The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-09-20
CARDINAL GIBBONS
 PAYS HIS TRIBUTE.


 services were almost universal today throughout this State, many congrega- tions meeting and uniting in other man the most important and impressive were the ceremonies at the Cathedral Tn tnis city at which Cardinal Gibbons delivered the following eulogy: in the course of my sacred ministry 70 pc startled by the assassination or tnree Presidents of the United States. ADra- ham Iincodln was shot in 1865. James A. Garfield was mortally wounded in 1881. and William Mckinley received .tatal wound on the sixth day of September. MT. Lincoln was shot In a tneateri MT. Garfield was snot while about to take train to enjoy a needed vacation, and our late beloved President fell by the hand of an assassin while lending the prestige of his name and influence to the success of a national exposition.
 'In the annals. of crime 1t Is dfmcult to find an instance Of murder so atro- cious, so wanton and meaningless as the assassination of MT. Mckinley: some req. son or pretext has been usually assigned for the sudden taking away or the earthiy rulers. Belshazzar, the impious King of Chaidea, spent his last night in reyelling and drunkenness. He was suooehIy struck dead by the hand of the Lord.
 How different was the life or our CnleL Magistrate. No court in Europe or m tne civilized world was more conspicuous TOT moral rectitude and piety; or more free from the breath of scandal than the onl- ciai home of President Mckinley. He would have adorned any court in chris tendon by his civic virtues.
 ''Brutus plunged his dagger into the heart of Caesar because of his over weening ambition Whatever may nave been the errors of judgment on the part of our late President (and who is free from themO no man can honestly charge him with tyranny or official corruption.
 The Redeemer of mankind was be- trayed by the universal symbol of love. I rauRrenflV make thA G0mDarl- son, the President was betrayed by the universal emblem of friendship. Christ said to Judas. Friend betrayest Thou the son of men with a kiss
 '"The President could have said to his slayer betrayest thou the head of the nation with the grask of the hand?
 He was struck down surrounded by host of his fellow citizens, everyone of whom would have gladly risked his life in defense of his beloved chieftain-
 Few Presidents were better equipped sition which he filled. When a mere youth he entered the Union army as a private soldier during the civil war, and was promoted for gallant service on the the served his country for fourteen years in the halls of Congress, and toward the close of his term he became one of the most conspicuous figures in that body He afterward succeeded himself as Gov ernor.
 "As President he was thoroughly con- versant with the duties of his office, and could enter into 1t with the most minute details.
 His character and virtues were cour tesy and politeness, patience and for very trying circumstances. When unabl, to grant a favor, he had the rare anC happy talent to disappoint the appli cant without offending him. The domes tic virtues of Mckinley were worthy O. all praise. He was a model husband. Amid the pressing and engrossing duties of his official life, he would, iron time to time, snatch few moments tt devote to the invalid and loving partne | of his joys and sorrows. Oh, what change has come over this afflicted wo man. Yesterday she was the first lad of the land. Today she Is disconso | beseech Him who comforted the widow | of Naim that He console this lady il her hour of desolation.
 | ''It is a sad reflection that some ia natic or miscreant has 1t in his power t take the life of the head of the natiOI | and to throw the whole country int mourning. It was no doubt this though that inspired some writers within tht | last few days to advise that the Presi dent should henceforth abstain from public receptions and hand-shaklng ant that greater protection should be giver his person.
 You might have him surrounded with | cohorts, defended by bayonets and have him followed by argus-eyed detectives and yet he will not be proof against the stroke of the assassin. Are not thC crowned heads of Europe usually attend ed by military forces. and yet how many Of them have perished at the hands oi some criminal. No. let the President con | tinue to move among his people and take | them by the hand. The strongest shield of our Chief Magistrate Is the love anC devotion of his fellow citizens. The most | effective way to stop such crimes is tt | inspire the rising generation with great | CT reverence for the constituted author, ities and a greater horror for any insult