Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-03-10
"Bourke Cochran, OratOr"
BY John T. BOIFEUILLET


litical convention oratory in its highest
perfection. In him, convention elo-
quence reached it's climax. He has been the
central figure in numerous dramatic scenes
incident to the nominations of candidates for
president of the United States.
His oratorical genius crowned him with
SplendOr, but the browning performance of
his gi3res in this particular arena Of intel
lectual effulgence was his masterful Grafton
at the Democratic National Convention at
Chicago, in 1892, when. as the idol Of Tam
many, he delivered a powerful invective
against Grover Cleveland.
The terrific assault was masterpiece of
forensic eloquence, a mastery augmentation,
a lashing, scathing, Illumination. AS a won
derful rhetorical effort it fully equaled Bob
Ingersoll celebrated speech at the Republican
convention at Cincinnati, 1876 when, in NOM
mating James G. Blaine for president he used
these fervid words: Like an armed warrior,
like a plumed knight, he marched down the
halls Of the American congress and threw
his shining lance full and fair against the
brazen foreheads of the defamers of his
country and the maligners of his honor"
Blaine will always be known in history as the
"Plumed Knight"
Ranks With Gross of Gold"
Coclran's grafton also ranks with William
J. Bryan's renowned Gross of Cold speech
in the Chicago convention of 1896, when, in
concluding the debate on the platform, Bryan
thrilled the immense assembly like an cleo
trio touch" by exclaiming: You shall not
cruelty mankind upon a cross of gold; you shall
not press down upon the brow of labor this
crown of thorns" This speech gave Bryan
the presidential nomination.
Cockran's address likewise finds itself rank
ing with the great Grafton delivered by that
other brilliant New Yorker, Roscoe Conkling,
at the Chicago Republican convention, in 1880,
who, in nominating Grant for third term,
commenced his stalwart speech with the lines
of Miles OReilly:
When asked what State he halls from,
Our sole reply shall be,
He comes from Appomattox,
And its famous apple tree"
The apple Tree" Fantasy
l will pause here to say that the story of
the famous apple tree" is a fantasy. Lee
did not surrender to Grant under an apple
tree. The two commanders met in room
in the house of Wilmer Mclean, in the vii
lage of Appomattox Courthouse, and there the
terms of surrender were agreed to and signed.
A well-known historic picture of the scene
shows the two generals meeting in the center
of the room for the purpose of the famous
interview. Grant and Lee are standing erect,
each with the right hand outstretched in
chivalry to the other. Lee has purposely
clad himself in an immaculate uniform, in
harmony with his spotless sword which hangs
on the left side, his left gauntlet hand resting
firmly and gracefully upon the hilt of the
shining blade which at no time was ever ten
dered to Grant, except in wave of defiance
on the field of battle, and a challenge to him
to the combat.
COCkran's Terrific Assault i'm Vain
However Cockrans splendid presence, his
grand voice, his transcendent oratorical pow
ers, all the strength, charm and witchery of
his eloquence, failed most notably to turn
the 1892 convention tide from the famous
man against whom Tammany was soidly ar
rayed. The great Democratic heart of the
country was beating for the nomination of
Cleveland for another term. All over the
land was resounding the patriotic and jub-
liant cry -Four more years of Grover, and
we will be in clover"
Exactly eight years prior to the 1892 assault
by Cochran upon Cleveland he made SIM
liar attack in the Chicago convention of 1854
in opposition to his nomination. This also
was noteworthy grafton. He launched all
the forces Of his intellectual power and ora
torical greatness in vain. He was unable to
accomplish the defeat of Cleveland, but he
established for himself national fame as an
orator, and subsequent efforts, particularly at
San Francisco, won him exalted oratoricaI
reputation, not only at home, but in foreign
lands.
A Great Speech in Congress
Some OF Cockrans performances of intellect
in the house of representatives rank among
the highest in the annals of congressional
eoquence. His speech in behalf of the Wilson
tariff bill was particularly distinguished for
argumentatlve power, and evnced the great
and varied forces of his mind. 1t exhibited a
profound knowledge of his subject; it was
perfect elucidation of the question. The most
logical, practical and reasoning parts of his
address were illumned with the fires of his
eloquence
Referring to this address, Champ Clark, in
his My Quarter Century of American Pol
1tIcs, says: ut set the house on it's head
and so thrilled the giant Senator Coke of
Texas, that he took Cochran in his arms on
the floor of the house and Rugged him as
though the brilliant New Yorker had been a
baby Some sensational newspaper man de-
clared that Coke kissed Cochran but that was
a pleasant fantasy"
Was Opposed to Bryan
When Bryan was nominated for president
IN 1896, Cochran left the Democratic fold and
supported Mckinley, on the gold issue One
OF the most notable speeches in Cockran's ca
reer was delivered in Madison Square Garden
on August Is, of that year, in opposition to
Bryan election Cochran represented the strong
antagonism of the powerful financial classes
Cochran did not feel at home under the Re-
publican standard, So in 1900 he was again
found carrying the colors of Democracy, and
supporting Bryan, on the issue of anti-im-
perialism.
Charmed Hostile Audiences
IN an editorial on the death of Mr. Cock
ran, the New York Times said HE charmed