The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-06-27
BoURKE CoCKRAN's PRESTIGE.
Glimpses at the Care er OF Tammsny's
Orator.

GAhlSoo hb bhe care OF OF lafntn hny'b
Orator.
They are talking a good deal about the
dramatic and sensational exploits OF Bourke
Cochran at the Chicago convention, says a
New York writer In the Philadelphia Press,
and the demand has been general for full
report of his speech, which think has been
as eagerly read by republicans as by demo-
Gratis. Cochran seems to be the only one OF
the defeated who comes out OF the slaughter
with personal prestige. Yet those who
know Mr.. Cochran aud his intellectual
qualifications aud the influences which
stimulate him to his best endeavors are not
surprised that he should have won per-
sonal although not political victory. He
Is one OF those men who are at their best
when in Il minority, and when that minor
ity Is made despe rate by disappointment
| and by rancor.
He made his first repute under almost
similar circumstances Some twelve years
| ago he was one of a oontesting delegation
sent to Albany TO secure admission to a state
convention. He Was then but little known.
His poverty was great He was a sleepy
eyed. huge-faced, rather sluggish appear
ing man when not under mental excite
ment. and he had been hanging on the
frirges OF some OF the local organizations
He seemed to be conscious of his ability.
and to be in some despair at his lack of OPP
portunity to reveal II. There was suspicion
at times that he was down at the heels. His
clothes were made TO do long service.
Moreover, he was not averse TO conviviality,
and when he was with politicians he did as
politicians did, and the atmosphere of the
saloon, though plainly not congenial was
not an infrequent atmosphere for him to
breathe.
They made him the spokesman of this
contesting delegation, and when he started
out to address the committee its members
assumed an air OF patient resignation as
though to suggest that it was their duty TO
hear this seedy young man, or to seem to
do SO. He closed his eyes. as Is his habit
when speaking. and for moment or TWO
1t seemed as though stupidity itself was
personified in his speech and his appear
ance. But within five minutes all this was
changed. The power that was in the man
was revealed. The committee fixed their
eyes upon him with something Of astonish-
ment. His speech came with impetuosity,
bis diotion was full. rich and had the charm
Of rhythm, and besides, clothed thoughts
that commanded attention by reason OF
their force aud the logical expression OF
them. When Cochran finished his fame
was won. He bad entered shat room al
most unknown. He came out of 10 conscious
that he had won the praises and approval
OF men OF power. From that time his ad-
vance was rapid. He went into Tammany
Hall and soon became its spokesman
Moreover, he showed that he was a man of
moral fiber by abandoning all his wasteful
practices and concentrating his energies so
as to take advantage Of the opportunity
which he himself had forced.
Cochran was never tempted TO stray away
but once AT the Cincinnati convention he
Joined a party just after he had made a
very brilliant speech. He was dripping
with preparation. He was exhausted. for
he had not been feeling we'll and was more
over somewhat nervous, and they asked
him to take q glass OF something with them.
He had his glass raised almost to his lips,
and then he set it down without offensive
mannerism and asked quietly for mug of
milk. Cochran could have taken tho stimu-
liant without danger. Ho was not one Of
those men whom the smell or taste Of liquor
sends into frenzy, but he had made up his
mind that a man was better Off without 10,
and especially a man who had his way TO
make In the world. and be had therefore de-
termined to become a total abstniner, and
for that reason he put away a glass which
had been thoughtlessly filed.
Cochran reaped rich professional rewards.
partly through his association with politi-
clans aud partly on account of his own abil-
tiles but be did not receive general recoRni-
WIN
charge OF the case Of jacob Sharp. who had
been convicted Of bribery In the Broadway
robbery cases. Cockran's legal ability se-
cured for Sharp reversal In the highest
court and new trial was ordered, pending
which Sharp died.
Cochran married into a very wealthy
family and being himself man OF educa-
ton and considerable culturs, his wealth,
his profession aud political Standing and his
promise OF brilliant career enabled him
to maintain himself in a social circle OF con-
siderable pretention aud also to secure the
companionship Of cultivated men. His style
of living is now luxurious. having a city
home on Murray Hill and a country one on
Long Island. He has, moreover, the war m
friendship Of William @. Whitney and L
know of no democrat Of bis years and abili-
ties who has greater number OF friends
among republicans Of influence than he.
II the next legislature is democratic
Cochran will undoubtedly go to the Senate
and it was with that understanding that he
accepted nomination for congress last fail