Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1880-10-06

Decherti Esq, prominent member OF
the Philadelphia bar, and was admitted
to practice in November, 1866. Tho
same year be was the candidate of his
party in the Twenty. y.seventh Ward for
Select Council, and although Governor
Geary had majority of upwards of
400, he was returned defeated by but
thirty-two votes. In this canvass he
was supported by many of the
most prominent property owners of
the Ward who were not members OF
his own political party. In 1868, on
the election of Hon. Furman Sheppard
to the office OF District Attorney of
tho County of Philadelphis, Colonel
Dechert was appointed Assistant Dis.
trict Attorney for three years, and was
again appointed by the same official
for same term on his reelection in
1874.
When Mr.. Hagert was elected to the
same office in 1877, Col. Dechert dc.
clined re-appointment, preferring to
resume the general practice of his pro
tession to which he has devoted his
attention until called, without his own
solicitation, to accept the nomination
for Auditor General. During this
service as prosecuting officer he was
independent and fearless, and conduct
ed many important trials in which he
displayed abilities that showed bis
eminent fitness for the requirements of
the post.
While Col. Dechert held the position
OF Assistant District Attorney, a va.
cancy occurred in the First Senatorial
District, TO which he had previously
removed, by which the Senate of Penn
sylvania was left politically a tie.
Both parties looked about them for
their strongest candidates, and Col.
Dechert was, without any solicitation
on his part,unanimously made the can
didate of his party, and after an active
at special election, on De.
cember Goth, 1870, he was elected Sen
ator by majority Of upwards of 1900,
although tho Republican candidate for
Sheriff at the election in October pre-
ceding had, in the same district, re-
ccived a majority of upwards of 1000.
Col. Decherrs record during the two
years in the Senate was creditable and |
lie was the author OF several i'm
portant measures, of which the "Crimi
nal Evidence law is one, by which |
persons charged with certain minor
criminal offences are permitted to
testify on their own behalf.
Col. Dechort is an active member of
a number Of societies, among which |
are the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion, the Mennerehor Society, the
Penn Clubb, the Historical Society of
Pennsylvania, Hamilton Lodge, No |
275, A. Y. NJ, of West Philadelphia
and Post No. 2 Grand Army of the |
Republic.
In 1873 Col. Dechert accepted the
command Of the old Veteran Second |
better known to our read
ers as the National Guards, formerly |
commanded by General Peter Lyle.
This regiment has been brought under
his efficient management to q high |
state of discipline, and in the recent
encampment at Fairmount Park it re-
ceived the highest onoomiums from
soldiers and citizens.
The office for which he is o can di. |
date is a most responsible one, and he
will, no doubt, receive a large inde-
pendent vote by reason of his high
and because it is often
thought the Auditing officer of the
Commonwealth can best perform his
duties when he differs in politics from
those whose accounts are TO be audited. |