The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-16
OLD SOLDIERS OF STARK COUNTY
RECEIVED BY THE REPUBLI-
CAN NOMINEE.
PATRIOTISM HIS THEME.
MEN WHO WE'RE GOOD SOLDIERS
- ASKED TO BE GOOD CITI-
ZENS.
A ROSY VIEW OF THE SITUATION.
1t Is Taken by the Member of the
> Republican National Committee
From WISCONSIN,.

Y CANTON, o., Sept. 15.-This was the
day foY the formal congratulations Of
the G. A. r. men of Stark county to
Mai Mckinley. The morning dawned
with light rain falling and heavy
clouds, portending bad weather during
the day. In view of these conditions,
1t was not thought that large crowd
of the veterans would be present to-
day. But when the dining room of
Canton post was thrown open at noon,
there were more than could be accom-
modated. till extra preparations were
made. And there was also a shortage
of the reception badges. More than
half of the membership of the order
was in line in today's parade
The reception of the old soldiers was
most enthusiastic The Women's Re-
lief corps and thousands of Cantonians
followed the parade to the Mckinley
home. Every post in the county and
many from adjoining counties were
represented. Maj. Mckinley was given
an ovation and was interrupted by
cheers at short intervals. Col. ]. j.
Clark presented the delegation in
stirring speech and Maj. Mckinley re-
spOnded in way that set the veterans
to cheering.
When the handshaking was reached
there was great rush. The delega-
ton from Somerset, Pa, over 1000 in
number was approaching and it was
feared there would not be time for all
to get to Mckinley The Pennsyl-
vanians had five bands and many ban
ners and emblems. The trip was ar
ranged by the Lincoln club of Somer-
set, G. r. Skull, president. This dele
cation of farmers came over $50 miles
State Senator Norman B. Critchfield
made the Introductory address. Three
times Maj Mckinley began to speak
and each time was Interrupted by
cheering, and when he concluded there
was unusual eagerness to shake his
hand.
Hon. Richard Kerens, national COM
mitteeman from Missouri, was at the
Mckinley home today. His state will
send the first big delegation of farmers
from the West Oct 5, from along the
Santa Fee railroad, which passes
through Northern Missouri. Mr.. Kerens
says with four tickets in the field in
Missouri, Republican success is highly
probable. Everything East of the Al
leghenies, he says, is safe without any
additional work and the Western stu
alton is entirely satisfactory.
In response to the greeting Of the G..
A. R. delegation Maj. Mckinley said:
1t is a very great honor to me. and one
which | shall always cherish, to receive calls
from my old comrades of the war living in
this neighborhood. (Applause.) You are here
today, not as soldiers, but citizens-citizens
of the best government in the world, made
better because of the services you rendered
nearly a third Of a century ago. (Renew ed
applause.) l bid you welcome to my homo
and express to you in response to the gen.
erous and grateful message delivered by Col.
Clark. my most profound gratitude and
thanks.
1t was a great thing to have been a SOL
der in the late war. 1t is an evidence of the
highest patriotism and love of country. Hap
PLY we are a reunited country. Coming to
this city to give me organizations, are not
only those who served on the Union side dur
ing that great struggle, but also the men
who served the Confederate side. Both
have bee here to tender congratulations and
give me assurances of support. Great
cheers.)
Now all are citizens of a common Union,
and are all ready to battle for union and for
the honor and integrity of the government
of the United States Enthusiastic cheering
Thank God, all sectional lines have been cb-
liberated (applause) and men from all parts
Of our common country are today, though
having differed in the past, marching under
one banner, upon which is inscribed national
honor, the maintenance of law and order
s(Great cheering.)
l am glad to met you here today. l was
proud of you when in the field. am proud
of you as citizens of the Union when you
helped to save. You know patriotism when
you see it. applause and cries You are
right | thank you most warmly for this
call and for the cordially Of your greeting
and the gracious messages which have Teen
other delegation is waiting I must close by
saying that It will give me great pleasure to
shake each one of my old comrades by the
hand. Great cheering.)