Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-05-17
MASON ON CLARK.

The Keosauqua Republican con-
talns an interesting article in its latest
issue, written by former Senator Will
liam e. Mason. Mr.. Mason spent his
boyhood in Van Buren, county, as did
also Senator William A. Clark of Mon
tana- The Republican gives it's read
ers an opportunity to see what one Of
Van Buren's distinguished sons remem-
bers of another. When boys Mason
and Clark lived within three miles of
each other, Mason's home being in
Bentonsport and Clark's on his faith
er's farm short distance north Of the
town. The relations between the fam
lilies to which they belonged respec-
lively were intimate and cordial, not
withstanding the Clarks were Presby-
terians and the Masons Congregation
alists, and immaterial differences in
religious belief and church afiliation
counted for whole lot in those early
days, Senator Mason's father kept a
hotel, to which all preachers were in
vited without money and without price
and frequently there would be three or
four denominations represented at the
table at the same time. These minis
tiers felt that they ought not only to
ask the blessing but to give some re-
lfgious discussion at the table as a
sort Of compensation for their supper,
breakfast and lodging. Mr.. Mason re-
calls that once his mother threatened
to take her best china off the table If
the theological discussion extended
much further.
Mr.. Mason has 30 recollection of see.
ing William A. Clark at church and he
has no doubt Clark could truthfully say
the same Of him, but he expects both
went to Sunday school whether they
liked it or not. Mr.. Mason does not
know wat church Senator Clark be-
longs to now. if any, but says he does
know that che has the same charac.
teristics of his father: that of sterling
integrity, independence of thought and
always respectfully considerable of the
opinions of Others" Concerning his
senatorial confrere as boy and later
Mr.. Mason writes:
sort OF boy and l think the most
schooling he ever had in any one year
was possibly three months, except pos
sibly he attended the academy at Bir-
mingham, Iowa, for one term or posi-
bly, one year. Afterwards he entered
the university at Mt. Pleasant and
studied law for two years, but l am
under the impression that he never
practiced law, although he credits a
great deal of his success In business to
that legal training. / lost track Of him
and strange as it may seem, did not
connect Will Clark of Van Buren, coun-
ty with the so-called Copper King
who had made so much money and rep.
utation' in the west. When he came
to the United States senate. he called
upon me and spoke with me. bringing
some friendly messages from his sister
and then for the first time, in all those
years, l knew that. the WIFI Clark of
Van Buren, county, who had taught
school at Letters schoolhouse, was the
man who had made his mark in finance
and become rich in the worlds goods
and strong in the affairs Of his state
and party"
The article Is largely biographical in
character and is extremely readable
throughout. Mr.. Mason pays high
tribute to Senator Clark's merits as a
man and financier and pronounces his
defense of himself in the senate one of
the fairest, most frank and fearless
speeches. ever made in that body. He
says 1t contains some passages and
suggestions that "Will be long remem-
bered after Will Clarl's enemies are
Wondering in forgotten graves" Sen
ator Clark intends to visit his old home
in Van Buren, county some time after
the adjournment Of the senate. His
old time friends and neighbors will no
doubt give him the cordial welcome he
deserves.