The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-03-02
biographical Sketch


In the Democratic national conven-
ton at Baltimore in 1912, Champ Clark
led on q ballots for the nomination
as candidate for presilen and had a
clear majority on nine ballots, prior
10 the final naming of Woodrow Will
son. The two-thirds rule of the con-
vention alone prevented Mr.. Clark S
nomination. The honor which his party
thus paid him was the most notable
Of his public life. In American political
history Martin Van Buren, was the
only other man who failed of the
Democratic nomination after having
received a majority of the votes in
the national convention, but he en-
j0yed the unique distinction of being
elected subsequently.
William J. Bryans sensational at
tack on Mr.. Clark at Baltimore charg-
ing him with being affiliated with
leaders representing the interests, -
held the convention in deadlock for
more than week when il ended in
the nomination of Wilson. Bryan's
speech. declaring that Thomas +.
Ryan August Belmont and Charles
f. Murphy were supporting Clark
was Il bolt from the blue which
made the Clark ranks waver. Clark
supporters declared afterward that
none of the three leaders mentioned
were for Clark as first choice, but
that the unit rule carried the New
York delegation to the Clark forces.
The breach between Bryan and Clark
never healed. although they met at a
luncheon arranged by mutual friends
few months later and exchanged
perfunctory speeches. CJolness be-
tween Clark and Wilson wore off
after the president entered the White
House and on legislative policies they
WORKED IN harmony, except in one
notable instance, the repeal of the
Panama tolls exemption. which Speak
cr Clark opposed successfully.
The failure Of his candidacy at
Baltimore never ceased TO be the
disappointment of Mr. Clark's life
He refused nomination as vice-presi-
dent and told the house on the eve
of his defeat that he preferred to re-
main as speaker.
His election to the speakership of
the house came in the 62nd congress,
prior to the Baltimore convention, and
it was by a united democracy in re-
cogpjtion OF the contest Mr.. Clark
had made against the rule of Speaker
Joseph Cannon. Mr.. Clark had served
In every congress since and including
the 53rd in 1899 except the 5th when
he was beaten
Although Champ Clark was known
as a Missourian he was born in An
lerson. KY. on March Z, 1850. He was
,hristened James Beauchamp Clark,
out early in life he reduced this to
Champ Clark. His first work was as
| farm hand, clerk in general store,
md on a country newspaper.
He was educated at Kentucky Uni
'ersity and Bethany College, and the
Cincinnati Law School. For a short
line he was president of Marshall
college and at 22, held the record OF
,eine the youngest college president in
he United States.
In 1875 he moved to Missouri where
lie took up the study and practice of
aw, and became prosecuting attorney
n Pike county. His next step was
hto the Missouri legislature where
le framed the Missouri primary law,
IN antitrust statute, and an Austral-
an ballot law. He was permanent
hairman Of the Democratic national
at st. Louis in 1904, and
leadcd the committee that notified
lton b. Parker of his presidential
omtnation.
He was first sent to the national
Drum in 1898. Although then regard
d rs green" his strength in the
rouse developed rapidly. When John /.
iharp Williams left the house for the