Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-08-29
PRESIDENT M'kINLEY TOOK DAY
OFF YESTERDAY.
WENT DRIVING AND TO CHURCH
STREETS CROWDED TO SEE THE
PRESIDENT GO BY.
Mrs. Abner Mckinley Omciated at the
Organ and Miss Mabel Mckinley
Sang n SolO-Publlc Not In
trudinG Upon the
President.

SOMERSET. PA, Aug. 2S.-President
Mckinley came to Somerset to pass rest
full day, and he has certainly accomplished
that purpose. Providence provided fine
weather-in fact. the most delightful day
of the season here-and the president has
taken advantage of it. He rose early this
morning and passed an hour walking about
town with his brother, Abner. Here and
there he met an old acquaintance, and
stopped for short talk.
The presidents determination to attend
the morning service at the Methodist Epis-
copal church became known early, and by
the usual time for opening the services
every seat except those reserved for the
president and party was occupied. The
altar was tastefully adorned with white
chrysanthemums and vari-colored lilies.
Mrs. Abner Mckinley and her daughter.
Mabel. drove to the church in tAeir car
riage, and Abner Mckinley and his dis
tinguIshed brother walked. The presidents 8
wife did not attend church.
The people of this town have seen the
president go to church before, yet the
sight is a rare one for them and many
took positions along the street to witness
1t.
This caused the executive to lift his hat
formally along the way, and he bowed
gracefully to the right and left as he
passed along.
The service at the church opened with
Mrs. Abner Mckinley at the organ, fine
pipe instrument presented to the church
by her daughter Mabel. At the close Of
the voluntary, the congregation rose and
sang Praise God, From Whom All Bless
ings Flow" This was followed by a hymn,
Come Thou Almighty King" After a
prayer offered by Rev. DIR. Youngson, who
is visiting the pastor of the church. Miss
Mabel Mckinley. the presidents niece. sang
solo. her mother playing the accompani-
ment. Miss Mabel has charming voice
and is sweet singer. During the render
ing of the solo the presidents eyes fell on
little Sunshine" as he sometimes calls
his niece, and his enjoyment was evident.
After singing another hymn. 20, Thou in
Whose Presence the pastor. Rev. Mr..
Cameron, preached, taking his text from
the 2lst verse; 18th chapter of the Gospel
according to Luke: THE kingdom of God
is with you" The sermon occupied about
thirty-five minutes, and there was nothing
in it to indicate that it had been prepared
for the occasion.
After the benediction, the president left
with his brother and walked directly to the
latter's home, cutting across the street at
one point to shorten the route. A few min
utes later. the president and Mrs. Mckinley
and Mr.. and Mrs. Abner Mckinley entered
the latter's carriage and passed some time
in drive to the country.
The president. in going about, must meet
with some peculiar familiarities. While he
was sitting on the porch this morning, an
aged man who probably retains some un-
favorable impression of imperial pomp in
the fatherland was driving past. Notic-
ing the president, he pulled his horse UP
suddenly and said, loud enough to be heard
q square away: why, Mr.. President, you
don't look like the rulers in the old coun-
try. You don't wear a crown, and you
just dress like other men,.
A smile and pleasant bow was the pres
ident's reply.
Another incident Of familiarity was given
last evening on the arrival OF the pres-
dents train. When the president and Mrs.
Mckinley stepped from their car. they were
completely hemmed in by the crowd. An
official who has been fixture here for
years promptly gra9ped the situation and,
spreading the crowd with his hands and a
sharp command. turned to the president
and said: Follow me, my old friend.' and
proudly led the way to the carriage.
This afternoon the president passed an
hour on the porch. and Nter he and his
brother went driving. After dinner this
calls on the president and Mrs. Mckinley.
The town is gayly decorated with flags in
| honor of its distinguished visitors, but the
people fully appreciate the presidents de-
sire for rest and there have been no in
| trusions. The president is greatly pleased
| cannot be extended. but arrangements hav-
I ing been made for his visit to the military
| camp at Montauk on Saturday necessitates
| his leaving here at noon Tomorrow.