The weekly true Democrat. (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1905-1912, 1907-10-04

Editor Harris, Of the Ocala Banner,
TO Judge from an editorial heretofore
quoted by the Tribune, does not at all
ike the term "a gentleman and q schol-
arr as applied by the Miami Metropolis
to Judge w. /. Metcalf, Of Dade eoun-
ty, whom the Governor recently APP
pointed despite the fact that another
man was the choice of the people as ex-
pressed In g primarys Mr.. Harris does
not 90 on to define Just what "agentle-
man and a scholar" may be, which we
very much regret for his powers of
analysis are keen and penetrating. 1t
may be that he thought the very words
Of the title conveyed its meaning, and
so indeed they should despite their
abuse in this twentieth century.
To give description of a scholar and
a gentleman Is by no means so easy as
may at first appear, and the Tribune
will content itself with citing an in
stance Of this by no means frequent
combination in the individual represent
alive Of the genus homo, confident that
it's readers will obtain much quicker
and clearer understanding than by wad-
ing through a lengthy and more or less
ponderous thesis We believe that cur
good Congressman Frank Clark fills the
".
can name in Florida--Or anywhere else,
for that matter. He is certainly schol-
arly in his attainments, a lawyer Of rare
ability, and a gentleman TO the core
He has earned for himself high rep
utation in the councils of his party and
is esteemed by his fellow members in
the House of Representatives both for
his brains and for his high sense of
HONOR
Congressman Clark s nature possesses
two qualities, which taken together, are
the most distinguishing marks of true
gentleman IS sincere and not afraid
to give voice to his convictions. He
alone of all the prominent politicians in
Florida had the manhood during last
years campaign to come out boldly
against the Governors pet scheme to
secure a constitutional amendment Civ
ing increased powers to the Board of
Internal Improvement in the draining
Of the Everglades. Yes, he even met
Broward face to face on the debating
platform and utterly routed the latter's
argument by the overwhelming force of
his logic based on a thorough under
standing of the question discussed and
comprehensive search below the surface
into it's hidden depths where were re-
vealed its antagonism to what is held
most sacred in a democratic form of
government.
The Congressman, convinced OF the
righteousness of the prohibition move
ment, has recently announced that he
is in favor of It, Having such convic-
tions he deemed il his duty TO tell his
constituents of the fact so that no man
might ever have the opportunity to de-
clare that he was sailing under false
colprs for a moment of time. Such
sensitiveness is but another proof Of his
innate gentlemanliness and brings him
very close to the hearts of his fellow
citizens.
Florida has conferred several honors
upon Frank Clark. He was elected to
he State Legislature from Polk county.
and this is his second term as Repre-
sentative in Congress. During Presi-
dent Cleveland's administration he was
appointed United States District Attor-
ney for the Southern District of Flori-
da, and rendered very signal service in
the Office. 1t goes without saying that
he has fully deserved these honors, and
that he is destined to receive many
others from a people who hold him in
such high esteem. Tampa Tribune.