Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-05-29
FOLK Of
MISSOURI DIES IN
WASHINGTON nome

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Washington. May 2s-John w:
Folk. former governor Of Missouri.
and once a leading figure in Demo-
cratic party politics, died today in
New York.
Information Of his death was re-
ceived at the law Offices he has
maintained here for the past sew.
eral years. He passed away at the
home Of his sister. Mrs. James A.
Webb, after aving been In i'll health
for some months.
Joseph Wingate Folk, one time
Governor of Missouri, presidential
candidate, leading light in the DEM
ocratic party for many years, and
author OF numerous important state
laws, was frequently referred to as
"the man who cleaned up Missouri
politics"
His success in stampiong out cor
rupt practices in the political affairs
OF his adopted state attracted ma
tion-iwed attention just after the
Spanish-American war. and SO i'm
pressed the people Of Missouri that
in 1905 they swept him into the
Governors chair. Under the laws
OF that state an incumbent cannot
succeed himself as governor, but be-
comes eligible after an intervening
term. Folk served as governor I'M
til 1909, nd. according to his many
friends throughout the state, could
have returned to the job at any time
since.
He was born in Brownsville, Ten,
October %. 1869. His preliminary
education was obtained in the pub
lie schools of his birthplace. follow
ing which he was sent to Vanderbilt
University to ctudy law. He was
graduated with the degree of LIB.
in 1890. and secured admission to the
single was hung out in Browns
vile.
Looking for larger fields four years
later, he moved to st. Louis, where
his ability and forceful energy soon
brought his name prominently be-
fore the people and was rewarded
by his election to the circuit attor-
neyship of st. Louis. 1t was while
serving in that position that his
road to the executive Office was
paved. His popularity grew to such
proportions that when he was NOM
mated for governor by the democrats
he swept the state by plurality Of
$4,000. despite the fact the Theodore
RooseveltS leadership gained for his
ticket plurality OF some $4,000.
Among the reform statutes spon-
sored and carried by Governor Folk
were included the Missouri law regu.
lating child labor and providing for
compulsory education; and anti-lobby
legislation; anti-race track laws, and
the statutes which make possible the
removal of derelict state officials who
fail to enforce the laws. He also
found time to introduce and do much
for the idea Of public utility commits
sions as a part of city government.
While governor of Missouri he was
made delegate-at-large to the Demo-
cratic national convention of 1908. in
which William Jennings Bryan was a
conspicuous figure. Bryan and Folk
became fast friends, and at the sug-
gestion of the former the governor
took to the lecture platform upon his
retirement from state politics and his
return to private practice.
In 1912 he announced his candidacy
for president on the Democratic ticket
and opened campaign headquarters in
Joplin. Mo. His platform included
equal rights. eradication Of all tariff
except for revenue. preservation of
state rights. and the election of sena-
tors by direct vote. His following was
large. and for a time he threatened to
disrupt the state. half of which was
backing the late Champ Clark for the
Mr.. Bryan suggested that
the Missouri delegation split the vote.
but while the proposition was being
considered Mr.. Folk decided to with
draw from the running and throw his
strength to Clark.
His political activities practically
ended with stumping campaign in
1920. during which he carried the
Democratic fight into the enemy terri
tory of the staunchest northern states.
Mr.. Folk married. in 1896. Miss
Gertrude Glass Of Brownsville, Tenn.