New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-02
Democratic Leader in Up
per House of Congress
III Four Days.
KNOWN AS PARTY'S
STORMY PETREL"
Held Office of President
Pro Tempore Through
Many Contests.

LANttc ROSs- AIh.. OSS. - HiA4V9
Clarke. president pro tempore Of the
United States Senate, died at his home
here to-day after an illness OF four
days. He was sixty-two years old.
Senator Clarke suffered a stroke OF
apopleXy on Friday and did not regain
consciousness. The Senator's physi-
clan said that his patient first COM
planned of feeling i'll when he returned
20 his home from mis- law Office on
Wednesday afternoon. His indisposi-
ton continued Thursday and Friday,
and the stroke OF apopleSy occurred
about o'clock Friday evening.
Senator Clarke WAS married in
Helena on November 10, 1888. 20 Miss
Ssllie Moore. She. son and two
daughters survive ham.
Washington, Oct. James P. Clarke
was known az the stormy petrol OF
the Senate. His espoussl Of the
Philippine "scuttling" bill early this
year brought on a long fight that ended
only when Vice-President Marshall
cast his deciding vote in favor of the
measure. The food Of protests that
greeted the adoption Of the bill
brought about changes in the Clarke
amendment during the closing days Of
Congress that defeated its original
purpose 10 give the islands independ-
ence in four years leaving the Fill
pinos only with a larger measure OF
self-government.
Senator Clsrke's revolt against the
eight-hour bill was typical mani
festation of stern independence
which characterized his attitude
throughout his Senatorial career. He
was many times the leader in opposi-
tion 20 measures proposed by his party.
The climax TO his independence was
reached when he led the Democratic
revolt against the ship purchase bill,
which gave new life 20 the Republican
filibuster against the measure and
made its passage impossible. When
the bill was reintroduced during the
last session. however. with the govern
ment ownership and operation feat
ures, TO which Senator Clarke objected,
revised and modified. he supported Il.
Fought the Eight Hour Bill.
In the closing days OF the last SEES
sion Mr.. Clarke presided over the SEN
ate in the absence of Vice-President
Marshall. The railroad eight-hOur bill
l L 49,. ID -%rrtg
was passed with Senator Clarke in the
chair, but ne was one Of two Demo
cratic Senator's who voted against the
measure and he refused 70 sign it. He
appointed Senator Hughes as acting
president pro tempore when the bill
was presented al the presiding officer
desk FOR signature.
Named as President pro tempore o.
the Senate in 1918. Mr.. Clarke retained
mis- hold on the Office through several
stormy fights, the last Of which was ic
December, 1915. when he won the eau
Gus over Senator Pomerene after .
dispute over cloture had split the Sen
ate into two factions. IL had been
President Wilson's hope that the ship
purchase bill could be pushed through
the Senate with the aid OF cloture
rule, but this hope was shattered with
the reelection of Senator Clarke As
President pro tempore.
The rise of Mr. Clarke 20 the leader
ship Of the upper house was as rapid
as II was unexpected Although callet
upon time and again BY his associates
20 defend the position OF the Senate
minority on important questions in
volving legal issues, he had never
assumed or coveted a position OF real
leadership in the chamber from IN q,
time Arkansas first sent him TO Wash
ington, in 1908
The campaign 20 elect Mr. Clarke
President pro tempore was organize J
in 1913 so quietly and so effectively
that the friends Of Senator Bacon, Of
Georgia. then holding the office, did
not dream what was up until the Ar
kansan had won out. By joining forces
with the Progressive leaders. Senator
Clarke had made victory certain.
Active in Arkansas Politics.
Mr.. Clarke was born in Yazoo City.
Ark. August ls. 1854. Previous to his
entrance into national politics ne won
wide recognition IN his native state.
He was a member of the Arkansas
1887: a State Senator from 1888 %
1892, being elected president IN h'i
last term; State Attorney Genera.
1894. and Governor from 1895 20
1897. He was reelected 70 the United
States Senate for the second time n
1915. and had served only one year o.
mis- six-year term. He was a member
Of the Democratic National Committee.
Senator Clarke was regarded as one
of the most eccentric personalities m
the upper house. A man OF most vlo-
lent antagonisms and the strongest
friendships. uncompromising in ms
dislikes and Unfortunately generous in
his likes. ne made as many enemies
and more friends in his state and m
Congress than any other national char
acter.
senator Clarke acted for several
years as chairman of the Committee
on Commerce. He also was the ranL-