Evening star., 1896-07-02
A Star Correspondent Visits the Can
didate at His Home.
CANTON REVELS In THE CAMPAIGN
Crowds eesiege the Major and Seek
for Souvenirs.
A PREDICTION FULFILLED
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.


CANTON, Ohio July 1, 1896
This town Is fairly reveling in the glory
that has come to it by reason of the nomi-
nation of one of it's citizens for the presi-
dency. Every man, woman and child here
knows Major Mckinley, and every one Is
proud of that fact Nearly all the business
blocks and many private residences still
wear the dec oorations which were placed in
position in honor of the news that came a
few days ago from ST. Louis. The people
you meet are ready to talk politics at the
drop of the hat. One young fellow said to
me that while Stark county, of which Can
ton forms a part, is usually regarded as
democratic stronghold, he did not think
there would be very many democratic votes
cast next fall "You see,'' he said. that
many men are now out of employment; few
of the large establishments are running
With all the men and machinery that could
be employed if times were better; and
every one is hopeful that a change of ad-
Ministration will bring us relief. / have
been furloughed by my employers for the
last five weeks, and i cannot get other en-
ployment." / found evidence to substan-
fiate the young mans statement. 1t is
common byword that the present admins
tratfon has brought into use the greatest
smoke consumer ever discovered-hard
times. / sa many idle wheels and smoke
less chimneys This part of the country In
an era of prosperity is veritable bee hive
OF industry. The last census established
the fact that the geographical center of the
manufacturing Industries of the country is
located in this county, a short distance
from Canton 1t is fact worthy of note
that the manufacturing center should thus
be located SO near the home of the great
champion of a protective tariff.
L ran across Clark Tonner who was ap-
pcintment clerk of the Interior Department
under the Harrison administration, and, to-
gether. We went to the residence of Major
Mckinley. The premises looked as if a slice
OF the real ST. Louis tornado has struck
the place instead of a presidential nomina-
ton The beautiful lawn, which was once
the pride of Market street. had been so
trampled that scarcely a green blade of
grass could be found except in spots where
the feet of thousands of jubiIant serenaders
could not reach. Small branches and pieces
OF bark had been broken from the trees
pickets had been split off for souvenirs. the
vandalism in one instance extending to two
entire panels Of the fence. This much was
evident at a glance. How much other dam
age had been done could not readily be
tcld- j remember during the campaign of
1850 that besides the destruC ton out doors
all the carpets and furniture of General
Garfelds home at Mentor were ruined and
many hundreds of dollars were expended
In repairing the damage. But no one is dis
posed to find fault with a matter of this
Kind 1t is all due to the reverence which
tns average American entertains for any
relic or souvenir that would recall to his
mind an event of Importance In his life
Cnnton's Part in the Campaign.
The people of Canton are beginning to
realize that they will have a burden to bear
In the present campaign, but they will bear
IL cheerfully and gladly. The task of en-
tertaining visiting delegations and political
pllsrims Is not a light one in a campaign
such as this. They must needs expend sew
eral thousands of dollars before it is all
over, for halls must be hired bands en-
ployed and shelter and food provided for
the hosts as they arrive. The republican
headquarters are at all times a scene of
activity.
l found Major Mckinley sitting on the
porch of his residence, chatting with Pres-
dent Moore of the Mckinley League of New
York MIR Moore had started the Mckinley
boom in the empire state, and was proud
of the fact Time has dealt gently with
Major Mckinley He was looking much
better than 1 expected to find him, after
the strain resulting from many days
or uncertainty respecting the outcome of
the national convention. Notwithstanding
the undnimity that attended his nominal
ton, there has been much to annoy and vex
him, many hard questions to decide, and
downright hard work TO keep In touch with
all that was going on. Besides, the candi-
dates mail has been enormous. and more
than an ordinary man could attend to. He
has changed but little since he was in Con-
gress- The few strands of gray above the
ears, which were noticeable after the hard
work he did i'll the preparation of the tariff
OF 1890. have increased in number, and pos
slbly they are whittier than they were but
the eye is as bright ever and the spirits
even lighter than of yore.
Major Mckinley recalled a prediction
which l had made after the republican ma
tional convention of 1855 All who were
present will remember that scene when he
stood up in the presence of that great throne
and urged, aye, demanded, in a way that
was understood by all who knew him that
no friend of his should vote for him He
was loyal TO the great Senator in whose in
terest he had been sent as a delegate Few
people Will ever know how much nj ior Mo
hlnley dld to stem the tide that was setting
toward his nomination in that convention
oI iSns- Much was done that did not appear
on tiie surface Had Senator Sherman but
sald the word; had he but withdrawn from
the contest. his gallant lieutenant would
nave peen nominated very quickly. But
many OF the friends of the Senator still be-
IleNed they could win over the vote of New
York and other states that would decide tho
contest, ard they did not change their minds
@ untii the last ballot was taken. Again In
lS?- IL was only by the most determined
work on the part of Major Mckinley that
MS nomination was prevented at Mime
apolls- He had gone there as a delegate
pledged to the support of President Harri
sons candidacy. After the convention In
iSSS We took a walk together on his return
10 W aShington. and he recounted much of
the INSIDE history of the previous week He
Iet that ne mad come nearer to the presi-
DENTAL nomination than he perhaps would
ever again. but he was satisfied in his CON
science that his conduct had been just what
1t should have been, and he had no reprets
10 express l expressed the opinion that he
would be nominated in 1895; that President
Harrison would probably be elected, and
then renominated in 1892 but a third term
would be out of the question and the field
would be open in 1896
There has never been time when NV
name has been mentioned In connection
with the presidential nomination" said he
TO me today, when 1 could have felt han
py in taking il until now. l have had to
violate no pledges nor make any promises
to any one. The nomiratio has come 70
ME in way that will leave me untram-
meled and free If elected to admins ster the
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