The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1901-11-27

SpOHSlDllllleS anu SdCr1UCeS must be
assumed He was at his most i'm
questionable age, and, quickened by
his new experience, developed by the
discussions going on about him, he
quickly formed opinions which ripen-
ed into convictions, and convictions
into purposes and purposes into ac-
tions, which gave him character and
force in all his future career.
From the moment of his enlistment
until the unconsciousness of dissolu-
ton dimmed his vision there was
never a day when he was not follow
ing high ideals, when his heart did
not beat i'll sympathy for his fellow
men, when his love for free institu-
lions did not burn brightly, nor one
when he was unwilling to assume
responsibility and sacrifice if duty call
ed. 1t was an influence, which, ex-
ercised under many and various con-
ditions, made him the great, the wise,
the strong, and the Just man whom
we admired, and the trusted the
thoughtful, the considerate, the can
did and the gentle man vhom we
loved.
ut was because the record of his
private life and public service inspir-
ed confidence i'll his integrity and abil-
ity and created strong impression
that he was peculiarly fitted to admin
lister the affairs of government in
time of great commercial and indus
trial depression that the people in
1896 sought him as their leader and
followed him into the promised land
| of prosperity and national greatness.
The bounding energies of the nation,
set loose by this confidence i'll him,
have i'll the last five years, produced
results which stagger the comprehen-
sion even of the greatest optimists
among American economists and start
ed the competing nations of the world.
He was characteristically great i'll his
first message to Congress, when i'll the
midst of great national excitement
over the condition of affairs in Cuba,
he declared,
He was yet greater during the
eleven months of agitation, seeking
by diplomacy to better the political
and, by encouraging the shipment of
food and supplies, the material condi-
ton of the stricken people of that
island.
And Congress trusted him. Greater
still was he after the destruction of
of the Maine, when, i'll the midst of
the volcanic heat of public opinion
in favor of immediate war, he was
able to comprehend and to gravely
consider the destruction of human life
and the vast expenditure of treasure
involved III the decision, and make a
supreme effort by peaceable means to
set at liberty those that were
bound.
1.-The crest of James Mckinley, the
Trooper, from whom the McKinleys
Of Ohio AaSnpn1p1 olive
branch in a mailed hand, and the
motto accompanying it was 'modera-
ton and patience. The olive
branch, it has been said, had been
extended eleven months; the mailed
hand was now come into play.
1.-THE admirable balance of the Presi-
| dents character was indicated
throughout the entire period of SER
vice; his ability to meet emergencies
and to solve problems unexpectedly
presented was noticed by all, and the
calm assurance with which he assum-
ed tremendous responsibilities mani
tested strength born of high motives
and strong convictions.
His address ON the day preceding
the awful catastrophee was the crown
ing utterance of his life. In the vigor
and prime of life, with his magnificent
powers perfected by the discipline Of
experience, his opinions ripened by
observation and contemplation, his i'm
pulses guided and controlled by his
quick sense of right, he gave express
sion to a sentiment broader than ma
tional patriotism, one that included
in its scope all those for whom Christ
died. Our earnest desire is that
God will graciously vouchsafe pros
perity, happiness and peace to all our
neighbors, and like blessings to all
the peoples and powers ofthe earth,
$50 long as our civilization pro-
duces such characters as William Nc
Kinley, combining i'll such high de-
gree the elements of a soldier citizen
and statesman, free institutions will
be maintained and the government
will be safe. Inspired by his life, in
strbcted by his example, this organ
ization will surely double its efforts
to uanish ignorance from the land and
TO educate enlighten and develop i'll
patriotism all those who dwell within
our borders, looking for the time
when the spirit of anarchy will find
no Judgment III this free land of ours. "