The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-20
CARDINAL GIBBONS.
Feeling Tribute Delivered by the Emil
nent PreIate in baltimore Cathedral.

BALTIMORE, Sept. 1s.-MemOrial serv-
ices were almost universal to-day through
this State many congregations meeting
and uniting in other than their own places
of worship Perhaps the most important
and impressive were the ceremonies at the
cathedral in this city, at which Cardinal
Gibbons delivered the following eulOgy:
1T mas been my melancholy experience
in the course of my sacred ministry 10 be
Presidents Of the United States. Abraham
Lincoln shot in 1865. James A Car
field was mortally wounded IN 1881, and
William Mckinley received fatal wound
on the 6tn day Of September. Mr.. Lincoln
was shOt in a theater; Mr. Garfield was
shot while about 10 take a 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 ex-
position.
In the annals OF crime it is difficult to
find an instance or murder so atrOctous, 50
wantOn and meaningless as the assasslna-
tiOn OF Mr.. Mckinley Some reason or pre-
text has been usually assigned for the sud
den taking away OF earthly rulers
"Baltassar. the impiOus King OF Chaldea,
spent his last night in revealing and drunk
enness. He suddenly struck dead by
the hand Of the Lord. How different was
the life Of our chief magistrate No court
IN Europe or in the civilized world was
more conspicuous for moral rectltude ana
purity. or more free from the breath or
scandaI than the official home of President
McKfniey He would have adorned any
court I'm ChristendOm by his civic virtues.
"Brutus plunged his dagger into the
heart OF Caesar because Of his over-ween-
Ing ambition. Whatever may have been
the errors Of judgment on the part of our
late President (and who is free from
them?) no man can honestly charge him
with tyranny. or official corruption.
The Redeemer Of mankind was betrayed
by the universal symbol OF love. II / may
reverently make the comparison the
President was betrayed by the universal
emblem OF driendship. ( . sad 10
man with a kiss? The President could
have said To his slayer. .Betrayest thou the
head OF the Nation with the grasp of the
hand?' He was struck down surrounded
by host of his felOw-citiZens, every one
of whom would have gladly risked his life
In defense Of his beloved chieftain.
Few Presidents were better equipped
than Mr.. Mckinley for the exalted position
which he filled. When mere youth he en-
tered the Union army as private soldier.
During the civil war he promoted for
gallant service on the field of battle to the
rank OF major. He served his country Tor
fourteen years in the halls of Congress. and
towards the close of his term he became
one of the most conspicuous figures in that
body He afterwards served his State as
Governor
AS President he was thoroughly CONVEX
SAINT with the duties of his office and could
enter into its most minute details. His
characteristic virtues were courtesy and
politeness, patience and fOrebearaEce and
mastery self-cOntrol under very trying
favor. he had the rare and happy talent to
disappoint the applicant without offending
'The domestic virtues Of Mr.. Mckinley
were worthy of all praise. He was a model
husband. Amid the pressing ana engrOsS-
ing duties of his official life he would from
time TO time, snatch few moments TO de-
vote to the invalid and loving partner of
his joys and sorrow. Oh, what change
has come over this afflicted woman. Yes
Ierday she was the first lady of the land.
To-day she is a disconsOlate and broken
hearted widow. Let us beseech Him who
eomforted the widow of Naim that He
console this lady in her hour OF desolatfon.
1t Is SAD reflection that some fanatic
or mlserea1t has 1t in his power 10 take
the life of the head of the Nation and to
Inrow the whole country into mourning;
1t was no IlOubt this thought that inspired
some writer's within the last few days 10
advise that the President should hencefOrth
abstain from public receptions and hand
shaking, and that greater protection should
De given TO his person. You might have
him surrounded with cohorts defended with
bayonets and have him followed by argus
eyed detectives, and vet he will not be
proof against the stroke of the assassin.
Are not the crowned heads of Europe usu-
ally attended by military forces. and vet
now many OF them have persisted at the
hand OF some criminal
No: let the President continue TO move
among his people and take them by the
hand. The strongest shield OF our chief
magistrate is the love and devotion OF his
fellOw-cftizRns The most effective way to
stop such crimes is to inspire the rising
generation with greater reverence for the
constituted authorities and greater horror
FOR any insult or injury to their persons.
All seditioGs language should be sup
pressed. lncendiary speech is too often an
incentive 10 criminal aims on the part OF
many; 10 criminal acts on the part of
many to whom the transition from words
10 deeds IL easy. Let il be understood
once for ALL that the authorities are de-
termined 10 crush the serpent of anarchy
whenever II lifts its venomous head
I'VE have prayed for the Presidents life
put III did not please God TO grant our petit
ton Let no one infer from this that our
prayers were in vain. No ferVent PRAYER
ascending 80 the throne of heaven remains
unanswered Let no one say what a lady