New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-06-19

school. they met again. Acquaintance rlpened
into friendship, and friendship into love 1t
was ambitious for struggling lawyer to seek
the hand Of one of the prettitst and richest girls
in the town, who already besieged by an
army of suitors But Mckinley was not daunted
by rivalry and presently won his suit-the best,
as ne has often said. he ever won in all his life.
They were married on January -. 1871. and
their domestic life has ever since been singular
ly happy. despite the Affections that nave come
upon them Two daughters were born - them.
who both died in infancy Since that time. Mrs.
Mckinley has been invalid, and her husbands
devotion to her has been untiring During his
administration Governor OF Ohio she was
unable to enter into the social life Of the State
capital TO any considerable degree She re-
ceived callers. though compelled to reclne upon
a couch as she did 50; but was never able to re-
turn their calls. She devotes much attention to
charities, and with her own hands makes many
objects OF apparel or Of ornament, TO bestow
upon the poor or to present as keepsakee to her
friends. She Is also. like her husband an earnest
advocate OF the temperance cause. She has al
ways taken the deepest imaginable interest in
her husbands political caree.. and has on more
than occasion proven herself a wise coun-
seor to him. Her health Is said TO be better
now than for some years. and II is not improbable
that at Washington she Will be able to preside
over the social functions at the White House
If happily such shall be the 1t may be con-
fdently said that the famous old mansion will
never have had more charming and accom-
plished hostess
The Mckinley home is in the old Saxton house
at Canton. in which the young couple began
| their housekeeping. 1t is a plain but COM
nodious brick structure, standing on the prin-
cipal street Of the town. Mr.. and Mrs. Mckinley
are members of the Broad Street Methodist Epis-
copal Church Of Canton. and when they are at
home he invariable attends the morning services
on Sundays. spending the evening at home with
his wife. who is seldom able 10 go to church at
all. Mr. Mckney's mother now eighty-four
years old. but stout and hale, lives with them.
His father died a few years ago.
Mr. Mckinley has singularly attractive per-
sona!ty He is always courteous and affablc.
but he possesses a dignity Of mind and deport-
ment that precludes any attempts at offensive
familiarity. Nature has endowed him with a
splendid constitution. which has never been i'm
paired by excuses. He IL not above the medium
height. but has broad shoulders and an erect
frame, which give him commanding presence.
His health Is perfect, his nerves always steady.
he sleeps we'll and never worries, and he looks
much younger than his years. His face has
often been likened to that Of Napoleon Bona
parte. but much more resembles that Of Daniel
Webster He has a full, high and broad fore
| which look almost black beneath the heavy
| black eyebrows, square and massive jaw and
clean-cut features throughout. He Is a delight
| full conversationalist, talking on many subjects
| and illustrating the points he makes with apt
stories or illustrations drawn from his long ex-
| perience in public life and among public men.
| His conversation is distinguished by an absolute
| purity Of tone. word ever escaping his lips
that he might hesitate to utter in any presence.
He drinks no intoxicating liquors but is fond
of good cigar. He is also fond Of the theatre
and Of music, and has almost a passion for
| flowers. He invariably dresses in black wear
| ing frockcoat closely buttoned and silk hat
| He IL one Of the most impressive and pleasing
| public speakers Of the day. His appearance on
| the platform instantly commands attention He
voice is rich tenor. full and vibrant and he
! never has to strain it to scream himself
hoarse to make his audience hear him. He uses
few gestures. and talks slowly and earnestly in
| words Of common use and of few syllables How.
| ever abstract may be the theme or exalted his
ideas, his language Is always made pain to the
| ordinary intelligence Many OF his auditors NAV
not agree with what he says. but not one OF
them Is ever for moment in doubt as to what
the speaker means. or as to the Speakers owr
| absolute belief in what he says.
Far more than most men Of his time Mr. Me
| Kinley resembles the illustrlous Lincoln in d.
! RICHNESS Of action In simplicity of character, ir
the common people, and in abiding coniidenc,
in God. I'VE have" he has said. but to h'
honest with the people. honest with each othe
true to guiding principles. never forgetfu
| Of the interests Of the masses, taking counsel Of
the people. whose unerring instincts see tn,
right, and success Is assured. Let appeal 4
the highest judgment and reason of the people
and our appeal will not be in vain. Those
words sound the keynote OF his career. and gv'
the best and truest explanation OF his marvel
tribute to a friend AMI comrade and predecessor
that he Is the very genius Of common-sense