
Mr.. Clarke's friends for a year
more have noted with sorrow that hi
health was failing. He was not abb
to make an extended canvass OF tn
state last summer because his physi
cal condition was NOT equal to tn
hard task. He had many friends. how
ever, who paid him their tribute b
casting votes for him for a posltlo
which if he had ever reached he woul
have filled with great credit to him
self and State.
We have briefly dealt with the pur
lie side of Mr.. Clarkes life. In ali tn
dearer and nearer relations or nom
and of friends he was true and stead
fast. 1t was one or his noted charar
, teristics never to forget a friend an
, there are thousands OF them over Ala
bama who will drop tears of genuln
regret because OF his death.
Alabama has lost great and nobl
son and all that is good and true i
life and country an earnest cnan
pion