The Mena weekly star., 1921-03-10
CHAMP CLARK; YET.
 STATESMAN, DEAD
Great Missourian, Towering Figure in National Politics, Succumbs-De- handed That Public Busi-
 ness Not Be Halted.

Washington, March. 3.--Death closed today the career of Champ Clark of Missouri, for more than a quarter of century, stalwart of stall in national politics, a stalwart of stall warts in the Democratic party.
 He died in the very shadow of the capitol, just over the way from the hotel where he has lived many years. House and Senate seethed in the clos ing hours of the congress, of which he was an honored member and leader.
 The stir of legislative battle was with him to the end. He lived again in memory, as his pulse Jagged, days Of the eight years he wielded the speakers gavel in the house. Those sorrowing at his bedside heard the old chieftain mutter in his last deliri- um:
 "The question is on adoption of the conference report"
 By mandate more binding than any written law, Congress barely halted in reverence to mark the passing of the aged member. Knowing the vital urgency of time in the closing days of a congress, the former speaker sent word to both houses from what he knew was his deathbed, that no halt in public business should be made at his death.
 In obedience, the house, peopled with his personal friends, halted a short half-hour in adjournment then marched on with it's crowded pro- gram.
 In that pressing work, Mrs. Clark took active share up until little more than ten days ago, counseling his party colleagues as democratic lead CT, until a cold struck him down to become victim to the infirmities of his 70 years of driving life that reck- oned nothing of his own physical wei fare. His death threw shadow over every face in the chamber where Representative Rucker of the Missouri delegation arose to announce it, his voice choked with emotion. It was a halting, brief eulogy he pronounced but he drew from members signs of sorrow more eloquent than words can tell of the place the dead leader held in their affection and respect. The motion for half-hour adjournment was made by Representative Mondell, Republican leader
 Mr. Clark would have been n years old had he lived until next Mon day. But his 26 years of service in the house would have ended Friday, for he was defeated for reelection.
 In the subdued talk, while the house paused in honor of his memory, friends of years standing scorned the suggestion that the stout heart of the Missourian had been shaken by polit- ical defeat. That he had foreseen long in advance, they said It was a more personal matter that had broken his spirit, they insisted.Th death a year ago of his idolized three-year-oid grandson, and namesake, Champ Clark Thompson.
 Since that blow, it was said, Mr. Clark's colleagues had noted a waning of his keen interest in public affairs and a little droop to the massive shoulders so familiar thru the years in the corridors Of the capitol.
 There was one thing upon which all were agreed, that Mir. Clark had died as he had wished to die, in the har- ness of life work He had planned retirement to his home in Bowling Green, Mo, after March 4. but the end found him still serving his coun- try and still in the house. That made it possible for the house to vote. his widow year of her husbands salary as it's first business, when the mem orial adjournment was over.
 In the Senate word of MT. Clark's death was given by Senator Harrison of Mississippi. He spoke feelingly of the services the veteran democratic leader had rendered his party and the nation, but Mir Clark's wishes that no halt should be made in his honor prevailed, and the Senate kept on at it's work.