The Tupelo journal., 1917-11-30
LOCAL BAR EUL0-
CIzES Mr.. ALLEN

resolutions which had been prepared
by committee of the bar touching
on the life and character of the late
lamented John M. Allen, who for
more than forty years had been an
honored member of the bar
Judge Clayton called Col W. T..
Clayton to the chair, and with deep
feeling the Colonel paid a high trl-
butte to his departed friend whom he
hand known and admired since the
early days of the county He elassed
Mr.. Allen as one Of the leading law
vers of the country and said that IN
all phases Of his practice and inter
course with his brethren of the bar,
he was the soul Of honor and an adj
versary who never struck. below the
belt.
The committee offered the follow
ing resolutions, which were unani-
mously adopted by rising vote:
''Resolved by the bar of Tupelo,
That it is with great pleasure we can
testify as follows with reference to
the life and character of the late
Hon. John M. Allen, who was for ov-
er 40 years a member of this bar;
"Mr. Allen was one of the ablest
trial lawyers of the state at any per-
iod of its history; he was not great
student of books, but he had genus
for the law: almost at glance of the
mind he could see the right, and rea-
son out what the law ought to be.
He had most logical mind IN deal
ing with both the law and the facts
of a case, and very comprehensive
view of the questions involved; IN
addition to this he had a wide knoWl-
edge of human nature. He was alb
solutely honorable and upright IN all
his dealings, he had keen sense to
detect fraud and dishonesty; he
abominated liar; he had decision OF
character, and persistent determine
ton when he thought he was right.
He always dealt fairly and frankly
with courts and juries. All these
qualities combined to make him
great lawyer. 1t was generally con-
ceded that he Was one Of the ablest
district ttorneys the state ever mad.
nWe Ieel that rs AGILITY afla ser
vices to this state and nation as q
statesman are so well known that no
word Of commendation from the
members of this bar is called for
Besides his service to the state as dis
trict attorney, for many years he was
a member of Congress; there he made
a nationwide reputation, not alone
because he was the greatest wit and
humorist in the country, which was
readily conceded by everyone, but
for the further reason Of his great
ability. his uprightness of character,
his integrity of mind, his knowledge
.of the needs of the country, and ms
dominating power and influence over
his fellow members of Congress. He
hated a demagogue with an intense
hatred. He was as honest in politics
he was IN his private dealings
There was not an Office great enough
to tempt him to deceive the people
in order to attain it. While in Con-
among the members of both the
House ana the Senate, as well as OF
the public generally in Washington,
that he was the most popular and m
Auential member Of the House. Both
the great and the humble recognized
his abilities and paid him homage.
He was on intimate social terms with
MANY of the greatest men of the ma
tion. who sought his companionshlp
for the benefit of his wit and hunlor
and his wisdom. He had friendly and
close social intercourse with every
president of the United States for
the last 25 years. One Of the mem
bers of this committee met Mr..
Roosevelt in the White House while
he was president, and on being IN
formed that his home was in Iu-
pelo, the president at once said:
+" Yes, John Aliens town; he has
made Tupelo famous all over the
country; when you see him again
give him my regards, and tell him to
come to see me; he is great
..Mr. Allen was intensely and un-
selfishly patriotic; no man loved his
country and its institutions more than
he. He was soldier of the Con-
federacy when mere boy OF 10, and
rendered distinguished service.
aAs citizen, neighbor and friend
he was unexcelled; he was public
spirited and enterprising; taking a
leading part in every scheme to build
up his town and county IN mater
ial. moral and educational way tie