The Washington times., 1901-10-27
PRAISE FROM SCOTLAND.
The Late Presidents Kindness a.
Related by a Minister.

On the occasion of the visit of the Pan
Presbyterian Council to Washington two
years ago, President Mckinley gave a re-
ception to the delegates at the White
House. We were rather late I'm reaching
Washington after a tour of the Far West,
so we missed the reception and our fell
low-delegates were not slow to tell US how
very interesting and delightful It had
been. My friend and l had, however.
something better in store. Calling for a
well-known banker in the city, and tell
him Of our disappointment in not meeting
the President, We were advised to ask at
the White House for the Presidents sec
retary, Mr.. Porter, and send in our cards.
It was a Saturday. and on the Monday
following Admiral Dewey was to be well
coined in Washington, and on Tuesday the
gold sword of honor was to be presented.
We were assured by the secretary that
the President was engaged in a Cabinet
meeting, but that If we could wait he
would see what could be done.
In the course of ten minutes he came
to US saying, The President will see you.
gentlemen" and brought us TO a SIDE
room OF the CabiI-c, chamber, where the
President was stan ling talking to lady
and gentleman. soon he came forward
to u.s. rather short, well built man, or
some sixty years his strong, somewhat
Napoleonic face lighted with smile, and
shaking hands cordially with us, he said:
You have come to Washington for the
Presbyterian council What do you think
of our city?" / replied that we had been
across the continent, and that we had ar
rived In Washington only the day before,
but that IL struck me at hrSt sight as
beautiful city. He then said: And what
do you think Of our country? You know
we are sometimes accused Of boasting
about it." ] replied that thought there
were enormous resources behind. He next
remarked on our being from Scotland, and
gslI Natt 1 ar nfS ff.h dn-
scent" Indeed. Mr.. President" said l,
''uIay ] ask with what part of Scotland
yol claim Connection? He replied:
well, with the north of Ireland" we
draw a geographical distinction" said l.
but the people of the north of Ireland
are largely OF Scottish origin. May / ask
If 1t is long since your ancestors came
MY great-granGfather came from Ire
land, said he. He next asked: How
have you been impressed by our coun-
try: 1t has been constant wonder to
me-" replied, how such a conglomer-
ate of peoples has been fused into IA great
nation and | added: Il suppose one good
result, at least, of the recent war Will be
to evoke a national spirit, and to weld the
nation together in "A growing patriotism
and community OF aim" To this 1 don't
know that he made any reply. The inter
view closed by his saying: Il am glad to
have met YOU. ! hope you will enjoy your
stay In Washington" Altogether we
would be some five minutes with him-a
long time In the middle of the busy life cf
. I=idn al the head OF Il great nation His
face set med to me To be full Of intelli-
Sencc and power. There was a simple
AID somcW what 81 riOus dignity in his ad-
di ess. while his manner was very. quiet
ard winning. 10 me the outstanding fea-
tnr's OF his personality were strength and
harm.
Later had occasion to send him book
l had written, with note In which !
sDoke Of the bend that seemed to be
EtrOnHe- hEf
ard america. and had a delightful ac-
now edgment from him EXPIRE ssive Of his
interest and regard Edinburgh Scots
IEau.