The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-20
THE president.


Whatever may be the outcome Of this
Cuban affair there have been scenes and
incidents i'm the discussion that are any
thing but creditable to the American
people
We have already referred to the dis
graceful scenes in Congress where the
lie was passed and where there were per-
sonal encounters upon the floor of the
House. There was some excuse FOR
these things. however, because the men
were naturally excited and hardly re-
sponslblc al all times for their acts.
Worse than all this have been the at
tacks on the President, and the efforts
that have been made for political reasons
and otherwise. TO bring discrodit upon
the chief magistrate boy imputing TO him
all sorts Of low and venal motives. II has
been charged that the President was un-
der the influence OF the money power
and that ne was determined that there
should bee peace no any cost. That he
was utterly without backbone and utter
IL without regard for the nations honor
his sole object being 70 protect the finan-
cial interests of the country from harm.
Some have even gone so FAR as 10 accuse
him Of delaying his message from time
20 time I'm the interest OF the stock jub-
bers. coupled with the inslnuotion that
the President was interested i'm such
deals in Wall street.
There was absolutely no ground for
such charges. They were wicked and
scandalous and unworthy OF the Amcri-
can people. We do not see how any sane
and honest man can attribute such bass
things 10 q man who has been before
The public for years. and, because of his
record. was deemed worthy % sit I'm the
Presidential chair. We pity the man
who puts such q low estimate upon
Americanism.
The Times is opposed 10 McKinleyism,
as that term Is applied politically. and
has always combatted the Presidents
protective policy and other such Repub-
lean doctrines. But because we DO not
believe In his political doctrines it does
not argue that We must regard his as Mt
terly mean and sordd where the honor
and integrity Of the nation are concern
ed.
We DO not believe that the day Of Amer
lean statesmenship is past and 40 q time
like this We cannot regard the President
from a partisan standpoint We look
upon him not as a Republican. but as the
President OF these United States po-
sition than which mono is higher or more
honorable IN the world, and it is TO MS
pleasure ana an inspiration to view
Mr.. Mckinley as a man entirely worthy
10 occupy that position and 90 feel that
the honor OF the nation is safe in his
hands.
IL would never occur 10 MS TO suspect
the President of the United States no
matter what political party pat him in Of
Zee. OF such basencss as has been at
fyibuted 10 President Mckinley. We
would be slow TO believe such things Of
our President upon the most plausible
representation. and nothing short OF posi-
tive proof would convince us. We would
feel that We had dishonored ourselves 10
suspect such evil OF the nations chief
magistrate. and We cannot but have
feeling Of contempt for those who have
made these charges without one scintilla
OF evidence 10 sustain them
The President has acted in most con-
seryative manner; has done an that ho
could in honor 20 avoid war: has done AN
that he could TO prevent Congress from
acting rashly, but finally when me in
eviiable came be acted with courage and
patriotism. and has by his act refuied
every charge that has been brought
against him.