New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-02-09
CULL0M DEFENDS ILLINOIS
No Corruption in Any Of His
Elections to Senate.
SILENT ON LORIMER CASE
Senate Passes Bill Which Would
Consolidate Federal Circuit
and District Courts.

Washington, Feb s--The unusual spec
tacle Of one Of its oldest and most vener-
able members rising 10 defend himself and
the honor OF his state presented TO
the Senate to-day by Shelby NJ. Cullom.
who replied 10 the criticism Of Illinois in
connection with the Lorimer bribery inves-
tigstion and the allusion 10 his own cleo
ton by Senator Bailey. Of Texas. Senator
Cullom spoke with such emotion that at
times II was feared that he would not he
able 10 complete his remarks.
Tn the debate which took place last
week he said, 'the honor and integrity
OF my state and even OF my own election,
were called ~ question. My record IN pub
nc life for the last City years will sho"
that have always denounced corrupuon'
and I do not hesitate 20 say that any one
guilty OF corrupt!on, whether I'm the Legs
sture Of Illinois or elsewhere. should De
prosecuted and punished TO the full extent
Of the law But 1; Is man.festly unfair and
unjust 10 hold UP the state 10 scorn before
the nation on account OF the wrongdoing oil
q connparatively few OF its public officials.
He said he had not thought il becoming in
him to discuss the Lorimer case. either
publicly or privately. When the time
comes I shall vote according 10 the dc
tstes OF my conscience" he declared
ION the Aye different occasions when the
reople OF Illinois signslly honored me Dy
electins me to the Senate Mr. Cullom con-
,inued after. reviewing his political con-
tests. there, was not even the slightest
suggestion on the part Of any one or cor
-uption or wrongdoing in the Legislature
in connection with my election. AS cam
dldate for the Legislature. as a cahnloate
for Congress. as a candidate for Governor
as candidate for United States senator
10 one has ever charged that single dol-
lar was used to influence any voter 10 vote
FOR mo or corruptly 10 influence any mem
he- Of the LEGISLATURE 10 vote Tor me-
have ALWAYS been n strict party man. ana
am now, and have always received inc
sunnor. Of my party when candidate TOT
hubble Office. These are the facts. Ihe5
speak for themselves. That is all have 10
say concerning myself
Resents Unfarness to Illinois
Senator Cullon briefly reviewed the his
tory Of his state and then. referring 10 INC
concern EXPRESSED regarding that common
veaIth said that no Senator could nave
greater concern over its integrity ana
honor than himself. He added that IN MS
Judgment. the state Of Illinois needed no
defence,
That corruption has existed on the part
of certain members Of the legislature ne
said. should not affect the honor and in
tegrity of the whole state and besmirch Its
fair name throughout the nation. II I'LL
nojs is 10 be condemned on account OF cor
ruption in it's legislature, there are few OF
the great states in the Nation not subject
to similar condemnation.
IL am not here 10 apologize for Illinois.
I take great pride in representing 1t IN TINS
body. and I consider that its people have
honored me by electing me for five success
sive terms 10 a greater degree than |
would have been honored by An election 10
he highest Office within the gift Of the ma
-fou