davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
WILLIAM
M'KINLEY.
The Searchlight Turned
on His Career.
WHAT IT'S RAYS REVEAL.
His Private Character and Pub
lie Services.
WHAT IT'S RAYS REVEAL

Ancestry and Boyhood-As q Soldier and
a Lawyer-His Early Participation In
Republican Campaigns - His Political
Career - Connection With the Labor
Problem.
William Mckinley, whose name and
personality just now dominate all
things Republican, holds the front cen
ter Of the public stage. He is probably
more talked about today than any other
American and promises to hold that
position for several months. Under the
full glare Of publicity he stands unflinch-
ingly while the searchlight is turned
steadily upon him. 1t is a crucial test.
No detail Of his whole career, no phase
of his character, no act or word or deed,
however shrouded by years, is left un
disclosed.
And what does the light reveal? An
ancestry Of honest, sturdy, hardworking
folks, poor and in humble circumstances,
but of such sort that no man Elm this
democratic country need be ashamed.
A boyhood spent among simple but pure
minded p~eople-spent in industry and
in an honest endeavor to rise. A young
manhood devoted to CALAMITY fighting
for the Union, and later, when peace had
come and the sword was put away, to
the pursuit Of an honored profession.
The details Of his later career in con-
gress, where for years he represented his
state faithfully and with much personal
credit-these were widely known be-
ore. His later services to the great com
monwealth of which he became govern
or are Of such recent date that they need
hardly to be mentioned in summing up
the events Of his life.
AS a mere boy he was q good school
teacher.
There are official records to show that
he was a good soldier.
AS a lawyer he did credit to the pro-
fession.
AS q statesman he made a most bril-
liant record, which, although in the
heat Of a political campaign may be
criticised by his opponents, will un-
doubtedly stand the test Of time.
As for integrity Of character, there is
no blot on the Mckinley escutcheon.
His sterling honesty was demonstrated
and tested in the fire of financial disas-
ter. Few public men have had to pass
through this ordeal, and none Of those
who did came out Of it more honorably
than William Mckinley.
His patriotism is the strongest point
in his character. Whether as a boy SOL
dier, fighting for his country, or as a
politician seeking to serve it, as a gov
ernor directing the fortunes of q great
state, or as q statesman molding the
atute Of the nation, be has been FIRST
and foremost an American. and all his
pride has been centered in that name.
Not since the days of Webster, with
whom he has many traits in common,
always excepting Abraham Lincoln,
have we had a nan in public life who
SO typifed the country, whose every ut
terance had in It SO much expression Of
his love Of the land, as Mckinley. All
through his A years in the army, his
Ia years in congress and his A years
in the gubernatorial chair he has been
answering in his Americanism. Such
is the man who is now an honest candi-
date for the presidency.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
MkINLEvs POLITICAL CAREER.

His Work as Congressman, Tarifr Special
list and Governor Of Ohio.
Major Mckinley was but 83 years old
when he was elected by the people Of
his district to represent them in con-
gress. There he soon made his mark,
and was returned at each subsequent
election until that of 1890, in which
year O gerrymander Of his district de-
feated him by q majority Of only 800.
This was the eliminating one Of several
efforts ON the part of the Democratic
legislature to gerrymander Mckinley
out Of congress.
While in congress he served on the
committee on revision Of laws, the ju-
dietary committee, the committee on
expenditures in the p~ostofice depart
ment and the committee on rules.
When General Garfield received the
nomination for the presidency, Mr.. Nc
Kinley was assigned to the vacancy on
the committee on ways and means. He
served on the last mentioned committee
until the expiration of his last term as
representative. While chairman of this
committee he framed the Mckinley
bill, which afterward became a law and
which still bears his name,
Mckinley was a protege Of ex-Presi-
dent Hayes. and up to the time Of the
latter's death he recognized the ex-
president as his adviser and counselor.
He was in General Hayes regiment
.E 1+-f. -F.--+ e -r - ra *-~ t--. -
during the rebellion. General Hayes
knew him and his father well, and saw
in the dashing young cavalier the germ
Of greatness. He needed a counselor, an
adviser, a friend, and General Hayes
watched over him with the ilial love,
devotion and pride Of a father.
The war ended. Mckinley still re-
manned an object of hope, of interest
and pride to General Hayes. Mckinley
became a candidate for congress and was
elected. When Hayes was president,
Mckinley was in the house Of represent
atives. The major was a frequent well
come visitor at the White House. One
day the president gave Mckinley adj
vice, which made Mckinley the fore.
most champion of a protective tariff.
President Hayes thus spoke to the young
representative:
ITO achieve success and fame you
must pursue a special line. You must
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

ready to go forth for good or evil. Upon
Mckinley devolved the task of smooth
ing its path and speeding it upon its
way.
The occasion, thoroughly advertised,
attracted to the capitol an immense
throng. The galleries were n mass of
humanity and the anticipation of the
vote had compelled the attendance of ev-
cry member. AS usual, Mckinley spoke
without notes. His voice, penetrating
but not harsh, filed the chamber. Every
sentence was as solid as the granite in
the eternal hills. Never was an orator
more free from the ordinary claptrap
than Mckinley. So true Is this that the
incident when he suddenly drew from
beneath his desk the suit of clothes
which he purchased for $40 at the es-
tablishment Of q fellow representative in
bosnian. IL n aamansfrexe -
FOL
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
M'kINLEY AS A LAWYER.
he Wanted to Continue His Military CT
reer, but His Parents Objected.

He Wanted to Continue His Military Ca
reer. but His Parents Objected.
When the war closed, Mckinley was
just 80. He was full of youthful en-
thusiasm and ardor, and he returned to
his home in Ohio fully expecting to ac-
cept the 1attering offer made him Of a
commission in the regular army.
But to this his parents offered strong
opposition. They pointed out the small
rewards to honor and ambition that
come to the soldier in time of peace. At
length he yielded to their persuasions
and reluctantly gave up his dreams of
martial glory and bent his mind upon
the pursuits of peace. The war had
made q man Of him and ended all
thought of a collegiate career. He cast
about for a profession, and naturally.
considering the bent of his mind, he
chose the law. He became a student in
the Offices Of Charles r. Glidden and
David Wilson. then leaders of the Ma
honing county bar. He supplemented
his reading by taking the course at the
Albany Law school, and in 1857 was
admitted to the practice, He located at
Canton, where he formed a partnership
with Judge Belden.
He was an excellent advocate. even in
those early years, and made some of the
best jury arguments ever made at the
Stark county bar. At the time he was
first elected to congress he enjoyed M
Of the leading places aud oneof the best
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
M~'K1NLEY's MOTHER.

valid, she makes and receives calls and
often goes on shopping tours. Mrs.
Mckinley cares little for dress, al
though her toilets are always in excel
lent taste.
Her face betrays a faint languor, sug-
| gestive Of the invalid, but it is fair and
bears a stamp Of beauty, in spite Of the
40 years she carries. Her i'll health dates
from girlhood. AS q student she with
difficulty undertook the studies of the
course, by reason Of this condition, but
with constant care and frequent medical
attention she overcame all trouble suf-
ficiently to enjoy life and to taste Of its
pleasures. Her actual invalidism dates
from tho birth of their second child, in
1871. This child died in its infancy and
was followed by the firstchild, a daugh-'
ter of 8 years, a short time afterward.
Her mother also died about this time.
These sorrows were more than she could
bear, and she has never recovered. At
present in appearance and in actual
health her conditi pm is better than for
several years previous.
A little story of McKinley's home
acts while governor may be of interest.
No less than his attention to his wife,
his thought and care for his mother,
particularly since his fathers death in
1892, have attracted comment. 1t had
been his custom while at home in Can
ton to take his mother to church each
Sunday morning. When he went 70 Co
lumbus as governor he determined to
keep up the practice as much as posi-
BILE, and unless the press of public bust
ness was very great he always slipped
quietly over to Canton from the state
capital on Sunday mornings and walked
to church with his mother ON his arm.
The next train would carry him to Co.
lumbus, where his wife awaited his
coming. Naturally the mother looks
with pride on such a son, and she fol-
lows with keen interest the progress Of
his presidential
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
M'KlNLEY, THE SOLDIER.
How He Rose From the RAM and Be
came O Brevet Major.

How He Rose From the Rank and he.
came q Brevet Major.
Young Mckinley had been a keen OBJ.
server, so far as his opportunities went,
of the political events that eliminated
in the firing on Fort Sumter. The call
Of the president for troops found a quick
response in his breast, as it did all
through the north. And when the drums
and flies aroused the echoes of the quiet
streets CT Poland among the first appiii i
cants for enlistment was William Mo
Kinley, Jr.
1t was a new experience and a new
school that the ~18-year-old boy entered,
this school Of war, but he had wonder
full teachers. 1t was his good fortune
that assigned him to the T~wenty-third
Ohio. Tho recruits that composed it
were in June, 1851, mustered and form
ed into a regiment, It's first colonel was
William s. Rosecrans, afterward major
general commanding the department Of
the Cumberland. Second in command
was Stanley Matthews, who was a splen-
did soldier, but won his greatest honors
in civil life by becoming United States
senator and justice Of the United States
supreme court; and Rutherford b.
Hayes, afterward governor Of Ohio and
president Of the United States. These
are q few Of the illustrious men who
were borne on the roll of officers of the
gallant regiment in which marched Pri-
yate William Mckinley, Jr.
He carried the mnsket for ID months;
then he was promoted. But he won his
promotion honestly. His comrades Of
the rank and file bear testimony to the
fact hat he was a good soldier; that he
performed every duty ~devolving upon
him with fidelity and intelligence and
without complaint. They congratulated
him, therefore, when he was made COM
missary sergeant of the regiment. Later,
after Antietam, he was made a second
lieutenant, and the Mahoning county
boy had risen from the ranks.
He was now to all intents and pur-
poses a trained veteran, He had had his
baptism in blood at Carnifex Ferry. He
had gone through the West Virginia
campaign and become a part Of the
magnificent Army of the Potomac under
Mcclellan. South Mountain and Antie.
tam had been made immortal by the
blood of heroes, and the shoulder straps
were worn with a due but not exagger-
ated realization Of the responsibilities
they implied. He became a second lieu
tenant on Sept. "a, 1862. He was pro-
NOTED to first lieutenant Feb. z, 1858.
His commission as captain bears date
July 25, 1854,
The brevet rank Of major was con
ferred by President Lincoln ''for gal
liant and meritorious services at the bat
ties Of Opequan, Fishers Creek and
Cedar Hill" He was with Sheridan in
the Shenandoah campaign; was az
Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fishers Hill,
Opequan, Kernstown, Floyd Mountain
and Berryville. where his horse was
sho from under him, and in all the
battles in which the Twenty-Five par.
ticipated. He served on the stats Of
Generals Hayes, Crook, Hancock and
Carroll. He was mustered out with the
regiment July &c, 1865. after more than
four years continuous service.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

Ayers Sarsaparlila enjoys the OF
traordinary distinction OF having been
the only blood purifier allowed an OK
bibit at the Worlds fair, Chicago.
Manufacturers OF other Sarsaparillas
sought by every means to OBTAIN q
showing OF their goods, but they were
all turned away under the application
of the rule %iorbiddipg the entry OF
patent medicines and nostrums, The
decision OF the Worlds fair authorities
In favor OF Ayers Sarsaparilla was in
effect as follows: layers Sal saparilla
is not a patent medicine. II does not
belong to the list-of nostrums. 1t 10
here on its merits
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

NJ n A6 n III MASOre
sports, fond Of horses and hunting and
fishing, and all outdoor exercise, and
yet at 16 we find him taking upon him
self a serious view Of life. The church
records show that in 1858, when he was
hardly 16, he united with the Metho-
dist Episcopal church of Poland, the
minister of which was Rev. DIR. Day,
whose son, Wilson N. Day, is now pres
ident of the Cleveland chamber of COM
merce.
Major McKinley's father was an iron
manufacturer, and a pioneer in that
business. William was his third son.
The eldest, David, is now a resident Of
San Francisco, where he is the Hawai-
ian consul general to the United States.
The second son, James, died about four
years ago. There is another son, Abner,
younger than the major, who, although
a citizen of Canton, spends most of his
time in New York, where he is engaged
in business.
McKinley's mother is now 81 years
Of age, but alert and vigorous, mentally
and physically. She-sees. much Of her
distinguished son, and he waits on her
and walks with her each day he spends
in Canton. Even now, while his anxi-
cites are and should be on keenest edge.
playing, as he is, q bold game for the
biggest stake on earth, he visits and
walks with his mother every afternoon.
They prefer the quiet streets Of the sub
urbs for these little excursions, and
Mckinley may be seen escorting the old
lady with the profoundest Difference and
affection, while the conversational in
terchange between the two never flags.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
M'KlNLEY'S HOME LIFE.


His Wife rs an Invalid, but She Aids Him
In His Work.
Major McKinley's home life is very
happy, despite the fact that his wife is
an invalid. Mrs. Mckinley was Miss
Ida Saxton, daughter Of James and Mary
Saxton Of Canton, o. She received an
excellent education when a girl, spent
some time abroad and became her IA
theirs assistant in his bank, where it
was said that her fair face attracted
bouquets and bank notes to the window.
"She must be trained" said her father,
ito buy her own bread if necessary, and
not to sell herself to matrimony."
She had many ~suitors, bus Major Nc
Kinley, then a rising young lawyer,
vanquished all rivalry. removed the
young woman from tho cashiers win
dow and won from honest James Saxton
these words when the hand Of the daugh-
ter was gained:
"You are the only man I have ever
known to whom I would intrust my
daughter.
Mrs. Mckinley has always assisted
her husband in politics. Her i'll health
has in no wise deferred her from enjoy
ing the political honors he has won, nor
has it prevented her from being a wise
counselor. Her presence has time and
again served as an inspiration to her
husband. When political preferment
first came to former Governor Mckinley,
it was his wife who convinced him that
he should accept. She believed implicit
ly in his talents, and that his service
would be for the good of the state she
wa certain. She has never wavered in
her faith in her husbands convictions,
and consequently she is a protectionist
and believes the country must have a
protective tariff law.
She has confidence in him, not only as
a public official, but as q man. Her i'll
ness has been overcome by her affection,
and she has travelled thousands Of miles
when she was weak in body merely that
she might be near him. She has encour-
aged him by word, look and presence,
and he has in knightly style returned
the fayors and reciprocated the sacred
affection. Her home life has been short,
for out Of the % years Of married life
more than 20 have been passed by her
husband in the public service. She has
lived in hotels, doubtless a source Of re-
gret, since her fragile body made it
more than imperative that she should
have a quiet place. She has never COM
planned, but has urged Governor Nc
Kinley to push forward in his public ca
reer.
Mrs Mckinley spends most Of her
time in a cozy apartment on the second
floor. and much Of her leisure is devoted
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
Sport Worthy of the Name.

New YORK, N. T., June 15.-The
amateur boxing and wrestling cham
pionships of the amateur athletic
union, which have attracted WIDE
spread interest throughout the east aud
the west, take place this and to-
morrow evenings at Madison Square
Garden, where two stages have been
erected, one for wrestling and the
other for boxing. Most of the leading
athletic clubs OF the country are rep
resented here, and some fine ex-
hibitions are anticipated. Handsome
gold, silver and bronze medals, EN-
blematic of the amateur championship
of the United States, will be awarded
the winners in each class.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

CAREER.
not make a speech on every motion Of
fered or bill introduced, You must con-
fine yourself to one particular thing.
Become a specialist. Take up some
branch of legislation and make that
your study. Why not take up the subject
Of tariff? Being a subject that will not
be settled for years to come, it offers a
great field for study and a chance for
ultimate fame"
With these words ringing in his ears
Mckinley began studying the tariff and
soon became the foremost authority Oh
the subject.
The day upon which the MCKINLEY
tariff bill" was passed in the house
must always stand as the supreme mo-
ment Of McKinley's congressional ca
reer. The bill, by adroit parliamentary
g~eneralship which had prevented it
from being weighted down with amend
ments not approved by the committee,
had been brought under the operation of
the previous question. 1t stood complete,
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

TO crocheting those dainty little slippers
which have so many times brought sun.
shine into gloomy hospital wards in va
rious parts Of the country. IL il said
that she has knitted over 1000 pairs Of
these slippers in her 90 years Of invalid
life. III appearance Mrs. Mckinley Is Of
medium height. with brown hair and
large deep blue eyes. Although an in
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

Down at Gallup d number OF friends
of Postmaster aud Mrs. A. f. Ries,
Mr.. W. l.. Pripgle and Miss Lizzie
Schmid, assembled at the HON eof Mr..
Ries to witness The marriage ceremony
that mad Mr.. w. l. Pringle and Miss
Lizzie Schmid husband and wife. The
ceremony was performed by the Rev.
w. L. Adams, ofthe Methodist Episco-
pal church.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

not in o great public way, but simply
as faithful and devoted citizens, not
striving for particular eminence, but
notable for sturdiness of character and
integrity.
1t was among such people and Of
them that William Mckinley was born,
u. Niles, in Trumbull county, O., Jan.
30, 1843.
A younger son, he was destined by
his father, after whom he was named,
for the bar, and was educated at the
public schools, and later entered Allie.
ghany college at Meadville, Pa. teaching
school to pay his tuition fees. Scarcely
was he m~atricuiated when the civil wa,
came on. He was but a STRIPPING Of 10
when he entered as q private.
Mckinley, as those who remember
him as a boy in Poland declare, was q
real boy. full Of fun, loving athletic
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
Whv Have Won

Been stricken with disease while your neigh-
Dor escaped, or vice-versa? Both were alike
exposed, but in one case the the disease germs
found Judgement in the impure blood and weak
ened system, while i'll the other, the blood was
kept pure by Hoods Sarsaparilla, and the
body was in a condition of good health.
Hood's PILLS are purely vegetable and do
not purge, pain or grippe. Bold by all druggists.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
M,klNLEY,s RoYHoop.
He Was . Real Boy. Yet studious and OF
Religious Bent.

Religious Bent.
William Mckinley is sprung from that
dominant race that has furnished this
nation with some of its greatest soldiers
and statesmen. He is Scotch Irish by
descent, and his ancestors immigrated
to this country early enough to have
sons who took a patriotic part in the
war Of the Revolution.
The family removed from Pennsyl-
vania to Ohio in 1914, and from that
day have been identified with that state.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

Rev. A.. w. Rogers. of verron,
Texas, closed a short series Of meet
ings at Clayton. These meetings were
interesting and we'll attended.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
anactml Notice.

LAS VEGAS DAILY OPTIo-Delivered by mail,
post paid, 5000 per annum $500 for six
months; $3.50 for three months, BY car
rier, as cents per week
Las vE0As WEEKLY OPTIc-32 columns, de-
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Sample copies OF both daily and weekly,
mailed free when desired. Give p~ostorice
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NEWS, solici-
ted from all parts or the country. Com.
munications addressed to the editor. or
TIKI OPTIC, to insure attention., should be
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and address, not for publication, but as q
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REMIrTArcEs-May be made by draft money
order. postal note, express or registered
letter at our risk. Address all letters and
kilograms to THE DITTO,
East Las Vegas. New Mexico.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

Although now a resident Of Albu-
querque, Hon. Il. ". Chavez manages
t o PIT in a portion of his time in So
zorro.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16
BEFORE h finished

Before the finished
fruit come bud and
blossom. Bud grows
into blossom and
blossom into fruit.
And so girlhood.
1nerges into woman
hood and the m
into motherhood.
The two most crit
ical times in a wo-
mans life are the
times which make
the girl a woman,
and the woman q
mother. At these
times, DR.. Pierce's
Favorite Prescrip-
tion is of ~incalcu-
liable value. 1t
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

strengthens and ~invigorates the organs dis
tinctly feminine, promotes regularity of
the functions, allays irritation and infam-
nation, checks unnatural, exhausting
drains, and puts the whole delicate organ
ism into perfect condition. Almost all the
ills of wornankind are traceable to some
form of what is known as female COM
plant" There are not three cases in a hum
d=ed CT woman p euiiiiar diseases that d.
Pierce's Favorite Prescription will not cure.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-06-16

Ancestry and B~oyhood-As q Soldier and
q Lawyer-His Early Participation In
Republican Campaigns - His Political
Career Connection With the Labor
Problem.