Clark had to make his own way in the
world. He trained for the law, taking his articles with R. P.
Adams, but his broader education depended very much on his own
initiative. He read widely, participated enthusiastically in
local literary societies, and edited 'Quadrilateral' (right),
a literary, philosophical and political journal. |
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Clark was radical for his times, a
firm democrat and republican. He was inspired by the Italian
Risorgimento, and Joseph Mazzini was a special hero. A member
of the American Club, he celebrated with friends the centenary
of the Declaration of American Independence in 1876 with a rousing
speech in favour of the principles of the American Revolution
and their applicability to Australia. |
Clark family album
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Despite his reputation as an extreme
ultra-republican, Clark was elected to the House of
Assembly in 1878, largely through the influence of the midlands
landowner Thomas Reiby. He was an active politician and campaigner
for liberal causes. He was a leading light of the Southern
Tasmanian Political Reform Association (1885) which lobbied
for manhood suffrage, fixed term parliaments and electoral
reform. His political career culminated as Attorney-General
in the P.O. Fysh and E. M. Braddon ministries, 1887-92 and
1894-7.
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'The Quadrilateral' journal (1874
volume) edited by Clark
Tasmaniana Collection, State Library of Tasmania
Click on image to enlarge
See also Clark
and Chess
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Album showing photographs of Reverend
James Martineau (left), Unitarian clergyman greatly admired
by Clark and Guiseppe Mazzini, (right), Italian republican
and hero of Clark.
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Telegram congratulating Clark on his
election to the House of Assembly
in 1878 from E.W. O'Sullivan who was later prominent in
NSW politics.
Click photo
to enlarge
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