St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-09-14
R00SEVELT'S TRIBUTE.
What JOhn Barrett Heard Him say

John Barrett, former minister to SIAM
3was with the vice. president in the house
5of eX Lieut. Gov. Fisk when the formel
areccived the news of the attack on Presi-
lent Mckinley. and returned with him toI
Burlington. When asked on his arrival
Din New York bow the vice-pr esdent re
3eeived the news Mr.. Barrett said:
II shall never forget the demeanor off
4 he vice'prcsident, under the influence of
\ his great shock. II the President should
ode, as we all hope he will not, this incid
mt at Isle La Motto should beindeed his.
3toriCal. When the vice president finished
ahis public address, characterized with
3much good humor and intormaity, he
9Walked from the tent where the gather.
Eng was held to the house of ex.Lieut.-
5Gov. Fisk to rest before shaking hands
Swith the large crowd outside. He was
3about changing his clothes when called
] 10 the telephone. AS soon as he realized
Athe meaning of the terrible news, a dazed
sexprt ssion followed by look OF unmis-
atakabl~ anguish came to this strong face
aand tears Immediately filled his eyes. He
9Was laboting under deep emotion and
aasked Senator Proctor, likewise keenly
saHeCted to make the sad announcement
Al % the waiting crowd outside.
y THE Vice President paced nervousy
abut not eXcitedly, up and down the room,
8passed a few appropriate remarks in con-
aversaton with us, dictated telegram to
8Buflalo and quietly waited for more
3news. Then shortly the second bulletin
q ollowed, saying the Presidents wounds
9were not necessarily fatal and that he
Amight recover, the Vice, Presi lent exclam
led with sincerest feeling; That's good
8-it is good. May it be every bit true,
Iand immediately he brushed aside those
|about him, FASTENED out on the veranda
II and made the reassuring announcement
Ahimstlf. AS the larger part OF the crowC
lahad already, after hearing the frs
areport, embarked on the steamer Cha
|teaugay to return to Burlington, h
Nadded with special emphasis; "Tellev every
Mbody aboard the boat, so that they will
Eal f Ell better
ii When the Vice P esidential party wer
8ien route back to Burlington we were a
A]much impressed with the Vice President
XII almncss, sincere sorrow and unselhsl
Illness. Although face to face with til
$asignihcant possibility that he NIGH
&artceive word of the Presidents deaf
Nlwhen the boat reached Burlington |
no excitement, but seemed ei
gM irelv wrapped up in the one hope thu
Mtte President might recover. Some body
Mall kindness but thoughtlessly said t
Ehim: MIR Vice. President, you must
#anxious lest on arrival you shall hef
E5lhat the death of Mr.. Mckinley h;
-Mmadc YOU President"
.Hj Instantly he raised his hand in cha
,Wactcristic gesture and, with panied loo
Msaid DO not speak of that continge
XIV. Our one thought and prayer is no
tor the President, and that he may
Elspated.
WI Conversirg with the little group abo
y#him, he remarked of President McKiule
He is such a lovable and gentle as w
lN4 as great man that | cannot understar
Nhow any man could do this. OF all m
H hat ! have known in public lite, he w
kjthe last to excite luminosity. | am n
oaN0nlv sorry for the President himself b
or the American people that such
t Ncrime should be committed in this ir
E democratic country.
9 1t the prayers of the country for
r EPlesic ent's recovery shall be unavaili1
+ hose OF us who were at the Vice Pr,
/. H Tents side during the first trying ho
u nat followed the announcement II
"a he President had been shot, can test
o degree of mingled composure, g
: md unselhsh consideration in this ira
II ituation that the people expect o
n lreat man under such stress OF thou
IS & nd cuCumst anCeS"