The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-09-29
M'Kinley on War.

Washington. D. c.. Sept. %.-During his
visit here a week ago the president saw
many callers, as a matter of course. Most
OF them were after Offices, and the confer
ences were largely over patronage. 1t was
particularly noticeable, however, that the
president improved the opportunity TO get
in touch with public sentiment by ques-
tionA,g members who had been home and
met their people at the county fairs and
in private life aside from politics. He in
Quired especially about the way in which
the tariff bill was received. the signs OF
prosperity, the developments an the talk
over the money question, the situation in
Hawaii. and lastly Cuba. Wherever the
conversation was an extended one, and the
congressman man OF standing in con-
gress. these topics were almost certain 10
be touched upon. One Of these converse
tons is valuable because il shows tina;
while the president is anxious 10 avoid
war. he is fully aware Of the fact that
the people are becoming FESTIVE a the
continued failure to take active steps to
end the war. The particular congressman
in question, after settling the matter OF
patronage which brought him to the White
House, began 20 talk about the signs Of
better times.
1T is undoubtedly true, Mr.. President"
he said, that the times. especially in the
west, are rapidly improving. The farmers
have paid their debts. and under the IN
fuence of higher prices have begun to
buy supplies at the country stores. The
wholesalers in the cities report an aston
ishing trade and there are evident signs
of coming good times. The people have ac-
cepted the tariff as the stepping stone to
better times, and prosperity seems almost
at hand"
YES" said the president. 'T receive the
same report from all sources. 1 believe
the country is on the verge OF a period
of unexampled prosperity. II VIII surely
come to stay, but for one thing-and that
is war. That is why I do not want TO do
| anything rash. We are just emerging from
a long period Of financial depression and
we must not do anything to jeopardize our
recovery. Everything is favorable now
and We must do nothing 70 precipitate a
return of the want Of confidence in our
own resources"
Our people don't want war Mr.. Pres
ident," said the congressman. but there
are hundreds OF thousands of them who
would be quite willing to shoulder a mus
ket to free Cuba. When I made speeches
found the people were mildly enthusiastic
over the tariff, they were sure TO applaud
any reference TO Hawaii but they raised
the roof when l talked Of Cuba. When I
went back to my people told them what
you told me to tell them
What was that?" asked Major McKin-
icy quickly.
you told me to tell them that they must
trust their president to do the proper thing
az the proper time in regard to Cuba.
told them that, as you directed me-
and
"And they are about tired Of trust" said
the president with a quick smile. II know
that. l know that the people of this coun-
try from one end to the other are getting
impatient because be do not move faster
but 1 am convinced that prosperity is
here and that war is the only thing which
Will prevent its continuance. II would be
easy to free Cuba by war. but to do Il
without one. to satisfy the people and keep
US in the high road to prosperity, is a
thing which cannot be done in a day. That
is the problem which confronts US, and We
must solve it slowly but surely
How long do you think congress will be
in session." asked the president OF his old
companion. Are we going to have d
long time of It, running way into the sum-
mer?''
at all depends on the stand taken on the
| financial question: said the presidents
| caller. The senate is hopeless. Nothing
which touches the silver question IN the
| faintiest degree-nothing which effects the
general currency system Of the country
can by any possibility pass the senate. If
| you press the subject 10 the front in your
| message, and If we insist on securing A.
| nancial legislation at this time, We'll
here in Washington till the cows come
home. and then we won't accomplish any
| thing"
81 guess you're right" said the president.
| az guess you're right"