The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-10-31

William Mckinley OF Ohio is today one
Of the most prominent men before the
American people and likewise one OF the
most talked-about. An avowed candidate
for president of the United States and
governor Of one of the most pOpulous
states in the union he has achieved fame.
But there was a day when William Nc
Kinley. like all other men. was not well
known and was struggling for recogni-
ton. This was not very long ago either,
for his first canvass for congress Is well
remembered by thousands in and near
Canton, O., which has been his home
for many years. \ travelling man whose
home is in Canton tells the story Of his
first canvass.
When Maj. Mckinley entered the field
as a candidate for the republican nOmi-
nation for congress in the old Eighteenth
district Of Ohio he was known in the
southern end Of his district only as a
likely young lawyer from Canton ana
his chances were not the brightest when
he came down out Of Stark county TO
make the fight against experienced re-
publican leaders. He was smOoth-faced
young advocate then, and a gallant war
record and a vague reputation as a
speaker were the chief points in his
favor.
THE task Of introducing the major to
the voters throughout the central paE OF
Of mine. The doctor, who had a large
country practices drove him around in
his buggy throughout his circuit and in
troduced him to all his patients. For two
days Maj. Mckinley was shaking hands
with sick farmers. The number Of de-
crepit citizens who came to the primaries
in buggies afterward and voted for him
was angrily commented upon by his Op-
ponents. But this was the true explana-
ton:
When the doctor was done, I took the
major in charge and we made the round
of the barber shops and stores OF my
town. remember we called at the plan
ing mill at the noon hour. and there Gov
ernor Mckinley, his silk hat gray with the
flying sawdust made a little speech TO the
men, which captured their entire vote
"A big factor in McKinley's success
in the county was the speech he made on
Memorial day at Salem. don't believe
the governor in his prime ever stirred an
audience as that crowd was stirred. Years
afterward I have heard talk Of the recep-
ton which he got in that old Quaker
town"
John VI. LanEstOn's story.
The eloquence Of Young Mckinley car
ried him through and he was sent to con-
gress.
He was always ambitious as an orator,
as is shown by a story Of John N. Lang
ston's, which goes back TO a time when
Mckinley was a young man barely out
Of his teens. ct was just after the war"
said the co.ored orator. when l was maxi
ing a speaking tour through Ohio.
Il had a good audience at Alliance, and
when the meeting was over among those
who came upon the platform was n
smOoth-shaven young fellow who asked
to be introduced. Grasping me warmly by
the hand. he said: Mr.. Langston, II
could speak Ike you my chiet ambition
would be realized That young fellow"
concluded Mr. Langston, Is now Gov.
ernor Mckinney. and he talks pretty well"
The old Eighteenth district has stood
Loyalty by Maj. Mckinley ever since he
was first sent to congress. The republic
ans have returned him by increasing ma
iorities at every election save when a DEM
ocratic legislature gerrymandered the
western reserve counties 10 encompass his
defeat
In the light OF the remarkable versatility
shown i'm his western speeches a malicious
story current in the district Is worth re-
peatng. He was then in his second term,
and was stumping Carroll county in conf
pany with a lawyer from the adjoining
county Of Columb.ana. Maj. Mckinley
had a favorite illustration of the posSi-
bilities Of Ohio citizenship. Every boy
i'm the township" he would say (naming
the township, has the chance Of becom-
ing president"
When the county had been trave-sed
and they were driving across the borders,
the two young statesmen compared notes
with great satisfaction. My enemies
say" cOnfided Mckinley. that I have
only one speech, but YOU must have seen
that my speech was different every time -
Yes" said his companion. with a twinge
of jealousy. II noticed you got that boy
in different township right along"