The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-11
What Docs Mr.. mckinley Think.

1t would be interesting to know, if by
any means it could be ascertained. just
what the feelings of President Mckinley
have been during the past few days, in his
contemplation of a reelection which, as
he must know, he did not deserve. Moth
Ing could have been more distinct and
significant than the expressions Of popu-
lar disapproval which have followed many
of his public acts during his Administra-
ton. The outcome of the election signi-
fies that, for the time being. the dollar
is supreme. that however strongly the
people of the country may dislike the
memories Of the Eagan beef scandal, the
Sampson conspiracy. the alliance with
Downing Street, and the various other
episodes Of the past Administration, they
yet cannot afford to oppose the elements
now controlling affairs.
Mr.. Mckinley has been reelected by
the incessant and far-reaching influence
Of these elements, and his opponent,
man whose sincerity, earnestness. and
strength no one can doubt, owes his down.
fall to the fact of his having offended
them by refusing to be either tacitly or
explicitly their tool. Mr.. Bryan's record
has been clean, and his expressed pur-
pose is to keep it so. No one can lay at
his door the charge of dirty work done
for the furtherance of his personal ambi-
ton or that of his friends. His attitude
has always been that Of a man who sticks
to his convictions, and stands or falls by
them, not by wire pulling and trimming.
The attitude of Mr. Mckinley has through
out his career been very much the re-
when there was something to be gained by
doing SO, and when there was more to be
obtained by adopting a new platform lie
has not hesitated to do that. The history
of his views on the silver question Is SUI
ficient proof Of this. Apparently his policy
has been vindicated by the popular YER
dict, and that of his opponent condemned
The indications are that in the national
election of 1900 sincerity did not pay.
But, in the midst of all this proof that,
from a worldly point of view. 1t is better |
to be polite than to be right, what does |
Mr. Mckinley himself think about 1t? Is |
he satisfied with his record, and does he |
with pleasure the prospect of |
living with himself, and with the memory
Of past scandals and the perplexity of
present intrigues, for another four years
In word, does he think that the cppor-
tunity to cripple the Constitution of the
United States, defy popular feeling. end
In &c 20 hot
It wants out Of the Government, is we'll
deserved reward bestowed by the Lord
Almighty?
There was perhaps never an Admins
ration the inner history OF which would
De more interesting than the unwritten
Of the last four years in the
White House. The play of emotions. in
luences, intrigue, and secret purpose,
among the half dozen men closest to
would be most fascinating
% psychologist. Perhaps in future
'ears, when coming events shall have ex-
blamed more fully the character and pur-
bose of these actors in the national drama
md when each man has been tested and
assigned to his proper place by the :nfal-
ible hand Of Time. some historical rovel-
st will put it all into book. 1t is true,
q different sense from that in which
he words are generally understood, that
here is nothing hidden which shall not
e revealed. The influence which man
as upon his time sooner or later Proves
true index to his character. II he is
true man he need not fear the revela-
ion. But with what feelings does Mr..
dcKinley look upon his future? The
peculation is interesting.