Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1913-12-06

penuuluul, tHey budTcu tHelF bCOrts
Of thousands together with the same
remarkable degree Of brotherly af-
lection that marked the fortitude
with which they divided their hard
ships in earlier days.
In many respects Col. Whallen re-
sembled "Big Tim" Sullivan, the
famous political boss of the New
York Bowery. The one difference
was that Sullivan delighted in politi-
cal preferment in the way of office
holding himself, while Col. whallen
shrank even from having his name
mentioned in connection with any
office. In organization of forces for
political campaigns there was a
striking resemblance in the methods
Of the two political bosses. The
ecret of Col. Whallen's success in
campaigns, like Sullivan's, was to
get what he denominated the COM
mon people in line. To these he
was always charitable both polit-
ically and personally. "Give me the
rag tag and bobtail II you choose to
put II that way" Col. Whallen used
to say, "and the enemy can have the
other, and IL we do not win we will
find out the reason why" Col
Whallen, like Sullivan, always held
his forces together by keeping his
word with them. When he made a
promise, he always kept it. He
dealt differently with the common
people than he did with the leaders
or candidates for office. This car
ried weight
The last big political coup
achieved by Col. Whallen personally
was undoubtedly the election of w.
o. Head as Mayor of Louisville in
1909. True, Col. Whallen was
deeply interested in the race this
year between the Progressive party,
led by Wood F. Axton, and the
Democratic party, led by DIR. John
H. Buschemeyer, Mayoralty candi-
dates, but his activity in behalf of
the latter was too insignificant to be
compared to his work during the
Head-Grinstead campaign. II will
he recalled that Col. Whallen, Just
after the Democratic primary last
August, made a trip to Europe in
poor health. which explains why he
did not undertake to carry the bur-
den of the Democratic movement.
But the 1909 campaign, which re-
suited in the election of Mr.. Head,
gave the city of Louisville a final
fleeting glimpse of the old "war-
horse" at his best, with all the vim
and energy of real fighter and the
fire Of battle flashing in his eye
when the struggle was at its height.
The following tributes were paid
by Rev. Father Brey, DR.. E. L.
Powell and Mayor Buschemeyer:
Rev. Celestine Brey. pastor of
Holy Cross church, Thirty-second
street and Broadway, where Col.
Whallen was communicant: "He
was certainly very charitable man,
and was an immeasurable help in.
Holy Cross church. Col.
Whallen was an active worker in
the st Vincent de Paul Society, the
Catholic charity organization, and.
as long as he was able to be out
attended meetings of the society
every Sunday. He will be missed
very much by the poor, whom he
helped in countless ways. especially
in cold weather. | recall, for in
stance, his public distribution of
food and clothing two or three win
ters ago. We often discussed the
problems of aiding the humble in
the way of securing better and more
comfortable living conditions. Col.
Whallen seemed to feel a personal
burden because the poor could not
suffer less from the miseries of pow
erty, could not have less drudgery,
NJ "a Ii L.
seek the pleasures OF life-education
and beautiful things. Yes, he talked
often about improving the conditions
of the poor, but he never discussed
politics with me-"
DR.. e. L. Powell, pastor of the
First Christian church. when ap-
prised of the death of Col. Whallen,
said: 81 have never been associated
with Col. Whallen save in one mat
ter, that of the campaign a year or
two ago for the establishment of
the Salvation Army citadel in this
city. and must say that he showed
a great deal of zeal and energy in
the campaign and gave evidence that
he was thoroughly acquainted with
such work. I was never associated
L
though frequently expressed COM
mendation for his work and interest
In establishing what is known as a
winter commissary for the benefit
of the worthy poor Of the city"
Mayor Buschemeyer: 'My grief
tonight over Col. Whallen's death is
personal. The Colonel and have
been close personal friends for over
twenty-five years. In my acuuaint-
ance with him have found him to
be the most charitable man ever
met. He was absolutely true and
loyal to all his friends at all times
and in all conditions. He was one
of the greatest men ever mothered
by Louisville"
The funeral services over the re-
mains Of Col. Whallen will be held
this morning at 9;30 o'clock at Holy
Cross church, of which he was a
most devout member. Father Celes-
tine Brey, the pastor, win be the
eelebrant Of the solemn high mass
OF requiem, assisted by many priests
who were friends of Col. Whallen.
Rev. Father b. A. Cunningham, OF
ST. Vincent, former pastor OF Holy
Cross, will be the deacon: Father
Boland, of Somerset, the subdeacon,
and Father Doherty, OF Paynesville,
master OF ceremonies. The sermon
will be preached by Rev. Charles p.
Ratio, who knew Col. Whallen In
timately for years. The pall-bearers
who will carry the remains to their
resting place In st. Louis cemetery
A.. nh T.. u