Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1896-09-10
M'KINLEY's RECORD.
He IL u Safe Leader on Every Nations
Issue and Question:.


The beginning of Maj. McKinley's
fourteen years of congressional service
was in 1877. After attaining distinction
as a soldier and lawyer, his ambition
for wider field in which to exercise
his talents led him to announce himself
in 1876 as candidate for Congress. He
was elected by an unprecedented ma
jority, Notwithstanding the fact that
1876 was an unpropitious year for the
Republicans.
Mckinley then began that career
which made him one of the most con-
spicuous and influential figures in Re
publican craftsmanship and national leg
islation. There was n great demand in
Congress at that time for men of cour-
age and conviction, as well as of ca
pacity. There were grave questions de-
handing settlement or adjustment and
serious problems were knocking ut the
door of the national Congress for solu-
ton. The Forty-ffth Congress was
called to confront most disheartcning
condition of general prostration result
ing from the war. The nation was then
struggling with an enormous debt. the
governments finances were in u chaotic
condition, the Southern states were still
secretly resentful, if not openly hostile,
and the greenback inflationists were on
the rampage for reputation and fiat
money. These conditions called for level
heads and steady hands in leadership
and council.
Mckinley was recognized Mt once ss
man to be trusted. He was regarded by
both sides of the House as a coming
leader; a man with a future. He was
credited with sincerity as well as ability.
His subsequent career more than justi-
fled that early estimate of his character.
There We're others who, entering Con-
gress Mt that time, made their mark in
the debates of the House, as well az in
the less reportive though more trying
and useful work in committee. Among
the most conspicuous and brilliant wns
Thomas Ii. Reed, who was destined to
become Mckinley's principal rival for
the highest honor within the gift of the
American people. During this Congress
Maj. Mckinley spoke nine times, and
only once on the tariff. which, however,
vas an exceedingly able effort that af-
forded n hint of the future distinction
that was to come to him AS the foremost
champion of the great doctrine of pro-
lection.
1t was also during this session that
port to Congress, representing widely
different views on this complex question.
1t was accompanied by an executive
message, and supplemented by a report
from Secretary Sherman. Strange as 1t
may seem. both branches of Congress
were disposed 70 favor free ana unlim-
tied coinage of silver. The fight was
precipitated In the Senate by a resolu-
ton offered by Senator Stanley Matth-
ews. declaring that "nll bonds of the
United States are payable In silver dol
lars of 412h grains" etc. 1t passed the
| Senate by a vote Of 43 to %.
II passed the House under suspension
ing a concurrent and not a joint resolu-
| ton. 1t was not sent to the President.
| In the Acantfme the House passed an
act, introduced by Mr.. Bland. providing
for the free and unlimited coinage OF
silver dollars Of 4121s grains. This acf
by vote of 183 to "a. IL was mt this
| critical point that Mai. Mckinley proved
himself q genuine statesman and a cour-
| ageous and strategic kader. He threw
| himself into the thick Of the Sight and
co-operated with Secretary Sherman to