The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-08

IL alice what the past three
months have meant 10 the
nations executive. With fun appreci-
alton Of his grave responsibilities.
knowing the power inherent In his
position 10 affect results. and vet eogniz-
ant as the days went by of his inability
10 prevent the fuliilrnent OF fate. he has
endeavored 10 guide events so Tar as ne
could in course which VIII hold him
and the people blameless in the sight of
the world for whatever may follow. That
he has withs.ood the strain so we'll bears
testimony To his mental poise and strength
OF character and body.
The presidents demeanor has undergone
a noticeable change. The aTahie, caeery
mood which formerly characterized him.
has given way 10 a sternness OF manner
which BELTS humane. but just judge
called upon TO execute a righteous sen
tence. A curious Illustration OF Mr. Me-
Kinley's temperament IS shown in the diff
ference in his bearing since the passage OF
the resolutions which made war inevitable.
So long as there was the slightest chance
for peace the pressure of uncertainty bore
heavily upon him, and his face assumed a
wan and haggard look. That look has not
entirely disappeared, but it is no longer
marked by anxiety. From the moment the
decision was reached which imposed upon
! him the leadership of a nation at war. he
seems 10 have experienced a sense of re-
| lief for he sees his pathway straight be-
fore him now, no matter how rough it
may be.
The president takes little recreation, bat
he breaks away from his desk for few
moments every day. Sometimes he stroils
through the White House grounds with a
member of the cabinet. or with some
friend, and usually his arm Is locked In
that of his companion. He delights to
wander through the broad area known as
the white lot just IN the rear of the
executive mansion. and during these wan
behring's he is frequently followed by a Gu
rious crowd. lie has Il courteous greeting
for everybody and usually a word and
smile. which lights up rather sadly his
carewoin face Every day or two he takes
long drive into the country late in the
afternoon, and these drives he always
takes a friend along.
Secretary Long the head of the navy de-
partment. shows the effect of tension as
well as his chief His position has been In
a measure. paradoxcal An officer of the
Peace society. an organization, the avowed
purpose Of which is the prevention of war
he is in charge of one of the military
arms of the government. and stern duty
compels him 10 exercise functions which
are ahhorent to him. During many anx-
ious weeks following the destruction az the
Maine he chung to the hope that 1t would
he shown not 10 have been blown up with
| design, and that CIlha could he freed with
out resort to arms. As time rolled relent-
lessiy on and the events of each succeed
ing day pointed TO the ultimate dissppoint-
ment of his hope. AIR Longs optimistic
manner gave way under the pressure: the
tender-hearted secretary rs saddened
man. 1T IS hard TO realize" he says.
that we are actually at war;
Secretary Long is naturally an feasy-going
man. He makes no fuss about his daily
work, and there il no hustle or rushing
about. He is quick of decision. and orders
glide easily into their places. He neve,
loses his head. ard nobody would suspect.
in seeing him at his desk that upon him
devolved the conduct of a naval war Ev.
cry day lsttle after noon he packs a LOT
of papers into q green flannel bag such
as Boston lawyers carry. and walks home
10 lunch. his head little bowed. his face
overcast with thought. But thoughtful
though he may be. word of greeting al
ways brings an answering smile and a
CHEEKY word. The secretary takes a long
walk every evening after leaving the de-
partr,ent. and sometimes 1t IS an hour be-
fore he reaches his apartments from his
desk He goes TO bed invariabe before
o'clock, The president usually stops up
till midnight.
Secretary Aiger is man of war and has
considered the Cuban situation all along
From y
day thar the news came OF the destruction
of the Maine he has regarded war as prac-
ticaly inevitable. and his thoughts and
actions have been guided accordingly
Gen Alger Is not OF a sanguiYlary DISPOSE
ton. On the contrary he is one OF the
gentlest of men. He is regarded with a
degree OF estimation approaching affection
by those who come In official and personal
contact with him, and admiration for his
nor an &c .t~.g 49,
appreciation Of his abilities as an official
Gen. Asger has herne the strain remark
ably well. In view OF his enfeebed condl-
ton. brought on by physical ailments He
seems TO be everywhere AZ once, and dur
ing every important debate In congress he
has been at the capitol. listening TO the
discussion. consulting with senators and
members. and feeling the legislative. pulse
Alaer has been the presidents ewes and
cars. He sees more public men in tire
course or the day than ali other members
Of the cabinet combined. Charles Emory
Smith. the newly appointed postmaster
general, IL also invaluable to the pras-
dent through his faculty for rejecting
outside opinion.
Secretary Day has willingly borne che
brunt OF the diplomatic battle which
has been waged with Spain. Judge
Day seems 10 have a regnarka bic
aptitude for hard work and has
emerged fSpr sllc days OF urremlttIng toll
ard night - ssseplsss thought without
visible effes: on his mind or his body.
He is the M: modest appearing of men.
reserved to the poiu, OF tacsurnity. a hard
student. and little acquainted with polit,-
clans or their ways. He keeps his place
al his desk I'm the department where ne
broods over his hooks and papers more
industriou9Iy than any Of the clerks and
he Is rarely seen outside.
Speaker Eeed has BEEN the most imper-
turabie man during the war excitement
in congress. He has been the target Of
hts political opponents and has been as
sailed by murmurs at times from men OF
his own party. Throughout the progress
of events he has retained the GOODNESS
which Is such a distinguishing Characters
tic of the man, and shows no trace of The
| exciting times through which he has
passed.
Ore hour he may mold a rnurmuring and
relentless majority he Wills In tie nsxt
he may oe seen walking lelsuraly up the
avenue. his hands cla&pea iszIy behind
HIS back. stopping az every second xhop