The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1901-03-14
Another Quadrennium.


The history of the United States is
divided into periods of fonr years.
March 4th, 1901, was the tenth punctu-
alton mark in the written history of
the Republic since 1861. The country
has made history since 1861 more rap
idly than in all other periods, save that
of the Revolution.
Mr.. McKin1ey's first quadrennium
was not as intense as Abraham Lin
coins four years in the Presidency,
but it was most interesting, world wide
and future in its effect.
Eighteen hundred and sixty-one saw
a backwoodsman arise to the dignity
of the Presidency, and nineteen hun
dred and one beholds an Ohio farmer
without aff1uence, or social prestige, or
college honors, assume for second
term the rule of the greatest Republic
on the Earth.
Lincoln led the forces of the United
States into a war that he did not de-
sire, and Mckinley was compelled to
inaugurate a conflict with Spain that
he did not plan and from which his
peace loving soul would shrink. Lin
coins first term closed with triumph
and McKin1ey's first four years were
pregnant with victory.
Between 1861 and 1865 the States by
the crimson JUNCTION of battle were
cemented into an Union one and insep-
arabic forever; but, between 1897 and
1901 the Republic of the Western henli-
sphere became a great world power,
.swaying a scepter of potent influence
over two oceans, three continents, and
a hundred islands of the sea.
If Mr.. Mckinley had not modified
the tariff laws, nor restored prosperity
to his financially distressed country,
NOR adopted the gold standard, nor re-
funded the national debt at two per
cent interest, nor annexed Hawaii, nor
improved the government OF Alaska,
nor adjusted the controversy between
the UNITED States and the Pacific II.
AR. to the advantage of his country,
nor adjusted certain vexed questions
that grew out of our relations with
Germany and Great Britain in regard
to Samoa, nor quieted the disputatious
spirit of the Dominion of Canada IN
reference to the Alaska gold fields, nor
furthered the principle Of the Hay
Pauncefote treaty-if Mr.. Mckinley
had not been instrumental in any OF
the above achievements, the fact that
he has closed the bloody strife that
has been continued IN Cuba from time
almost beyond recollection, would have
secured him election to the Presidency
for a second term. Fifteen million
American citizens declared by their
votes in November last, that Mr.. Nc
Kin1ey is worthy of being his own sue
cessor in the exalted Office of President
OF the United States.
Commencing another quadrennial
service. with the unsul1ied reputation
of the man, with splendid record be-
hind him, with the wisdom and con
science of the country to bear him
company, the American people are
confident of the outcome of the ensuing
four wears. No doubt the President
will stand for peace in China, for the
integrity of that vast empire, and FOL
the rights of the Republic in far Ca
thay. The Philippines will be duly
safeguarded, and the liberties, property
and religion of the people assured t.
them, even though temporarily one mar
may hold the scepter of power; and
something will be done, long befor'
the second term has expired, either b.
the President himself or through Con
gress, to promote business and adjus
the question of franchises in thu
islands.
With the nations honor re-empha
sized, its obligations met, and con
tinuous revival in business assured
this second quadrennium of Mckinle,
rule will doubtless be even more con
spicuous and glorious for the Unite'
States than was the first. New prob