The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-11-26
REPUBLICAN.
DEMOCRATIC.
Major William Mckinley.

From Harper's Weekly.
Major William Mckinley has for some years
past been so conspicuous figure in American
politics that 1t is not necessary at this time
after his election over Governor Campbell in
Ohio has placed him in the very forefront of
Republican politicians, to more than briefly re
view his public career. He was born in Niles
TrumbMl County, Ohio. fifty years ago. His
father who Is still living, was an iron manufac-
turef, man of substance and consideration in
the community. The son was educated at the
common schools and the Poland Academy. At
the age of seventeen when the war broke out,
he enlisted as private in the Twenty third
Regiment of Ohio Infantry, of which General
". B. Rosecrans and General Rutherford B..
Hayse were off1cers. He was promoted to be
CommissaYy Sergeant, and then Second Lieu
tenant, and rose TO the rank of Captain. He
participated III many of the severast battles of
the war, and being mentioned in general orders
was brevetted Major by President Lincoln for
gallnntry at Opequon, Fishers Hill, and Cedar
Creek. He served upon the stats of Generals
Hayes Crook, and Hancock, and was mustered
out OF the service In the summer of 1865.
After the war Mckinley studied law, and set
tied in Canton, which is now hi. home In 1869
he was Prosecuting Attorney for Stark County,
srd In 1878 went to Congress, in which he has
S6O u0C1l Gf16 4SQ Oh iaS6 D1aICH brought lille
ty nrss Congress to an end. He was defeated
for reelection TO the next Congress- his district
having been somewhat changed by the Legisla.
ture From the beginning OF his. Congressional
career he has been member of the Ways and
Means Committee, OF which he was chairman
when the famous bill was prepared which bears
his name In all of the debates in regard to the
tariff he has been conspicuous on the Republic
can side, having been leader IN the light
against Mr. Morrson's bill, and then against
shat Of Mr. Mills. When the last Congress was
elected he was prominent candidate for the
Speakership, but was defeated by Mr.. Reed in
che caucus. At the last Republican National
Convention he was delegate from Ohio, and
was pledged to support Senator John Sherman.
Nos a few OF those In Chicago watching the pre-
lhninary skirnishes before the balloting began
looked upon Major McKinley's chances for get
ting the nomination very good He, howev-
es, would consider no overtures, and maintain
| ed shat 10 would be disloyal to Senator Sherman
| for him 80 permit his name to be used. To
make mis- feelings perfectly plain, he stated his
| position In a Short speech to the Convention
| His manly action at that time cost him NO
| friends, but confirmed him in the regard of hon
| orabie men.
| In personal appearance he is short and stout
4 and his face IL said to be Of Napoleonic type
| He Is an approachable man, easy. affable, and
| courteous, but always dignined. In debate he
always carefully prepares his speeches, ane
1 does not depend on any quickness OF repartee
| foY effect. Bat he Is so well informed on hi
eide OF the great tarir question that he is al
4 awkward antagonist for any save master tx
/ handle. His wife Is an invalid, and his devotion
10 her, even when most immersed in public al
| fairs, has always been most considerable an(
| tender.