The Washington times., 1921-03-06
TR|BUTESPA|D
CHAMP CLARK
Death Of Beloved Ex-Speaker
Recalls Many Interesting
Political Happenings.

In addition to being one of the
foremost lawmakers of the country,
former Speaker Champ Clark was
one of the most picturesque and in
teresting characters in public life.
Since his death much unwritten
history about his long and brilliant
career has been recalled by his init
mate friends and colleagues. One
of the previously untold stories re-
veals the inside" of Mr.. Clark's de-
termination to renounce his lead for
the Presidency in 1912.
WOULD FOOL BRYAN.
Wallace d. Bassford, who was Mr..
Bryan's confidential secretary for
many years, told of this incident to-
day. After the Speaker had led the
Baltimore convention on twenty-n
ballots and had a clear majority on
nine ballots, william jennings Bryan
made his memorable attack, charging
that Clark had made an alliance with
the interests represented by Charles
F. Murphy. Tammany chieftain.
"Mr. Clark saw plainly this was a
move on Bryan's own behalf" said
Mr.. Bassford. "and he determined for
! the sake OF the party to prevent
Bryan's nomination. Bryan's idea, IL
was clear to Mr.. Clark, was to bring
about q deadlock, in which event the
lightning might strike him.
"Mr. Clark was at former Mayor
James H. Preston's home when re-
| ports came that his vote was sagying.
He summoned the late Senator will
lam ]. Stone, former Senator Fred ].
Dubois of Idaho, and other leaders.
"You agree with me that my
| chance is goneT Mr.. Clark asked them.
They agreed, regretfully.
al guess, then, you further agree
| with me- Mr.. Clark continued, that
mine has, Bryan may be the final
nominee. That will spell disaster.
| His managers again agreed.
"'Then have one more thing 20
ask the retiring candidate said.
| Throw everything to Wilson to pre-
vent any possibility of Bryan's nomi-
| nation
| HELPED OUT WILSON.
Wilson received the required two
thirds majority.
| Convention leaders Immediately
offered Mr.. Clark the Vice Presidency
The Speaker replied he would accept
on one condition, that Bryan should
! get up and retract his attack on him
Bryan did not retract and Thomas r.
Marshall was nominated.
Several years later Bryan waited
an hour while a mutual friend
pleaded with Mr.. Clark for a recon.
ciliation."
Bryan offered to support Mr.. Clark
| In the next campaign, but the Speak
er said he would not even accept the
Presidency with Bryan's support
The Republican landslide was pre-
dicted by Champ Clark last May,
Jerry c. South. one of the former
Speakers closest friends declared to-
day.
He told two other men and myself
that IL was doubtful IL enough Demo-
Gratis would be elected from north of
the Mason and Dixon line to call the
roll" said Mr.. South. 1t requires at
least fifteen to call tho coll.
"The Democrats have hitched their
kite to a star and have ascended so
high without a parachute that great
will be the fall" concluded Mr.. Clark.
| A postmaster was to be appointed
in Mr.. Clark's district. One applicant
had done him a grievous political
wrong and his son, Bennett, urged
strongly that he recommend another
| Isoh"ieab's "a war" ptNrouai anu Do
liticai friend.
| NAMED HTS ENEMY.
Bennett's candidate was fairly we'll
fixed in this worlds goods. SO the
Speaker secured the appointment for
his enemy.
"oh, yes" said Mr.. oaATk. "he did
me a great injustice. but he did me
many favor. He needs this job
| now"
At losst one Republican leader in
the House will ever be grateful to the
departed chieftain. The political boss
OF his state was out to get his scalp,
and n plan was on foot to oust him
from an important committee, no said
ltoday. He took his case to Speaker
| Clark.
I'm Speaker" the grand old man
replied. "If they start anything
around here, they'll stir up a little
hell"
Next day. said the Republican, he
threw hts arm across my shoulders
and said: 81 had n vacancy 10 fiji on
the - commission. Just 20 show
those fellows what think of you, ]
appointed you"
/ II took more than a flood to stor
Champ Clark. said Henry T. Rainey
OF Illinois. In one OF Mr.. Clark's