Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-01
Sketch of His Life.

Ouantico Md, December s, 1850. His
father was a native of Maryland and was
Methodist Episcopal clergyman. His
mother was a granddaughter of Col. Thos
Woolford of the Maryland line in the revo-
luton.
father was appointed to AsbuFy Church,
Philadelphia and the boy obtained his edu-
cation in the public schools Of that city,
being graduated from the Central High
School. delivering the valedictory address.
In. 1869 Robert entered the law office of
Lewis c. Cassidy. then one of the most
brilliant advocates of the Philadelphia bar.
He was admitted to practice In 1877. He
had a good prospect as a lawyer, but his
career was destined to be political rather
than legal
In 1877 he was named as a candidate of
the democratic party for auditor general of
Pennsylvania, and on the first ballot In the
convention stood next to William r. Schell,
who was nominated and elected. A few
months later, at the suggestion of Mr.. Cas-
sidy he was the democratic candidate for
city controller of Philadelphia. That de-
partment, like many others of the city at
that time, was badly managed, and his cleo
ton gave rise to an opportunity to do valu-
able work in the correction Of abuses. The
people were ripe for revolt against their
political leaders. and he was elected by a
majority of 1900 although the republican
candidates on the state ticket carried the
city by u majority of GOO.
Municipal Reformer.
Mr. Pattison set to work in earnest to
reform the methods of the city. He found
the credit of the city impaired. By adopt
ing a funding plan he restored the city's
credit, and by his general management he
succeeded In introducing business methods.
His services were so greatly appreciated
that at the expiration of his term he was
reelected by majority of 1883 over his
republican OF ponent, who was one OF the
,,,ndo oft n
This triumph was purely the result of
Mr.. Pattison's personal worth and In no
sense was a triumph of his party. 1t was
at a time when the republican candidate for
the presidency carried the city by ma
jority of over 10000. This popularity in
1882 placed him in the position as an avail
able candidate for governor He was noml-
mated after an active campaign In the state
convention, and was elected by majority
of over 4O,0O0 over the republican candidate,
Gen. James A. Beaver, although for thirty
years previously his party had been In the
minority in the state. This victory like
those he had achieved in Philadelphia, was
also result of his personality. He fa-
vored an economical administration of the
affairs Of the state while governor, and, al
though laboring under the disadvantage OF
having to deal with a legislature not of his
party, managed by patience and tact to
accomplish many beneficial results for the
state.
State Debt Was Reduced.
The state debt was steadily reduced while
he was governor. Under the constitution Of
Pennsylvania he could not succeed himself,
and al the end of the term he returned to the
practice of law in Philadelphia. He was
elected president of the Chestnut Street
National Bank, having declined the audi
torship of the United States treasury, Of
fered to him by President Cleveland Aft
erward he accepted an appointment as Pa
40 ,ycct 81,
president of that commission.
From 1884 to 1883 he a lay delegate
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1884
Dickinson College conferred upon him the
degree of doctor of laws.
In ksO the democrats again took advan-
tage of political conditions in PENNSYLVANIA
and nominated Mr.. Pattison for governor
He was elected on a platform of reform
carrying the state by a majority of 16.554
although the republican candidates for lieu
tenant governor and secretary of state were
elected by majorfties above 10000.
His Integrity and Ability.
His administration reflected credit upon
both his integrity and his ability. Ever
since his retirement from his Office he has
been more or less national character, be-
ing frequently mentioned in connection
with the nominations for President and
Vice President. His state being so over
whelmingly republican. however, did not
make MS choice Tor these high Offices ad-
visable from standpoint of party advan-
tage. While he could carry the state on
state issues, 1t was not supposed he could
do so in national campaign
That Mr.. Pattison was rapidly failing in
health was apparent to his many friends
for the past year. He was always more or
less afflicted with heart trouble but never
gave any serious attention to any Of these
attacks. Tall and sturdy in build, with a
marvellous capacity for hard work. Mr.
Pattison deceived himself into the belief
that his constitution was able to withstand