The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-17
A M'KINLEY INTERVIEW"
He Is Said to Have Told the Reporters
to Write 1t for Him.

Chicago Evening Post
Just before the national Republican con-
vention in 1896 Governor William McKin-
ley was coming West, and a number of
newspaper men were sent down to Ham
mond, Ind. to meet his train and get an
interview for the afternoon papers. He
was 10 be guest for the day at the home
of Lafayette McWilliams, in this city, and
the reporters for the morning papers, feel
ing sure they would find him later. were
not much interested in the earlier meeting.
Mr.. Mckinley was a figure OF the greatest
political Importance just then, and his pub
lie statements were watched with the mos
jealous scrutiny all over the country. There
was much discussion of current questions
particularly of the proposed gold plank, ="
which excited universal interest, and which
was certain to create sensation in the
then near St. Louis convention. OF course.
Mr.. Mckinley was even at that time a
first choice" for the presidential ticket,
his StancheSt hackers being Chicago men.
Among the reporters sent 10 Hammond
tnat morning were James Holland for the
Evening Post, and James Conwell OF the
Journal They boarded the private car of
the notables. and sent their cards in TO Mr..
Mckinley. He gave them audience ar once.
The car was a combination sleeper and
drawinS-room car, and the newspaper men
were met by the Canton man and given
seats in the sleeper. already made up for
day travel. Mr.. Mckinley sat down with
them-alOne.
Now, gentlemen" he said with that ur-
banity which has always been a part of his
habit, Il am very busy. l simply have not
moment To spare. You say you want an
interview. If i had the time would gladly
talk with you a any length. But haven't.
Now. you must nave an interview, you say.
Very well. | place myself in your hands.
You know what L would say. Go on and
make the interview. L can trust you. 1
have never had occa sion TO regret trusting
newspaper men. Just make the interview
yourselves and L will go back 10 these gen
tlemen who are waiting for me. Remem-
Der, | am In your hands. Only"-and he
stopped as he rose to go-"only let me ask
you TO keep away from the gold plank"
He shook hands with them and went
away.
Holland and ConweTl hurried to the Au-
ditorium Annex, where they could be to-
gether in composing an interview which
impressed them as or some Importance
commission which they recognized as a
matter of honor. They found a table in the
bunet, got cigars and fell to work. The
place was almost deserted at the time
Presently lie Roy Armstrong. then en-
ployed on the Chicago Post, happened in.
and the two related their experience of the
morning. In view of Mr.. Mckinley's proba-
bic nomination for the presidency the con-
| 1dence was a rather notable thing. They
laughingly suggested that Mr.. Armstrong
play the part of Mckinley and give them
him questions, and he answered. voicing
the well-known sentiments of Mr.. Mckinley
on variety of public questions. using his
style as far as possible, and arranging an
interview of perhaps column
OF course they kept absolute good faith
with the candidate. The subject of the gold
plank was passed in a perfectly noncOmmit-
tai way, and so far they three could
frame il the talk was an absolute express
sion OF Mr.. Mckinley's sentiments.
Months later, after the nomination. Mr..
Mckinley was again i'm Chicago. and Mr.
Holland met him. The interview. appear
ing almost identically i'm both afternoon
papers-the writer's had purposely used oc-
casional differences I'm terms-had been ac-
cepted by the country and had been quoted
tar and wide. The nominee had read II. He
recognized Mr. Holland, and as he shook
hands remarked:
Let me thank you and your friend OF
the
THE Journal"
Yes. of the Journal. for the fairness with
which you treated me in THAI interview
knew | could trust newspaper men / must
assure you that / appreciate your action.
Thank you. Good morning.