The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1901-09-21
u;s Glowing Words In Praise
Of the Fallen and Honored
President.
WAS A MEMORIAL ADDRESS
Popul.r ora'or Heard at the Meth
odid Church BY Large
Crowd Thursday.
IT WAS A VERY FINE IRlSUTt

The accompanying is the address de
livered at the memorial services at the
Bro.dway Methodist church Thursday
BY Hon. +. W. Bagby, one OF Padn'
cabs brainiest aud most brilliant
men, and one Of her most eloquent or
ators;
Friends and Fellow Citizens; Be
ing absent from the city at the time II
was determined by the citizens OF Pa
ducah that l should address you ON
this sorrowful occasion, aud having
only a few hours in which to gather
material requisite for proper discourse
uron so important subject, ! shall
undsrtakc the sad Office assigned me
with many misgivings Of my oompe-
tency. And knowing the difficulty
shall have in REFRESHING my own emo
tions shall ask you to pardon any
hesitation OF uttcrance you may observe
in this feeble address
This is one Of those rare occasions,
when the sympathy Of a great nation
Is Close akin to thosc tendorer feelings
generally confined alone 20 private
life Under any circumstances the
assassination Of a great ruler would be
a mournful catastrophe, but the life
and character Of the beloved FORM
which lies In state today at the city
Of Canton, is conspicuous for virtues
which appeal 20 strongly TO the hearts
Of all the people, that the pomp and
ceremony. which usually attend the
funeral Of one 30 exalted and re-
nowned, are obscured and forgotten,
aud men. women and children bow in
deepcst agony Of sincere distress, and
each feels A. II some one OF his own
dear household had forever departed.
My own feelings are so deeply
affected by this overwhelming sorrow
which know so grievously aihiots
You all, that must postpone to
more favorable time any extended dis
cussion Of the influences which have
conspired 10 produce life 80 eminent
in those virtues which have disfin'
guished the noblcst representatives Of
the human race. His respondent life
is not a pyramid, which narrows to-
ward the top, but straight shaft Of
solid granite, that towers in uniform
strength and beauty from base to sum
init. There in all its majestic dignity
it stands, - II some divine architect
had moulded It's proportions, while
mourning nation with fearful eyes mp
on IL looks and f,s, and meanwhile
seeks to learr y secret Of so grand
life. A life which is the embodiment
Of the self .reliance, courage and hops
Of n great people. Never has tho
spirit OF confidence so generally pre-
vailed throughout the republic as dur
ing the administration Of President
Mckinley. Confidence, not only IN
the country's material prosperity
but confidence in all social relations
Confidence, that no matter whai
betides, a strong and faithful rulei
guides safely the destiny Of his people
What is il that has inspired this con
fidenoe more surely than the high
moral qualities exhibited in the sterl
ing character and conduct Of the pres
identg Moral qualities which will b.
attributed by some to his early relig
ious training, by intimate friends e
the sincere friendship for all his coun
trymen, but to the people at large, hi
truly enlightened judgment, his lion
hearted courage, his great forbearancei
patience and gentilitSwill appear thu
most potent elements In the shapinl
Of his admirable career All of thi
signifies that he derived his strength
from many sources Could he com
back and tell us now from whence hi
many manly virtues came, doubt no
he would point with pride to tn
teachings Of her, at whose side in day
long gone he sat and listened, an
here obtained the inspiration whic
stimulated HIM TO all his future great
ness.
with what oommsndable modest
aud simplicity he has FULFILLED the dr
ties Of the high and responsible sta
ton to which he was called Nevs
has his exalted station seemed to d
vest him Of that sense Of democrats
equality and simplicity, which place
him so gracefully as man ON lew
in common with his fellow men. Wh'
ruler in ancient or modern times hi
given to the world more striking le
sons of gentleness and forbearanoe
nom snts Of great public concern. p
thence under stress and storm, p
thence in the face Of fierce opposition
patience with the mistakes and folli
Of ignorance-this is a virtue whiC
comes from di ciplins under long mo
Of culture. It is the virtue which di