Fifty Years of Public Service

Looking back from Washington in 1911, Shelby M. Cullom recalls the people and decisions that shaped his long career in public office. His account begins with family life in Kentucky and a move to Illinois, prompted by his father's opposition to slavery. The chapters follow his legal beginnings, service in the Illinois legislature, years as governor, and career in the United States Senate. Recollections of Abraham Lincoln sit alongside discussions of presidents, congressional colleagues, commerce, and foreign relations.

Personal portraits give this political memoir much of its character. Cullom weighs a senator's legal arguments, describes committee work, and remembers friendships that survived changes in party allegiance. His remarks on Henry M. Teller connect disputes over silver and gold with the strain of leaving a lifelong political affiliation. Readers interested in American government can find both an outline of public events and one participant's judgments about the people who conducted them.