Folk was elected and immediately inaugurated the now celebrated campaign against the corrupt practices of both his political supporters and his enemies. It was the former who suffered chiefly in the execution of Governor Folk’s ideas as to his duty. They were at first astonished, then incensed, and finally panic-stricken. Many of those who helped to elect him to office were sent to prison. Others were compelled to take flight to avoid the same fate. The St. Louis political machine, one of the most corrupt in existence, was shattered. It was a herculean task which Governor Folk had mapped out for himself, but his courage, steadfastness and ability carried him to a triumphant conclusion of it, and now he stands before the country as a political leader of the highest type. LAWYERS AND JURISTS. FRANK SWETT BLACK. Frank Swett Black was born at Limington, Maine, March 8, 1853. He graduated from Dartmouth, 1875. He entered professional life as the editor of the Johnstown, New York, Journal. Later he became reporter of the Troy Whig, New York. He was a clerk in the registry department of the Troy postoffice, during which time he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1879. He was a member of congress in 1895 to 1897, and in 1897 was elected by the republicans as governor of New York state. He also won distinction as a trial lawyer and has defended a number of notable cases, among which was the celebrated case of Rollin B. Molineaux. FREDERICK RENÉ COUDERT. The young man who wishes to succeed in the profession of law would do well to study the life of the lawyer, Frederick René Coudert, whose every act has been marked by fairness and courtesy. He was born of French parentage in the city of New York in 1832, receiving his early education at his father’s school in that city. At the age of fourteen he entered Columbia college, graduating with highest honors in 1850, his address on that occasion calling forth much comment from the press. During the next few years he busied himself with newspaper work, teaching and translations, besides studying law; and at the age of twenty-one was admitted to the New York bar. His brothers, Lewis and Charles Coudert, Jr., joining him in the practice of law, they formed the firm of Coudert Brothers, one of the oldest and largest law firms of New York city, and of which Frederick R. Coudert is the recognized head. He has achieved quite a reputation as a speaker and lecturer; and among his most notable addresses might be mentioned one at the centennial celebration of Columbia college, 1887; an eloquent speech in favor of the Democratic union during the campaign of Tilden in 1879, and his public addresses on the arrival of Bartholdi’s statue of liberty and the statues of Lafayette and Bolivar. He has been quite active in the political work of the democratic party, but avoiding, rather than asking, public functions, several times having declined