Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-02-26
Richard Wallach.
A NORI.R IIFE.

Mr.. Wallach had rallied slightly this after
noon and was little better. No hopes OF his
recovery are, however, entertained. An !mme-
diate change In his condition was not expected
at late hour this afternoon.
Mr.. Wallach was born In April, 1915, and he
Is therefore about 66 years old. His birth place
was Alexandria, Va, and he. was born at the
residence of Lis grandfather, on the maternal
side. Col Simms, (then postmaster OF Alexau-
dria). who W as an aid. d.de-camp to Gen. Wash
ington, and was one OF his pail bearers Mr..
Wallach's father, after whom he was named,
came to this city from Boston, Mass, shortly
after attaining manhood, tabout 1sOS or 10Y.
which he followed until his death. He
Orchard Wallach. seniOr,) erected a family
residence on the east side OF 9th street. north
covered BY the National Hotel. I This ani house @
was occupied by the Wallach family until the
residence opposite the City Hall was built In
1927. This roomy mansion was occupied by
Mayor Wallach during his term OF office and
was famed for its elegant and bountiful hospi-
tallt1es. In late years he has had his law Office
there.
Mr. Wallach was educated at Columbian Col-
lege, but he did not graduate. his ambition
leading him before he attained manhood to
study law In his fathers office. The elder
Wallach died about 1883, in the 47th year OF his
age, and his son finished his law studies In the
office OF Joseph ii. Bradley, who was then rIs-
ipg rapidly to the distinguished position he SO
iOIS Atlu dU Gut ucdu VI tub w dSOlQRtOn Oar.
Mr.. Wallach was admitted to the bar In 1886.
He was Str1klngly handsome man and was
glfted with those graces OF utterance and man
ner that made him universal favorite He was
one OF the leaders OF the brilliant array of whlg
politicians OF washington VINO eSpouSed the
cause Of Henry Clay with such chivalrous fervor.
When Clay was defeated 10 1914 Mr.. Bradley is
said to have shed cOpious tears, and no doubt
his pupil, Richard Wallach, took the defeat of
his political idol quite as much at heart Mr..
Wallach TOOK an active part both In the Clay
campaign In 1874 and ia that for Taylor In 1S4S.
and soon after the Inauguration OF Gen. Taylor
he was appointed U. S. marshal for the District
of Columbia, which position he filled until 1853,
when he was succeeded by Jonah d. Hoover,
appointed by President Pierce. He performed
the duties Of marshal, as he has those of every
other position he has occupied, most acceptably
to the public. In 1S4S Mr.. Wallach was nomi-
mated by the young men OF the 4th ward for the
common council, and was elected for that and
the subsequent council.
When the war came on Mr.. Waliach took
decided stand for the Union, though many OF
bis personal friends and acquaintances were on
the other side.
In August, 1861. Mayor Berret, as member
of the board OF police, declined to take the oath
be had taken as mayor OF Washington rem
defed the subscribing to any new oath unnec-
eSSaryl, and In consequence he was arrested by
the military authorities, and carried to Fsrt
Laiay ette. THIS left vacancy In the mayor
orally, and In joint convention Of the councils
Mr.. Wallach was elected mayor for the uaex-
p1red term eDdtng june 1862, when he was re
elected by the people, as also In "a and '66,
being succeeded by Sayles j. Bowen In 1865
The war having commenced few months De
fore he was called to I'LL the positions OF mayor
and police commissioner his duties and respon-
sibilities were great, but he performed them
with signal ability
He was active In encouraging the raising of
District troops, and at times when danger was
threatened 10 Washington he was at his post
night and day, cooperating In every possible
way for the protection OF the city. Upon the
assassination OF Lincoln ne promptly sum
rnoned the Councils TO take measures for the
capture of the asSassinS, ana on his recon-
mendation large reward was offered on the
part of the city l0r their capture. During his
mayOralty, Notwithstanding the war was In
progress, much was done in the advancement
under him that the paid fire department. was
organized; the fire alarm telegraph introduced
here; an impetus given TO the public school
Interests far in advance, OF previous years;
constructed. Under bis administration (ln i364)
the first OF the tlEe school buildings was
erected, 10 %nich the school board gave
bis name. but without his consent, for
thing that savored OF self -glorifcation. 4
distinguishing feature Of Mr. Walach'S olieai
as well as his private life was its scrupul0us
integrity. The soul of honor himself, he would
tolerate no dishonOrable men about him. There
never was shadow OF shade OF suspicion
about any OF his acts. While he was mayor tie
City Hall, which had previously acquired the
bad name OF 'the BuZZard's Rol31 -
was very unhospitable quarters for the nobie
army OF jobbers and strikers. In appointing
men to Office he made fitness and Integrity the
first requisites. Since the close OF his Official
career he has always been at the front in any
movement for the good OF the city. 1t was at
bis suggestion that the Parking Commission,
which has made Washington the real
Forest City" OF the country, was an
pointed by Governor Shepherd. In many
other improvements the city has had the benefit
OF bis good taste and public spirit. In 1856 Mr..
Wallach was mrrried 10 the only daughter of
Marshall Brown, and the marriage has been
an exceedingly happy one. They have six
Chile %Ghildre1, three sons and three daughters.
The Oldest son, Marshall Wallach, is about IS
years old and is young man of great prom
Use. OF Mr.. Wallach's four brothers only the
younger-Cuthbert Wallach, pay-director in
the U. S. Davy-iS living. Robert Wallach
CHARLES S. Wallach and w. D. Wallach (the
founder OF THE STAR died In the order named,
The symptoms OF Mr. Wallach's disease man
ifested themselves about two years ago. but il
was only about six weeks ago that the
attack took a Threatening form. Until lately
air. Wallach has been able to walk out
and whenever he appeared in public he
was greeted at every step he took
by citizens OF high and low degree with
cordiality that showed the universal love
and respect felt for the generous manly. kind.
hearted, genial "Dick Wallach."