-day, after I hear Fuller deliver his address,
whether I did right or wrong in voting for his confirmation as
Chief Justice." Judge Fuller delivered a most beautiful speech,
which would have done credit to any man, no matter how high a
position he occupied in this or any other country; and as we returned
together to our own chamber, Senator Frye remarked: "Cullom, it
is all right. I am satisfied now that I did right in voting in
favor of the confirmation of Fuller's nomination."

Melville W. Fuller filled the position of Chief Justice of the
United States with great credit and dignity. He wrote, during his
long term of service, many very able opinions. I did not agree
with his conclusions in the Income Tax case; but I think every
lawyer will conceded that this opinion was about as able a presentation
of that side of the case as could be made. He was a most conservative
and safe man for the high position which he occupied. Of necessity
the Chief Justice of the United States must be an executive officer
as well as an able lawyer and judge. There was no better executive
officer than Chief Justice Fuller. Justice Miller told me on one
occasion that Fuller was the best presiding judge that the Supreme
Court had had within his time; and in addition he was a most lovable,
congenial man.

The last time I saw Judge Fuller he was particularly agreeable.
I called to invite him to deliver an address at a great banquet to
be held in Springfield on Lincoln's birthday in February, 1909.
I have had a great deal of experience in trying to prevail upon
prominent men to deliver addresses in Illinois, and I know how they
always hesitate, and hem and haw, then, if they do accept, destroy
all feelings of gratitude and appreciation by the ungracious manner
in which they do so. It was certainly a pleasant surprise and a
contrast to custom to hear Judge Fuller's reply when I extended
the invitation to him. "Why, certainly," he responded promptly;
"I will be delighted to accept. I have been wanting to visit
Springfield for twenty years, and I am glad to receive the
invitation."

This reply was quite characteristic of Chief Justice Fuller. I
could not imagine him saying an unkind word to any one. His
disposition was to treat his colleagues on the Bench, the members
of the Bar who appeared before him, and every one with whom he came
in contact, with the greatest kindness and consideration. He passed
away, quietly and peacefully