Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1896-11-12
HOW M'KINLEY TOOK 1T.
The News Of His Election Did Not
Surprise Him In the Lenst.

All cantor. was astir at an early hour
to-day FOR the elimination of the struggle
i'm which it has figured so prominently.
sands and marching clubs were on the
street by o'clock, summonng voters to
cast their ballots early. 1t was an ideal
fall day, cool and balmy, with the haze
OF Indian summer in the air Maj. Nc
kinley was about by o'clock. AS the
major came from his breakfast to the Ii
and its influence in bringing out full
vote Then he sat down 10 his desk to
r'n through the heap of kilograms which
already had begun to come in. At s
o clock telephone from the Mckinley
troop asked the governor If he would go
10 the polls with the troop as an escort.
He acknowledged the courtesy. but said
suggested that the troop march to the
house and he would review them on the
way to the polls. The invitation was
stepped down the front walk to the curb
shouts and cheers went up from the
marchers, and he smlingly bowed ac-
beaver, and as the cheers continued he
waved his handkerchief. Three cheers
for the next president" were added and
then the marchers moved to the polls.
The Republican nominee started for the
polls at $50. He was accompanied by ABB
ner Mckinley and his nephew, Samuel
Saxton. Men raised their hats as he
passed and the ladies on the residence
steps waved their well wishes. At each
salutation the major raised his hat and
smiled back an acknowledgment. AS he
booths are located there was a stir OF
agitation among the officials and a mild
rustic OF applause. The nominee took his
place in the line and the systematic
ceeded In truly democratic fashion. evil
liam Mckinley 72S North Market street"
called the Inspector. just as the clock
and received his ballot. He then moved
through the enclosure to the .curtained
booths in the rear and stepped into the
first one. For just one minute and eigh-
teen seconds he was In the booth, when
he emerged and deposited his ballot and
then. having exercised his American
privilege as a voter, Maj. Mckinley and
his brother walked down to Tuscarawas
street to greet the white-haired mother,
So years old who is keen observer Of
the scenes in which her son is playing
so large a part.
Mr.. Mckinley spent the afternoon with
Chairman Hanna and his party, with the
local committee, whlch was photographed
the central figure. At 4 o'clock Mr.. Han
ma and his associates left for Cleveland,
Mr. Mckinley accompanying him TO the
train. Just as the party was leaving the
house bulletin brought the first actual
returns. those of Boston precinct. which
showed heavy Mckinley majority.
Throughout the day and evening personal
kilograms came from all directions show
ing cheering assurances. At o'clock def
mite returns began 20 come in and prep
arations were made for reading them
aloud i'm the Mckinley library. the doors
being open 10 all VINO chose to come in
The ma For sat at his desk smoking dry
cigar, listening attentivcly to each bulle-
tin. but showing no outward concern as
to the result At o'clock Mai. Mckinley
retired for his supper while the reading
of returns proceeded. Up to that time he
had made no comment on the returns fur
ther than TO say that the bulk OF them
came from the east thus far. When the
favorable returns from Maine and Nebras-
ka were read he sat impressive and appar-
emily oblivious to the ordinations of ap-
proval from the friends crowded about
him.
BY o'clock the character of the private
dispatches and general returns reaching
the Mckinley house were such that a
feeling of absolute confidence took pos
session OF those centered in the ma for $
library. The evening was spent reading
the bulletins and congratulatory tele-
grams. and IL was quite late before the
the president-elect retired.