The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1901-09-13

lane formed by the drt1lleryme
this lane extending to where the
President stood. Beyond the Presi-
dent stood farther parallel lines OF
guards to pass the people on out
promptly without confusion or delay.
This arrangement made it imperative
that everyone entering the building
should move forward in single file,
inspected by at least 20 men before
reaching the President, and moving
without disorder.
A person entering the Temple OF
Music would pass through this aisle
come first to Mr. Milburn, slightly
behind whom on the left stood one
of the secret-service detectives.
President Mckinley stood on the
right of Mr.. Mi1burn. On the Pres
ident's right stood Secretary Cor
te1lyou. Beside him stood Detec-
tive-Sergeant John w. Geary. Di-
rectly opposite the President, in fact
facing him, with the distance be-
tween them so small that it could be
bridged if they shook hands, stood
S. r. Ireland of the United States
Secret Service. To the east of the
Presidents group stood other detec-
tives and a further detail of guards.
Thus every prccaution was observed,
although the President himself had
said that he felt no need of it, be-
cause he was at home with the peo-
pie.
The Reception Begins.
At 4.02 O'Clock the President nod
ded to Mr.. Quackenbush and to AS
t-Commandant Robertson of
the exposition police, that he was
ready for the reception to begin.
He stood erect, pale, but in good
humor. He wore a black frock coat,
dark trousers and black tie. Director
General Buchanan spoke to Organist
Gomph, who began softly to play an
operate overture. At the first sound
of the music the President turned,
looked at the great organ and then
turning to the detective who stood
opposite him he smiled and said
Excellent. -
The doors opened. In came the
van of the crowd. 1t was orderly
and bit abashed, despite its joy
at coming into the presence of the
President. Strange to tell, a gray
haired woman was first in the line,
when suddenly a small boy darted
to the front with a whoop, rushed
up to the President, Clutched at the
skirt of his frock coat and danced
delightedly as he was patted on the
head. His mother, fourth back in
the line, was all af1utter with enthu-
siasm over the achievement of her
lad. The President saw her and
when she came up he spoke word
of praise for the brightness of the
boy and she went on her way rejoic-
ing. One by one the people passed
along, all peaceful, all pleasant, ali
respectful, and all totally unable to
conceal the pride and the affection
they felt for William Mckinley, the
President of the United States. He
was more than their President - he
was one of them, in whom they all
had trust, one whom all delighted
to honor.
He stood there, mild, bowling, the
embodiment of courtesy and the soul
of gracious kindness. Not a hand
missed him. If in the steady pass
ing of the people one was hurried by
so that a hand-c1asp was missed, it
was the Presidents hand that stayed
the line and the Presidents voice
that called the lorn one back and
gave both hands as a reward to
atone for even momentary disap-
pointment. He was so unaffected,
so simple, so plain, so thoroughly
typical of the best of all the people
that passed by, that those about
him no more supposed that an assas-
sin was lurking at the door than that
the sun should fall from the skies
and shatter the Temple wherein
they stood. The line of humanity
was not confined to this country
alone. There were personages OF
distinction and renown from other
lands, who, although they had been
with the President throughout the
day, were unwilling to miss ever
this brief opportunity of reiterating
their respect and esteem. For foul
minutes the crowd went by steadily
evenly, without a break. Despite
its placid course the vigilance of the
detectives was not relaxed for a sin
gle instant and not a bundle or {
basket approached the Presiden
without the unnoticed hands of
detective close above it.
Smiles For Child.
Then came what appeared to b'
an excursion party of women. They
we're loaded with souvenirs collected
at various exhibits and a red-haireC
little lass in her embarrassment drop
ped a folder, which the Presiden
was about to pick up for her wher
one of the detectives did it in hi
stead. The laughter of a chile
sounded, and, Juggling at its mother
came a golden-haired tot who waved
to the President, then shyly hid be
hind her mothers skirts. TIL