Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-10-28

7 anything IS 10 De written ABOUT IHe
home life Of the McKinleys. Canton
L itself cannot be ignored, for this pref
ryand lively place has Of late turned itself
practically into a generous habitation for
the Major and his family, their friends,
and the thousands upon thousands that
troop il daily to do them homage.
The town itself, one Of broad streets.
wide-spreadiGg shade trees, green lawns
and tasteful homes, Of substantial schools
and public buildings. numerous business
blocks and fine churches. seems perpetu-
ally en- fete. Flags. banners, red, white
and blue bunting. and gorgeous Japanese
lanterns fly from every building, swing
across the roads. enliyen the shop Win
dows, and hang from the house doorways.
Pictures, posters and Autographs of the
presidential candidate are displayed on
almost every building, and great good ma
ture prevails. No matter what their
creed, race or politics may be. the citi-
zens generally unite in honoring their be-
loved neighbor and townsman.
When the Major drives out, as he does
almost every afternoon, Dick, the big
black horse and the comfortable carryall
are scarcely in sight before there is a
general rush to salute the distinguished
smiling, leans forward to acknowledge
the greetings on every side. Young mat
rons and rosy maids, and there are plenty
Of both, wave their handkerchiefs from
the piazzas, and the passers-by call out all
manner Of cheerful salutes. Farmers, as
they rumble home in their wagons, pull
up their horses to shout 4 God speed. The
train hands and the hackmen, and the
errand boys are quite as hearty in their
way, as the business and professional
men in their demonstrations.
AS TO the children in Canton they evil
IDENTIFY look upon the Major as their very
own candidate, and they run after the
carriage and under Dicks feet, and wave
their little flags, and toot their little
horns while tots of even 3 or halloo
right in his face. "Hurrah for McKin-
ley" with an air of bon camaraderie
that is intensely amusing.
All the small boys that have dogs, vel
low or otherwise, want to attract the
Majors eye. and get his opinion on their
points, and small girls with their kittens
and their dollies are happily secure of his
profound interest. Every now and then
some child, in its enthusiasm, twists itself
up with Dicks forelegs-"Oh, Major!
gaSps Mrs. Mckinley. who is fearful of
an Accidentally dear, Dick wouldn't
hurt one of them if they asked him to,
says the Major as he checks the big fell
low and invites his youthful admirer to
disentangle himself
The old people summing themselves in
the open windows, or on the cottage
stoops, have word or a smile ready
They are proud of ''the boy' and they
know his tenderness and veneratiOn for
white hairs. Every now and then the
carriage is stopped and a few rosy peach
es OF the late crop, or Il basket of superb
grapes, such grapes as Ohio only can pro-
duce, are handed in. A little child runs
up with bunch Of cleaning SALIVA, or q
handful of pink and white asters, or a
colored man presents q rabbits foot 80
luck, or fanciful spinster contributes
four-leafed clover, that will insure his
election. 1t is no wonder that these few
moments of fresh air do the Major good,
for he gains renewed assurance that the
people among whom for thirty years he
has dwelt, the ones who know him best of
all, love him most.
Before the end of the afternoon drive
the Major turns Dick down quiet street,
Tuscarawas and drives along until he
COueS 10 Il DEOWu Irdno cottage, tlat
seems disposed to shrink into retirement
under the broad boughs of friendly trees
and cloud of Woodbine, glorious in au-
tumnal colors. There is an air of COM
fort and repose about the place. The
rc5in on the porch railing regards the
visitors with calmness. The big gray cat
in one corner suns herself, too lazy to
even blink her eyes. Instinct tells one
this is the home of Mother Mckinley, as
the people love to call her.
''Who was his mother?" is the question
first asked about famous man, and for
tunate is he who can in reply point to q
woman like Mrs. Nancy Campbell Ali
son Mckinley. If you have been told
that Mrs. Mckinley was 81 years of age,
you doubt or forget it, for here is no ven
cradle dame who receives you seated in
an armchair and waits for those atten-
tons that are the privilege of old age.
Instead, you are presented to lady with
tall, spare figure, with its trim waist, and
head we'll UP, standing erect and smiling
Q cordial welcome.
The Majors wife was Miss Ida Sax