Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-11-17
FLATU ENCY,
Or Wind Some Other Where, Was
Mark Hanna's Evident Ailment--A
Gushy, Slopoyer Speech By the
Republican Chairman.

Cleveland, Ohio, November 16.-
Chairman VI. A. Hanna, of the Repub-
lican National Committee, was ten
dered a complimentary banquet to-
night at the Union Club. The arrange
ments were on an elaborate scale, the
floral decorations being among the
finest ever seen in this city. Col. My
ron 7. Herrick presided and acted as
POSTMASTER and addresses Of a com
plimentary nature were delivered by
Judge VIM. b. Saunders, Hon. James
II. HOyt, Edwin r. Perkins, S. II. Hold
ing, Samuel Mather, James R. Garfield
and Samuel D. Dodge, of this city, and
Hon. j. NJ. Reed, of the Pittsburg Sound
Money Club. Mr. Hanna made hap
by response TO these addresses.
Mr. Hanna was greeted with loud
and long continued applause when he
rose to speak. He said:
Mr.. POSTMASTER and Gentlemen OF
the Union Club:-I have a great feel
ing of relief tonight Such a feeling
of relief and JOY as l never had before,
and l never was so happy as | am to-
night. My friends, this comes very near
to being an anniversary. About two
years ago, not quite that long. | began
my work of devotion and love to our
chief Two years ago | took from him
my inspiration and when he laid upon
me that confidence which he felt and
said to me, My friend. | trust you with
my future, he also said: Mark, there
are some things / will not do to be
president of the United States, and
leave my honor in your hands. And
from that day nearly two years ago be-
gan this campaign.
1T was rather quiet at fiTst-what
the boys are likely to call a still hunt,
but it is true that it had its birthday
nearly two year sage to-day. | en-
barked upon that duty with full heart
for a man whom loved because I had
learned to respect and honor him. 1t
was a mission of love, inspired by the
noble character which has no peer in
the world.
Continuing, Mr.. Hanna referred to
the result of the St Louis convention,
and said:
when l took charge Of McKinley's
honor. | swOTe to my maker that
would return it unsullied and when
returned from that memorable cOnven-
ton. proud and satisfied with the work
his friends had done. | went to Can
ton and laid the report at the feet Of
my chieftain, and | said TO him: Nc
Kinley, l have not forgotten my trust,
and bring it back without a blot and
without a single promise to redeem. .
I think have right to feel proud of
that. because in the succession of ad-
ministrations from Lincolns time to
the present. there are none that ever
enjoyed that privilege before
Speaking Of the campaign Mr.. Hanna
said:
There were dark days-days when even
the best men in this country lost faith in
its government. and why? Because. as
said. the enemy was an Unseen one. and
the blows it was striking We're blows at
the very foundation Of the government
Concluding. Mr.. Hanna said: Il cannot
explain to you what impelled me to enter
on this labor. leaving all my other inter-
ests here at home. except 10 say that it
was my love for this great man. I had
been with him in the conventions Of "a
and IS and o. and I know Of their trials
and their temptations, and it was then
that learned to know the heart and char
acter OF William Mckinley. 1t was then
that he brushed aside all except the future
and said 7 VIII not stultify my character
for any reward on earth
Mr.. Hannas address was frequently in
terrupted by applause.