CTJR'RAN, JOHN PIIILPOT, a celebrated legal and parliamentary orator, b. at New market in the county of Cork, Ireland, July 24, 1750; was educated at Trinity college, Dublin; and in 1773, having resolved to adopt the law as a profession, went to London and entered himself at the Middle Temple. Two years after, he was called to the Irish bar, where his humorous, flowery, and sarcastic speech secured him immediate success, which his attractive social qualities did much to extend. In 1782, he obtained a seat in the Irish parliament as member for Kilbeggan, his general policy being in unison with that of Mr. Grattan and the few other liberal members who were then in the house. In debate, C. was usually charged with the reply to opponents, for which important duty his ready speech and cutting retort admirably qualified him. But his sarcasm led him into several duels, in which fortunately little harm was done on either side. In 1788,
he was in favor of the formation of Irish volunteers; and in subsequent years, he was constant and eloquent in his appeals to government to adopt a different policy towards Ireland, as that which it was pursuing was likely to drive the people to rebellion. Gov ernment gave no heed, and the rebellion of 1798 was the consequence. C. had retired from parliament before the Union, of which he was a warm opponent. He was ap pointed master of the rolls in Ireland in 1800, an office lie held until 1813, when he resigned. He died in London, Oct. 14, 1817. C. is best remembered for his wit and gayety, of which many excellent examples are preserved in the various memoirs, recol lections, etc., of him which have been published.