Year: 1871

We clip the following from the Har


risburg Patriot, which is proper


tribute paid to the talent and wortll
of our esteemed neighbor:


Wm. A. Wallace, Of Cleariield, a Rep
resentative man of the young Democ,
racy of Pennsylvania, has been placed
in the Speakers chair of the Senate of
bis native State, by the voice Of a
majority of that body. This marks
an era in the politics of the Commons
wealth, and honors an ardent and
earnest Democrat. The devotion of
Senator Wallace 10 the principles OF
the Democracy has been as marked as
his labors in their behalf have beet
untiring. Resident since his carly
youth in the mountain county Of Clear
field, his history is Intimately con-
nccted with the growth and progress
ofthat ever faithful county Engaged
in tho active practice Of his profession
for fifteen years of his early life, he
sought no political place, but was ever
ready at the call Of bis party, TO de-
fehd his principles on the stump, or to
lend his powerful organizing mind To-
bring victory to their standard. After
bearing the reputation ofbeing one of
the strongest lawyers in the central
part OF the State, he was driven from
close application 10 his profession by


i'll health and was elected TO the State
Senate in the fall of 1862, beating III
the contest Hon. H. W. Hall, then
Speaker Of the body, and one of tho
most distinguished leaders of the Re-
publican party in Pennsylvania. Since
that time Senator Wallace has been u
member of the Senate, and Is now Ia
his last year of his third term. He
took rank at once as one Of tho ablest
members Of the body, and for four
years has been the recognized leader
Of his party in the Senate.


In 1864 the Democratic convention
selected him rs tho Chairman of tho
State Committee and gave him the
leadership of tho Democracy in that
contest Mr.. Wallace had not sought
the place and accepted il as duty
We were just emerging from the war,
and power money and influence were
against the Democracy. In 1866, he
was continued as chairman by the
unanimous voice Of the people, and
again with unninohing devotion no
bent his whole mind to the work, and
for the first time in many years
systematic and thorough organization
of the party was made. In 1867 he
again was chairman and BY his ener-
getic efforts and thorough work cat;
ried the State for Judge Sharswood.
In 1865 the party again demanded his
services and they were given with all
The vigor Of his great power of organ
ization, and under his lead the Democ;
racy in October made the most gal
liant uphill fight in their history Iii
all these campaigns he enjoyed the
entire confidence of every section of
the party. To his high character for
personal integrity was due, in a great
measure, our ability 20 raise the sinews
of war for these campaigns, for under
his management ii was certain that
evory dollar Of money subscribed
would be honestly applied to the legiti-
mate purposes Of the contest When
the campaign Of 1893 was over the
minutie of the organization of the
party had, under the skillful hand Of
its leader, acquired system and cohe-
renee. A gallant fight was mado and
larger Democratic vote polled at the
October election of that wear than had
ever before been cast in the State.--
But the current of events was against
tho Democracy and even vigilance,
energy and the wisdom Of experience
failed 10 win. At the convention OF
1869 Mr.. Wallace resigned the chair
manship Of the State Committee, but
continued his active aid in reorganiz-
ing the party. At the close Of the
last session of the Legislature he was
selected as the Democratic nominee
for Speaker Of the Senate, and tho
usual courtesy gave him the ronomi.
nation, by unanimous vote, at tho
opening of the present session. That
he will discharge the duties Of the bigh
position 10 which he has Just been
chosen, with impartislity and 6delity,
none who know the man viii enter
tain the slightest doubt. The addn6.u.
delivered by him on assumir--- ---
chair fully foreShadows thcdAN,
generous policy to be pT DEAI.E1