The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1901-10-18

throngs of silent. sorrOwing mourners;
the guarded, fiower-strewn tomb in
our beautiful Westlawn. All these
ARE vIvIDLY IMPRESSED
upon our memories, and yet we cannot
reconcile ourselves to the thought that
gone from us forever. and that we shall
never again enjoy his friendly greet
ing.
This city Is the scene of his early
trials and triumphs. Here resided the
friends and companions of his youth
and here rest the ashes Of his kindred
and those of his loved ones who have
gone before. The people of this city
had seen him return beardless boy,
from distinguished service in defense
of his country's flag. They had seen
him rise rapidly in his chosen profess
sion at the bar. They had seen him
enter congress while yet young man,
where. by that constant attention to
duty, which was ever conspicuous
trait In his character, they saw him
rise steadily
IN POPULAR FAVOR,
edged leader of his party upon the
floors of congress; they saw him in the
full prime and pride of a glorious
manhood. the idol Of his state, made
twice its honored governor. They
saw him after one of the most remark
able campaigns of history, elected
president of the greatest republic on
earth. They saw him the honored
successor of Washington and Lincoln,
staying with firm hand the restless
spirit of war and exhausting all hon
Qrable methods to avert the bloody
conflict which was scon to ensue. They
saw him denounced by the people for
his inactiOn; the waves of discomfort
and passion beating fiercely about his
feet. They saw him at last. the
VICTORIOUS COMMANDER
of the armies and navy of the United
States. honored of all people for his
high statesmanship and lofty courage.
Beloved by his fellow countrymen. OF
north, Of south, of east and of west
and securely enthroned in the hear S
of the American people.
Never before in the history of this
nation has any American held a place
v.
beloved by people of all political pa
ties, for the purity of his character,
and the kindliness of hiA heart l am
not a worshiper of idols, but wish
to avail myself of this opportunity to
say, here and now, that William Nc
Kinley was the most
NEARLY PERFECT MAN,
ever knew. Point, IL you viii, to a
single imperfcction in his exalted
character. He was never known 10
utter a profane, foul or tainted word.
He was never known to speak a cruel
or unkind word, even of those who op-
posed him. He was upon all occasions
and under all circumstances the same
calm, kind, warm-hearted, Christian
gentleman; the model citizen; the ideal
American. l shall never forget the
beautiful afternoon In early August,
just a few short weeks before, in the
full pride Of his glorious manhood, ho
was stricken down by the cruel bullet
of the assassin, when / chatted pleas
antly with him for an hour or more
upon that famous front porch He
spoke feelingly of his keen enjoyment
of the vacation which he had so
pleasantly spent at his old home. but
which was then rapidly drawing to a
close. He pointed to the beautiful
lawns, and to the cooling shade of the
splendid naples that line the streets
in the neighborhood of his modest
home. He said that he had visited
nearly all of the popular resorts of both
mountain and sea-shore. but that
TIL PLEASANTEST SPOT
on earth to him, was that modest home
on North Market street, surrounded by
his old friends and neighbors. / shall
always treasure the memory of that
hour. when for the last time ON earth,
| enjoyed the charm of his splendid
personality. Little did | think as |
shared with him the pleasant shade
of that beautiful afternoon, that before
the Icy fingers of approaching winter
had touched with their first frosss
those velvet lawns. and scared the
leaves to yellow, all that was mortal
OF William Mckinley would rest in the
silence of the tomb.
| His feet had traversed all the paths
OF glory. There remained no honor to
which human ambition might aspire
that he had not
ALREADY ACHIEVED.
Only those who knew him intimately
can know how earnestly he looked
forward to the time when he might lay
aside forever the eSacting cares of his
high office, and return to spend the
declining years of his life at his old
home, surrounded by neighbors and
friends. He has returned at last. He
has come home, to remain forever but
oh! how sad the homecoming. In
stead of greeting him with proud huz-
zahs, and welcoming him with glad,
ness and music, we have received him
In silence and with breaking hearts
and have laid to rest for ever. his poor
cold. inanimate form. midst the tears
and sobs of a sorrowing nation.
William Mckinley is dead. We shall