The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-15

ham got together and under his leader ship organized the Alabama zauaves, Company G, Second regiment, which was afterward changed to an infantry company and called Jefferson volun- teers. In June, 1890, he was elected colonel of the Second regiment to suc- eeed Col Thomas G. Jones, who after ward became governor. From that time on he was always one of the states most conspicuous military lead CTS
 General Clark commanded in many calls by the state, notably the 'Hawes riots as senior captain until endorsements ar rived, and at the Carbon Hill disturb ances, or race riots,p at the Galloway mines and in the great railway and min ing strike of 1894, until the entire Ma tional Guard were under arms with the then Gov. Thomas G. Jones in command, with headquarters in Birmingham, while Colonel Clark and his regiment, the gal lant Second,' were given the responsi ble post of protecting the mines, and they were camped for weeks where the thriving city of Ensey now stands. throwing out skirmish lines and patrols with vidette posts for miles around in and around the Pratt system.
 Two years later, when the First brigade, Alabama National Guard, was formed of three full regiments of infantry, one squadron of cavalry and three batteries of light field artillery, Colonel Clark was given the appointment of brisader gem eral by Gov. Joseph F. Johnston, and placed in command with headquarters in Birmingham, for a term of four years As provided by the constitution and laws of Alabama, his appointment was present. ed to and confirmed by the senate prompt ly December g, 1s96 as shown by the sen- ate journal.
 Governor Sanford reaprointed General Clark as did Governor Jelks, and on Feb ruary, 2S, 1907, Governor Conner also re- appointed General Clark as his own suc- cessor, but for some reason not yet ex- plained by anyone, sonlebody-though the records do not show who nor why Juggled with the law when the message of appointment was sent to the senate (tne senate journal shows the rregularity), as required by section 276 of the consti- tuition of 1901 for the advice and consent of the senate made the same to read flor term beginning April IT, l9o5 ' which was contrary to law and precedent and unknown at the time to General Clark and his military friends and in d. rect violation of the constitution or the state of Alabama, which not only fixes the time but the manner of appointment
 After the senate had adjourned, or in about two years after General Clark s appointment by Governor Conner, the in- fif,1a ion of bA in bo shown by the senate journal, came from the capitol until it assumed well de- fined rumor which brought forth the fol. lowing correspondence.
 Part of General Clarks letter to Gov ernor Comer dated September 22, 1909:
 By the way, while I am writing you I wish to call your attention tc an erroneous impression gotten by you from some source, which you did not give me as to the date of expiration of my commission, which, according to state law and previous custom of service. does not expire until June f9 1911, or four years from date of my ' commission, which you signed on June 19 1907.
 "Of course. l stand ready to tender my resignation as brigadier general A. N. G., at any time you, the governor of the state, and my commander in chief feel it would be desirable and acceptable, but do not like the idea of being legislated out or discharged from service by others from ambition or other reasons, except for cause. un- less it H your personal and official wish. If it is your pleasure, kindl ' make ii known to me direct so that ] may get out in an agreeable whole fome way inasmuch as 1 have held Honorable commission in the service from enlisted man through line, field and general offices since April 2I. 1887 ' However. ] wish you to know that il is my personal desire to remain in ser