The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1896-02-15
A SKETCH OF M'KlNLEY

| A SKETCH OF M'KINLEY
f Continued from First page,)
most unanimous for the Maine statesman.
Under these circumstances, Mckinley
! could do no less, than support the great
popular leader, and, as IS we'll known,
finally brought about his nomination.
! His attitude in the convention was one
| of modesty, though ever Watchful OF the
proceedings There was strong oppOsl-
| ton to Blaine: from the supporters Of Sen
ator Edmunds. particularly from George
William Curtis and Theodore Roosevelt,
but. notwithstanding, Blaine kept gaining
on each successive ballot. After the third
ballot a motion was made by Mr.. For
aker, the leader of the Sherman forces, to
adjourn. This was seconded by the other
opponents of Blaine, and then came an
outburst Of frantic yelling and excitement
I hat threatened the very existence OF the
convent ior. =. Nobody could be heard and
the president of the convention could not
bring ortier out of the apparent panic.
In the midst of the storm Mckinley
arose Although only OF medium stature,
his form seemed to tower above those
around him. His face was pale and looked
like a piece of marble statuary, except
that his eyes, fairly blazed. Before he had
uttered two words his voice could be
heard He waved his hand and the tu-
lnult ceased No mistake about it--he
was the master spirit of that convention
Calm. and like granite he stood. HIS
short speech was carried in clarion tones
all over the immense hall. AS a friend
Of Blasae, he 5saia, he recognized and re-
spected the rights O. friends OF other can
didates to secure an adjournment, and
SAID: '"1.eet the motion he put and let
every body favorable to the nomination Of
Blaine vote against it.
That settled it. The motion was put
and defeated. and en- che next ballet
Blaine was no4ni r'a,yjsd
In 1888 Mckinley was again dele
gate to the national convention, and on
this occasion represented ':'na advocated
the nominal on Of Sherman
1t was not long before It was discov-
ered that, as in 1880, Shenlail's nominal
ton was an impossibility. and men again
began to look around for a compromise
candidate.
On the sixth ballot delegate voted for
cheers which swelled again and again be-
fore silence could be restored. The next
state that was called cast II votes for
Mckinley, and again the cheers broke
forth. The drift was Enthusiastically set
ting toward Mckinley like an ocean tide.
Everyone expected to see the Garfield
nomination Of 1880 repeated. But they
were disappointed. The roll call was in
terrnpted by Mckinley, who, leap.ng up
en- chair at the end of this middle aisle,
pale, but calm and determined uttered
speech which unprecedented as it must
hive been, has never been surpassed for
elOQuence fer canGcr and unselfsh 10y
loyalty He said,
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the
Convention:--I ann here as one of the
chosen representatives. of my state. I am
here by, resolution of the Republican state
convention commanding me to cast my
vote for John. Sherman for president and
to use every worthy endeavor to secure
his hof11 inat.bn. Iacceptad the trust, be-
cause my heart and Judgment were in
accord with the letter and spirit and pur-
pose of that resolution. 1t has pleased
certain delegates to cast their votes for
me for president. I am not insensible to
the honor they would do me, but In the
presence of the duty resting upon me l
cannot remain silent with honor. | cam
not. consistently with the wish Of the
state whose credentials I bear and which
has trusted ME. | Cannot, consistently
with my own views of personal integrity,
consent, or seem to consent, to permit
my name to be used as candidate be-
fore this convention. l would not respect
myself If / could find it in my heart to
l. L, oso1,
could even be ground for anyone to sus-
pect that | wavered in my loyalty to
Ohio, or my devotion to the chief of her
choice and the chief of mine. I do not
request demand that no delegate who
would not cast reflection upon me, shall
cast ballot for me.
The tide was turned, for who could re-
sist such an appeal from a man SO loyal,
so honorable and so unselfish? On the
seventh ballot Benjamin Harrison was
named, but Mckinley went home to Ohio
stronger than ever in the hearts Of his
fellow men.
In 1892, at THE convention Of that year,
went to Minneapolis as the sup
porter of Benjamin Harrison. He was
chosen president of the convention.
Again an attempt was made to nomi-
nate him over both Harrison and Blaine.
and again did he by masterful speech
from the platform check and stop the
by this honorable and high minded
course he won the regard of his fellow
citizens as few men have done.
Twice in the history of American poll
ties have similar. scenes been enacted.
Mr.. Mckinley may well be proud to be
classed on the roll Of honor with these |
distinguished American statesmen. Such |
has been the career and such the quality |
Of this foremost representative Of his |
party today. He now occupies the place
Of leadership. and may legitimately as
pire to THAT place which has been the
dream, of ambition to. so many great |
American statesmen.
y JOHN DILLON SPEAKS