Born to a craftsman in Bârlad,[1] Pallade graduated from the law faculty of the University of Bucharest in 1880.
His contributions appeared in a number of newspapers, including Românul and Naționalul, and he edited Gazeta poporului.
[1] In 1891, after the Brătianu brothers made peace, Pallade re-entered the PNL, being named to its executive committee.
[1][2] He found the party a useful vehicle for promoting his democratic ideals, in opposition to the conservative boyars, who feared his oratory.
[2] During his second term as Finance Minister, he did not increase the state budget, in order to help Romania out of a severe economic crisis; and also supported protectionist measures against foreign capital.