The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-08-02
OBITUARY..

Robert u. PattisOn, philadelphia.
Philadelphia, Aug. Robert e. Pat
tson, who was twice Democratic Gov
ernor OF Pennsylvania and twice con-
troller of Philadelphia. died early to-
day in his home at overlook. a SUI
burb of this city. Pneumonia, COM
pHcated with a weakness Of the heart
was the cause of death. lie was SO
years old.
Mr.. Pattison was candidate for
Governor on the Democratic ticket
against Gov. 'Pennypacker in 1902 and
had not been a well man since his la
borlous campaign in that year when
his tour of seven weeks COW
cred nearly every county in
the state. He was mem
her of the Committee on Resolutions
of the recent Democratic convention at
st. Louis and his health failed under
the strain.
Robert Emory Pattison, Ex-Governor
Of Pennsylvania, was born at Quantico,
Md. Dec. 8, 1850. His father Robert
Henry Pattison, also a native Of
Maryland, was born Jan. %, 1924, and
graduated from Dickinson College in
1S43; entered the Philadelphia Con
ference Of the Methodist Episcopal
Church; filled a number Of prominent
appointments in Philadelphia and else
where was a presiding elder, and was
for several years chaplain Of the
Grand Lodge Of Masons in Pennsyl-
vania and at his death in Philadel-
phia, Feb H. 1875, was one Of the
"a a mi nf
his church.
When Robert was six years old, his
ia Their was appointed to Asbury
Church, Philadelphia. and the son OBJ
tanned his education in the public
schools Of that city lie was gradu-
ated from the Central High School and
delivered the valedictory address. In
1869, on the recommendation OF Prof.
Richie, Of the high school, ne entered
the law office Of Lewis c. Cassidy.
then one Of the most brilliant advo-
Gates Of the Philadelphia bar and was
admitted to practice I'm 1872. He had
good prospect Of success as lawyer,
but his career was destined to be
political rather than legal
In 1877 he was named as q candi-
date Of the Democratic party for Audi
tor General Of PENNSYLVANIA, and on
the first ballot in the convention stood
next to William =. Schell. who was
nominated and elected. A few months
later at the suggestion of Mr.. Cas-
sidy, he was Democratic nominee for
city controller Of Philadelphia This
department, like others in the city gov
eminent at the time, was badly man
aged. and his election meant a task
Of reform before him that needed a
wide experience and a level head The
people were ripe for revolt and he
was elected controller by "A majority
Of 1000, although the Republican can
didates on the same ticket carried the
city by 5000 majority. Mr. Pattison
entered upon his duties Jan. /. 1873.
In 1882 he became a candidate for
Governor and was elected by a plurali-
ty Of 10000 over the Republican candI-
date, Gen. James A. Beaver, though
for thirty years the Democratic party
had been In the minority I'm the state.
Under the constitution Of Pennsyl-
vania, the Governor cannot succeed
himself, 50 that At the end Of his term
Jan. Is, 1887 he retired from Office In
1890, owing 10 the errors Of the Repub-
lican party, the Democracy seized the
golden opportunity and again nomi-
mated Mr. Pattison 20 the executive
office. His campaign was a vigorous
and aggressive one. and his speeches
were mastery presentations Of the real
issues before the people. For "a sec
Ond time he carried PENNSYLVANIA Or,
"a platform Of reform, being elected by
q majority of 1854, although the Re
publican candidates for Lieutenant
Governor and the Secretary Of the In
tcrnal Affairs were elected by ma
jorites Of 10000 His victory gave him
a position Of national Importance. he
was inauguiated Jan 90 1891, for
term Of four years retiring I'm 1885
lie Was a delegate 10 the recent ST.
Louis Convention