Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-02
MKINLEY LEAVES HOME.
Enthusiastic Farewell Accorded
Him by His Neighbors.

CANTON, o., March 1.-The President
elect left Canton at o'clock this eve
ming. thousands of his fellow-citzens
bidding him adeu i'm showers of fire.
works and illuminants, TO their accom-
paniment of hearty cheers. The citizens,
together with the businessmen, had ar
ranged for a public demonstration, TO
bid farewell to their honored ana be-
loved citizen and neighbor. The local.
militia joined in the demonstration, and
at s30 headed by the famous Grand
Army band marched to the Mckinley
home. AS they countermarched, Major
Mckinley, escorting the coming first lady
of the land. appeared at his front door.
Their appearance was the signal for
cheers. and right heartily were they
given. As they walked from the famous
front porch TO the coach In waiting,
there was a frantic effort to obtain
shake of Major McKinley's hand This
was impossible, as the programme ad-
mitted of not a moments delay. MAJOR
Mckinley paused but few seconds ere
he entered the cab TO raise his hat TO
the thousands of people-men women,
and children-congregate there. This
was the signal for another outburst or
applause Major Mckinley then assist
ed Mrs McKinley's maid into the CAB.
followed her a second later, and the
ride to the depot was begun.
All along the route, about mile, the
streets were jammed with people, hun
dreds coming from towns adjacent to
Canton to bid the Major good-by. Cheer
after cheer was given them, and many
women were seen 10 weep as the Presi-
dent-elect's carriage drawn by four rich
lv-caparisoned white horses, passed
along Major Mckinley lowered the win
dow inrthe cab as he left the house, and
from the opening waved his hat and Mrs.
Mckinley her handkerchief to the surg
ing shouting multitude.
The space about the station was packed
for squares by people, who struggled in
efectually to get near the train, which
was guarded by the companies of militia.
As the President-elect and Mrs. McKin-
ley stepped upon the rear platform Of
their car the shouts and cheers OF the
people again arose. Major Mckinley seat
ed his wife just inside the door and
stepped upon the platform. The cheer
ing was repeated, but quickly ceased, as
the President-elect raised his hand. His
words were:
"My NeighbOrs and Friends and Eel
oW-Citizens ON the eve Of departure
to the seat of government, soon to as
sumo the duties of an arduous response
buity. as great as can devolve upon any
man, nothing could give me greater plea
sure than this farewell greeung-this
evidence of your friendship and sympa-
thy. your GOODWILL and l am sure the
prayers of all the people with whom
have lived so long, and whose confidence
and esteem are dearer TO me than any
other earthly honor To all of US the
future is a sealed book; but If l can,
nv, official act or administration or ut
terance. I'm any degree add to the pros
perity of our beloved country, and the
comfort and well-being of our splendid
citizenship. / will devote the best ana
most unselfsh efforts of my life thereto.
| loud and continued applause, and cries
of. we know you will. Major.D The
assumption OF the chef magistracy Is
of such grave Importance that partisan
ship cannot blind the judgment. or ac-
cept any other consideration than that
for the public good, to all, every party,
and every section. With this thought
uppermost i'm my mind. l reluctantly
take leave of my friends and my neigh
bors. cherishlng i'm my heart the sweet
est memories and the tenderest thoughts
of my old home-my home now. and /
trust my home hereafter, so long as
live. Tremendous applause) / thank
YOU. and bid you all good-by." (Another
round of applause)
When he had concluded there was a
frantic effort to reach Major Mckinley
| but the train was signalled TO start AS
II moved out of the station the rain,
which had been threatening all evening
began to fall-a fitting benediction 10
the farewell speech which had just been
| delivered.