Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-22

the cold air chilled the aged phlantnroplst,
and on Sunday he found himself in hot
fever.
The family physician, DIR. Cheston. was
called in and found Mr. Vaux suffering
from the grip; He grew rapidly worse
sary to call DR.. Tyson into consultation,
and both physicians admitted the gravity
of the situation. Late last night the aged
after midnight he became unconscious
He lay in this condition until death came
early this morning.
Life and Career of Mr.-Vaux.
Richard vaux. lawyer. diplomat, penolo-
gist and author. was born in Philadelphia
December 10. 1916. and. like his father.
Judge Roberts vaux. his career was closely
identified with the history of Philadelphia.
His education was received at home under
the supervision of Judge Vaux, with the
assistance of private tutors. To this course
was probably due the thorough develop
ment and training Of his mental powers.
Hes entered the law Office of William M.
Meredith when quite young and was ad-
mitted to the bar when twenty years old.
In the Diplomatic Corps.
Soon after this he sailed for Europe as
the bearer of dispatches to Mr.. Andrew
Stevenson, then the United States minister
at the court of st. James. The secretary Of
legation at this court was sent on another
mission at this time, and Mr.. Vaux was ap-
pointed to the post. He remained one year.
then continued a tour Of the continent. Re
turning to London, he became private Sec
rotary to the American minister. 1t was
during this visit that he achieved social
fame by dancing with Queen Victoria at a
court ball. he being the only American. 1t
Is said, who ever had that distinguished
honor. In later years this incident in Mr..
Vaux's life was given a sentimental tinge
by various hints of an attachment between
and the beautiful girl queen of England.
While in Europe Mr. Vaux assisted In the
organization of the American embassy at
the court of Brussels.
In Politics.
Shortly after his return to this country,
in 1885, he was nominated to the lower
house of the Pennsylvania legislature. In
1910 he was a delegate to the convention
which nominated Van Buren, and johnson
for President and Vice President. He was
appointed recorder Of the city in 1912 and
held that position for seven years. after
which he resigned. 1t is noteworthy that
no decision by him during that time was
ever reversed by the higher courts.
=, In lis as42 when 10, only twenty-si1 years cid
cratic ticket, but was defeated Shortly
afterward he was appointed inspector of
the state prison and was also elected con-
troller of public schools In 1854, after the
consolidation Of the city. he received the
nomination for the mayoralty for the third
time, but was again defeated. At the next
contest for the position he was successful.
Mr.. Vaux gave his thorough attention to
the reorganization of the city government
and the present reform charter adopted
ten years ago, under which Philadelphia
operates. developed from plan formulated
by him in 1857.
Elected to Congress.
In 1880 Mr.. Vaux was elected to the ma
ID
unexpired term of the late Samuel J. RAN
dali. Although in Congress only short
while his strong personality was impressed
upon the legislation and debates of that
session.
In 1866 he was elected grand master of
the Masonic order in Pennsylvania, and for
years was chairman of the committee on
foreign correspondence and committee of
appeals.
Richard Vaux, or 'Dickey" Vaux as he
familiar and picturesque figures on the
streets of Philadelphia. 1t Is scarcely an
eNaggeration to say that every man, wo-
man and child in town knew him. In the
most rigorous winter weather he disdained
to wear an overco al, never having possessed
such garment in his life. Usually his
footwear consisted of patent leather dane
ing pumps" and he affected clothing of a
cut long ago discarded by men of fashion.
With his spotless broadcloth suit, the
coat fastened around his waist by a single
button. showing wide eXpanse of RULED
shirt front, snowy liren handkerchief
thrust loosely in the bosom of his coat and
his long hair flowing several inches below
his coat collar. he was indeed figure that
commanded attention when he walked
Chestnut street to and from his law Office
Refused to Wear an Overcoat.
OF late his friends endeavored to prevail
upon Mr.. Vaux to wear an overcoat In
winter. because of his advanced age. but
this he strenuously refused to do, and there
is little doubt that it is due to this adner-
ence to what he deemed principle that
Death overlook him in the form of the
dod