The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1897-01-16
Such q Man was General Cullon1,
an Uncle of Shelby
M. Cullom.
By a Single Speech in Congress
He at Once Made Him.
self Famous.
He Was a Great Lawyer But
Thought that Books Were
Made for Fools.

General William Cullom, an uncle Of
United States Senator Shelby NJ. Cullom
of Illinois, and man OF great character,
died at his home in Clinton, Tenn, On
the 2rst of December, at the ripe age of
86. General Cullon filled a great place
in the public mind during those stormy
days just preceding the rebellion. He
rose to national distinction as result
OF single speech, and sustained himself
in many memorable debates, says writ
er in the Catholic Standard and Times
General Cullom was a convert to the
Catholic Church and his death was an
etifying inspiration to his wife and the
members of the family, who remained
with him to the last. On the Wednes-
day before his death Rev. Father Marion
administered the last sacra1nents to the
distinguished invalid.
He was first elected to the Thirty~sec-
ond congress (1851-52), and was pro1ni-
nently mentioned for the position of vice
president in 1856.
General Cullom was naturally leader,
a man of singular vitality and resources
From the time of his first appearance he
was recognized as power in congress,
and rose to a great height in the public
favor. The speech which made him in
stantly famous was in the debate on the
Kossuth resolutions, introduced i'll Jan11-
ary, 1852. Kossuth, who had been de-
posed from the governorship Of Hun
gary by the czar Of Russia, and who was
himself republican and quite a remark
able man, came to this country and was
received enthusiastically everywhere. He
was given an ovation i'll tke principal
cities and aroused vast enthusiasm. He
asked for active aid the country, judg-
ing from the clamor that was raised, was
in favor of giving it to him. He was to
be reinstated as governor of Hungary in
defiance of the czar or whatever obstacle
might present itse}f--that was what the
jingoes demanded. Kossuth wanted to
establish republic in Hungary: and
looked to the United States The re-
sponse was cordial, belligerent. Many
petitions went to congress. A resolution
was introduced extending the freedom Of
the country and the sympathy of the
American congress to Kossuth. That
was thought to be much too mild.
Another, far more radical in character,
expressing the indignation of the Amer
can congress, etc, and breathing spirit
of active sympathy and defiance was in
troduced.
Cullo1n's personal appearance was
commanding. He was large man, to
begin with He had the oratorical man.
ner-a perfect poise His voice was ring
ing and strong; it filled every part of the
hall. He had command Of very vigor-
GUS language, of "words that burn and
was master of the arts of invective; be-
sides, he was great debater. The first
words he uttered was note of defiance
and brought rounds OF applause. He
made stirring and convincing speech
and finished amid great confusion, which
Cullom did not understand. He thought
the clamor was protest against his
speech and that he had disgraced himself
John C. Breckenridge, himself young
man and who had only recently entered
congress, came up to him and spoke alb
ruptly: "Have you any friends in this
house, sir?"
Cullom sprung to his feet, mistaking
his meaning, and replied ferce1y: "No;
not that I am aware of, sir; but I am
here myself"
"I wanted him to understand" said
Cullom, in recurring to the incident,
that was my own particular friend and
that would stand to my rights
Breckenridge added: II only desired
to say that if you've got any friends
you'd better have them kill you. There
have been men in this house for thirty
wears who have not made as much repu-
tation as you made in your speech.
You've stenlmed the tide, sir; you did it
we'll"
For the first resolution General Gull
lom voted Invent through with scarce
sly any opposition. During the time of
the passage of the first resolution and the
introduction OF the, second the sentiment
Of the house seemed to change. The
galleries were filled with an eager crowd
.-favoring a radical measure of aid.
There was much excitement, and upon
the introduction Of the second resolution
far more menacing in characterize
opposition seemed to lose heart, There
was scarcely a murmur Of protest. The
opposition, to say the least, appeared to
Ebe small and ineffective. They were ridi-
|,c.uIed as factionists :" Many flaming
Espesshss were made 5favoring The meas
sul al he OPT position 81 the iinall i TO
lt,i &, 81