The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-09-07

was fully exposed to such an attack as
occurred. He stood at the edge Of the
raised dais upon VIII ich stands the great
pipe organ at the east side Of the mag
nifcient structure, while throngs OF peo.
pie crowded in the various entrances to
gaze upon their Executive.
The President was in cheerful mood
and was enjoying to the full the hearty
evidences Of good will which everywhere
met his gaze. Upon his right stood John
G. Milburn, Of Buffalo, president OF the
an-American Exposition, chatting with
the President and introducing him to
persons Of note who approached. Upon
the Presidents left stood Mr.. Cortelyou.
1t was shortly alter p. m. when one
OF the throng which surrounded the
Presidential party, a man OF medium
size and plainly dressed in black, ap.
preached as il to greet the president.
Both Secretary Corteyou and President
Milburn noticed that the mans hand
was swathed in bandage OF handker-
chiet. The reports OF bystanders differ
as to which hand. He worked his way
amid the stream of people up to the edge
OF the dais until he was within two feet
OF the President. President Mckinley
smiled, bowed and extended his hand
in that spirit Of genlality the American
people 80 we'll know. when suddenly the
sharp crack Of revolver rang out.
There was an instant Of almost com.
plete silence. The President stood stock
still, look Of hesitancy, almost OF be-
wilderment on his face. Then he re-
treated step, while pSllor began to
steal over his features.
The multitude only partially aware
that something serious had happened,
paused in surprise, while necks were
craned and all eyes turned as one to
the rostrum where the great tragedy
was being enacted.
Thencame Three men threw
themselves toward the would.be assas
sin. Two of them were United States
secret service men who were on the look.
out and whose duty it was to guard
against just such calamity as had here
bslallen the President OF the Nation.
The third was bystander, negro, who
had only an instant previously gTasped !
the hand of the President. In q twink /,
ling, the assassin was borne 10 the
ground, his weapon was wTested from
his grasp. and strong arms pinioned him
down. OF the multitude which witness.
ed or bore part in the scene OF turmoil
and turbulence. there was but one mind
which 9 emed to retain its equilibrium,
one hand remained steady, one eye |
which gazed with unhinching calm
ness and one voice which retained its
even tenor and faltered not at the most
critical juneture. They were the mind,
aRd hand, and eye. and voice, Of Presi-
dent Mckinley. After the first shock
Of the assassin's shot he retreated step. i
Than. as the detectives leapsd upon
his assaiilant, he walked slowly 10 .
chair aud seated himself, At the
same time removing his hat and bow
ing his head in bis hands. In an in
slant Secretary Cortsylyou aud Pres
ident Milburn were at his side. HG
waisteoat Was huridlY opened. The
President meanwhile admOnished those
about him 10 remain calm ana telling
them not 10 be alarmed.
"Bqt, you're wounded" cried HE
Secretary, "let me eEamine."
"No, think not" answered the
President. II am not badly Lurt as
sure you" +
Nayerthslsss his garments we're hast 4