Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-22
Senator CuIIom Presents Epit-
ONE of Public Events.
HISTORY OF FIFTY YEARS
Distinguished Illinoisian Publishes
Volume of Memoirs.
ADMISSION TO BAR HIS START
Does Not Blame Taft for Political
Reversal in 191O-Other Ad-
ministrations.

Special Dispatch TO The Star.
CHICAGO. III. October 21-Fifty years
of public service. he personally recoi-
lects them. with their political aspects.
wars. labor upheavals and economic fac
tors in the building of the nation are re-
viewed in the memoirs of Shelby NJ. Cul-
lom. senior United States senator from
Illinois. just published Starting with his
admission to the bar in 1850. Senator Gull
lom traces his political activities down TO
the present day. concluding with review
of the present condition of the two prin-
cipal political parties their platforms and
their attitude toward the leading move
ments of the period.
The senator writing OF President Tafts
administration, absolves Mr. Taft from
all blame for the democratic landslide OF
1910. He discusses ''Cannonsm.' the
unholy alliance the tariff. the passing
of Aldrich. the Roosevelt terms of office
and railroad legislation of moment
Friendship for Lincoln.
Senator Cullom recites briefly the life
OF a small village in the Cumberland
River valley Kentucky, where he was
born November - 1899. Then. when he
was elected to the office of city attorney
of Springfield. he takes up his friendship
with Lincoln. 1t was the first election to
Office that started his long career i'm the
public service embracing the adminiStra-
tons of dozen Presidents. OF the adj
ministratiOnS he gives an exhaustive &C
count, Well as of the work OF the Sen
ate committee on foreign relations of
which he is chairman.
II was the senator's intention to carry
, his memoirs only as far as the Roosevelt
administration. but he has gone farther,
touching upon the questions that have
stirred the nation and caused the great
upheavaI i'm politics the last two years
| He gives a careful analysis of Congress
under President Taft.
| In 1910 the republican party went
down to defeat for the first time in eight
cen years. This defeat cannot be
charged to President Taft" writes the
senator. Nothing that he did chief
| executive was responsible for that de-
feat l myself believe that it was sim
ply the result of the people becoming
tired of too much prosperity under re-
agitation over the Aldrich-Payne tariff
bill was mainly Instrumental in turning
the House Of Representatives over to the
| democracy"
Star of His Life.
| Lincoln always has been the star of
Senator Culom's life.
During my life" he says. Il have been
acquainted with very many able lawyers.
and / have no hesitation in saying that
| Lincoln was the greatest trial lawyer L
| ever knew. He was a man of wonder
full power before. a court or jury. When
| he was sure he was right his strength
and resourcefulness were well nigh ire
! sistible.'
| He speaks of the tremendous ability OF
| Stephen A Douglas. the deserved repu-
| tation gained by Robert r. Hit. the force
| of John Sherman. the brilliancy of Blaine
| the power of Allison. the diplomacy OF
| John Hay. and characterizes other men
| who have appeared in public life.
/ OF Grant he remarks that while he
would not say he was a failure as Presi-
| dent, certain it was that he added moth
| ing while in that Office to his great fame
as soldier
| Hayes he describes as very good
| conscientious man. who never made any
enemies, but he does not think any one
would say he was great man.
Garfield in his view was, to most
4 eminent degree fitted for a legislator
| but he was not at all fitted for the presi-
dency.
| Arthur he regarded as man of great
| sense of propriety and dignity, believing
more thoroughly in the observance OF
| the etiquette which should surround a
| White House he has known.
Cleveland Strong Minded.
| Grover Cleveland is described as strong
| minded and forcefIrl and adhered tn his