New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-07
VICTOR AND PATRIOT.

Major McKinley's telegram Of congratulation
to Mr. Hanna and the members OF the NATIONAL
Committee is exactly in line with his high'toned
and dignifed bearing through the campaign
The first public utterance Of the President-elect'
II comes as a fitting climax to an election deter
mined by patriotic sentiments which transcend
ed partisan and sectional feelings. In 1t Major
Mckinley gives an unmistakable indication OF
what are to be the character and aim OF his ad-
minstl alton Not since Lincoln has PreSl-
dent been chosen by suffrages swayed so clearly
by National and moral considerations. and not
since Lincoln has a successful candidate In his
hour of victory manifested higher conception
Of the duty he owes to the Nation and of the
nature of the forces which led to his success.
Others have measured fully up'to the require
ments of their situation. but only once In a
generation does the situation call for the pre-
else qualities now demanded and those quail
i,ics the President elect exhibits in high de-
,rec His telegram recalls the sober, unpre-
tending. firm and, at the same time. catholic
spirit with which the Martyr President APP
preached his difficult task of government.
Major Mckinley has not been called to occupy
q bed of roses In the first flush OF Il great vic
tory all the future may seem easy The union
of moral elements in the community may seem
permanent The task Of actually carrying into
effect the wishes of the people, so overwhen-
ingly indicated. may seem only a matter of de-
tail-thc mere drafting of measures and clerical
conduct of the Executive departments. But it
is not So The next Administration has before
it tremendous responsibilities, calling for states
manship of high order. The merest outline or
policy IS indicated by the party platform. Those
10, hn
ton of the platform approved by the people,
but to use il not as party leaders, but as pa
triotic citizens 1t is no small thing to Use that
power wisely. with a firm adherence to party
beliefs without making fetch Of them to
maintain concliatory disposition toward the
diverse wishes OF people who are only agreed
on the paramount issues OF public order ana
public honesty. without letting necessary action
be stopped through fear Of giving offence.
Tie Coming Administration must. in the nature
of things. be Republican. but il must not be mar
rowly or hlindly partisan. II must be char
actcrized by tie wisest. most unprecedented,
most National measures, worked out by men
who are Republicans. and not ashamed OF their
belief but who never forget that their Republi-
canisrn Is only n means to IN end. and that that
end is the benefit Of the whole people Of our
common country.
No man could realize all this more kcenly than
does Major Mckinley, as Is made evident by his
message to Mr.. Hanna. 1t must he extremely
gratifying 10 all patriotic Democrats. TO all
men who rose above traditions Of party and sec
ton to vote for him. TO find that his first words
after election are those OF solemn conservation
TO the noblest conception of the high office be-
fore him. THE people in their majesty, ig-
'.noring party lines. have declared their de-
CESSATION OF reputation and dlshonor in what
ever specious guse they may be presented.
They have with the same mighty power ar
"firned their devotion 10 law and order and
their undertaking respect for justice and the
courts.
They have maintained their unfaltcring de-
termination 10 support and uphold the consti-
..tuted authorities OF the country and have
Thereby given new vleOr and strength TO our
free institutions Not the least Of the
''triumpls of the election is the obterat0n Of
sectional lines in the Republic. We have dem
"onstrated 10 the world that we are a reunited
people in purpose as In name. Let MS rs
Americans straightway devote ourselves to the
'upbuilding of America. to the peace, honor and
glory Of our cOmmOI country. Party dssen.
''sions should no longer divide or rack the pub.
lie mind nor the zeal or temper of either side
dieter any citizen from patriotic devotion to
the good OF all" These are the words OF pa.
trlotism and craftsmanship. Best OF all, they
are the words Of simple, unaffected sincerity
They are neither light nor fanatic. They spring
from calm. self.poised devotion