Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1871-02-01
Senator Wallace.

Senator Wallace.
We clip the following from the Har.
risburg Patriot, which is proper
tribute paid to the talent and WORTH
of our esteemed neighbor:
VIM. A. Wallace, Of Clearfield, Rep
resentative man of the young Democ,
racy of Pennsylvania, has been placed
in the Speakers chair of the Senate Of
bis native State, by the voice Of q
majority of that body. This marks
an era in the politics of the Commons
wealth, and honors an ardent and
earnest Democrat. The devotion of
Senator Wallace 10 the principles or
the Democracy has been as marked as
his labors in their behalf have been
untiring. Resident since bis carly
youth in the mountain county of Clear
field, his history is intimately con-
nected with the growth and progress
ofthat ever faithful county. Engaged
in tho active practice of his profession
for fifteen years of his early life, he
sought no political place, but was ever
ready at tho call of his party, TO de-
fend his principles on the stump, or to
lend his powerful organizing mind To
bringyictory to their standard. After
bearing the reputation Of being one of
tho strongest lawyers in the cehtral
part Of the State, he was driven from
close application to his profession by
i'll health and was elected TO The State
Senate in the fall of 1862, beating III
tho contest Hon. l.. w. Hall, then
Speaker Of the body, and one of tho
most distinguished leaders of the Rc-
publican party in Pennsylvania. Since
that time Senator Wallace has been Il
member of the Senate, and Is now IN
his last year of his third term. He
took rank at once as one Of tho ablest
members of the body, and for four
years has been the recognized leader
of his party in the Senate.
In 1864 the Democratic convention
selected him as tho Chairman of tho
State Committee and gave him the
leadership of tho Democracy in that
contest. Mr.. Wallace had not sought
the place and accepted i, as a duty
We were just emerging from the war,
and power, money and influence were
against the Democracy. In 1866, he
was continued as chairman by the
unanimous voice Of the people, and
again with unAinching devotion he
bent his whole mind to the work, and
for the first time in many years
systematic and thorough Organization
of tho party was made. In 1867 he
again was chairman and by his ener-
gotic efforts and thorough work cat;
ried the State for Judge Sharswood
In 1868 the party again demanded his
services and they were given with all
The vigor of his great power of organ.
ization, and under his lead the Democ;
racy in October made the most gal
liant uphill fight in their history. III
all these campaigns he enjoyed the
entire confidence Of every section of
the party. To lis high character for
personal integrity was due, in a great
measure, our ability 20 raise the sinews
of war for these campaigns, for under
his management it was certain that
evory dollar of money subscribed
would be honestly applied to the legiti-
mate purposes Of the contest When
the campaign Of 1893 was over the
minutie of the organization of the
party had, under the skiiIfal haad Of
its leader, acquired system and cohe-
renee. A gallant fight was mado and
a larger Democratic vote polod at tho
October election of that wear than had
ever before been cast in the State
But the current of events was against
tho Democracy and even vigilance,
energy and the wisdom of experience
failed TO win. AT the convention OF
1869 Mr.. Wallace resigned the chair
Of the State Committee, but
continued his active aid In reorganiz-
ing the party At the close OF tho
last session Of the Legislature he was
selected rs the Democratic nominee
for Speaker Of the Senate, and tho
usual courtesy gave him the rcnomi.
nation, by unanimous vote, at tho
opening of the present session. That
he viii discharge the duties Of the high
position to which he has Just been
chosen, with impartislily and fidolity,
mono who know the man will enter.
.ain the slightest doubt The address
delivered by him on assuming tho
chair fully foreshadows the Just and
generous policy to be pursued by tho
Democratic majority 10 the Senate
We commend its temper TO every
Of both branches of the Leg
stature.