The Irish standard., 1905-09-23

AS his mind expanded under the In
s fiuence of his self-imposed studies, he
became ambitious to rise above me-
8chanical work, and to find a place of
( some sort in the intellectual world.
! The natural inclination of his mind
1 was leaned strongly toward the study
I and practice of the law. When he was
about the ase of 20, he began his first
reading of law text books. He found
In this study fascination which slim
ulated his efforts and encouraged him
q to persevere. The same energy and
determination which had carried him
through the early struggles of his
youth, he employed in conquering the
difficulties which young man with
out social or financial influence must
necessarily meet at the threshold OF
any profession. BY private study and
by attendance at the lectures at the
Harvard Law school, he qualified him.
self for the final test, and was ad-
mitted TO practice at the bar. Here
again he was confronted with the
great problem which he was obliged
to face at every stage Of his career.
He had no wealthy friends for clients;
he had no social, political or financial
influence; he must depend for success
upon his own exertions. With indomi-
table courage he faced the task, de-
termined to win his place and to carve
out career which would lift him
above the ordinary elements and en-
vironments in which he had hitherto
lived. The characteristics which have
made him conspicuous in every phase
of life in which he moved up to the
present time, were brought into full
play during his early efforts at the
bar. He was at once recognized as a
man of keen intelligence, the highest
probity and the most unfailing devo-
ton to thse interets of his clients. Pos
sessed of a ready wit, an analytical
mind and a keen sense of humor, he
at once became favorte among his
fellows, and most successful advo-
cate before the judges and juries.
1t was quite natural that man of
such temperament and such conspic
uous talent, should attract the atten-
ton of those who were engaged in
politics. He was drafted into politi-
cal service at a very early stage in
his professional career He was elect
Legislature at the age of %, and at
p he was a member of the Senate.
In both branches of the Legislature
he won a high reputation as a sound
and conservative legislator, and as a
quick and facile debater.
After his service in the Senate, he
devoted his time solely to the practice
of his profession. With the exception
Of few campaign speeches, he took
no active part in political affairs until
1882, when he became candidate for
Congress in the old Fourth District.
He began his congressional career in
December, 1888, and served continu-
ously for six years, when he moved
away from the district in order to en-
phasize his unwillingness to continue
longer in Congress.
During his congressional service,
he attracted the attention of the lead
ers of the Democratic party by his
brllliancy as an orator, and his readi-
ness and skill as debater. He serv-
ed as member of the judiciary COM
lnittee and framed national bank
ruptcy bill which failed of passage
during his term of service, but which
was made the basis of the law which
is now on the statute books.
While he was thus winning the
favor of those who were studying
great national questions, he was en-
gagged actively in the politics Of the
Democratic State Committee for over
six years, devoting much of his time
to the framing and exposition of the
issues upon which his party based its
claim for control of the Common
/! wealth. He was the recognized head
of the party in Massachusetts when
the young men of the state began to
rally around William E. Russell, who
subsequently led them thrice to VIC
tory.
X, An 1888, when Grover Cleveland had
decided to be candidate for re-elec-
stion, the deceased was chosen to pre-
side over the national convention at
st. Louis. The President and his in
innate circle of advisers had not for
gotten the speech which Mr.. Collins
delivered in Albany, four years before
i that time-a speech which stopped ef-
Z, fectually the stampede Of large sec
(; ton of Irish-American voters to
4 Blaine. and turned what appeared to
4 be q defeat into a victory for Dem
socracy.
s In the campaign of 1892, when Mr..
I cleveland became again a candidate,
Gen. Collins took leading part, both
u I'm the convention and during the heat.
led canvass which resulted in Cleve'
a lands second election. The value OF
MI. Collins service during the cam
1 paign was recognized by all the party
leaders, and 1t was the unanimous