The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-12-22
The Southern States.

President Mckinley's trip through
the South has been productive of
several results, notable among them
is that the people OF all the states are
drawing closer to each other in the
sense of nationality The President
has shown a desire to deal with
Southern sentiment in II considerate
spirit and to efIace as far a. possible
the old feeliugof sectional bitterness.
This is a task in which temperament
and natural disposition count for
much, and Mckinley has shown that
he is the man for the work.
The reception accorded the Presi-
dent on his recent visit to Atlanta is
an evidence that he stands well with
Southerns They do not agree with
him politically, but appreciate his
fairness, courtesy, innate kindness
and unbounded patience in contact
with measures and men. While firm
and untlinching in support of the
policies with which he is identified,
he still meets their opponents on
friendly terms and weighs their side
of the case dispassionately
McKinley's mind has been calmly
trained in the practical affairs of the
nation. He has been always a close
student and builder None of the
elements of the destructive are found
in him. Invective and personal ag-
gressiOn are not in his line. There is
no record of his utterance of harsh
or unpleasant word.
1t is easy to like such President,
even if his political views are not ac-
cepted. What President Mckinley
evidently sees in the South is great
region which, through force of past
circumstances, is not in full accord
with the keynotes of national prog
ress, nor developing its resources as
rapidly as might be, nor taking as
broad Il share in public affairs rs it
would be able to sustain by virtue Of
its intelligence and character.
That the President earnestly de
sires the South to move forward to a
realization of all just advantages can
not be doubted. He respects its
people and their intellectual gifts,
cherishes the hope that the old sec
tionalism will vanish, and labors to
unite the people of all the states in n
common patriotism. There isno con
dition that the South shall be Repub
lican. 1t might we'll be for good
reasons that could be urged, but the
President presents simply the idea of
national fellowship and IA new era
freed from the reserve engendered by
the war. His efforts in the South are
for country, not party.
In choosing leaders for the volun-
teers the President displayed his APP
probation of Southern ability and
his own impartial methods The
making up of the peace commission
was another instance of his desire to
give due recognition to the South.
This wish, in fact, has marked his
action since he was inaugurated. He
has made the oyertures that the
South take deeper and more active
interest in the current affairs of the
country. Nor has he been misunder
stood. The warmth of his greeting
in Georgia is due to the intuitiv'
knowledge that his friendship for tn,
South is the expression of the man
and not of partisan.
Illusions and misconceptions re
main in the South that have retarde,
its growth and prosperity. Their
can be no better step toward gettin
rid OF them than to get out into tn
sunshine Of patriotism and of natior
ality as broad as America.