New-York tribune., 1901-12-26

It is something over thirty years ago that
irst knew William Mckinley, a young practising
attorney at Canton, Ohio. Strange as il may
seem / cannot recall the exact time when or
Mace where I first met him. 1 know that il was
early in the seventies. and have recollection
of being strangely attracted to the quiet and
rnethodcal lawyer. Our acquaintance some
what closer after his election to Congress, and
in some way felt personal interest in his
contests from time to time. Our acquaintance
ship was a simple growth of friendship. His
splendid work in the cause of protection
Congressman further attracted me. This was
even before he had reached prominence in Con-
gress as a member Of the Ways and Means Com
rnittee. 1 never thought of the possibility at
that time of his becoming a candidate for the
Presidency. and was not especially active in
politics except in so far as exercising my in
fuence in the interests Of the Republican party.
Our first association politically in 1880,
when Ohio took a prominent part in the cam
paign in which Garfield elected. In 1884
william Mckinley was elected delegate at large
10 the Republican National Convention, and
was another delegate. Mckinley was an enthu-
sastic supporter OF Blaine. and 1 for John
Sherman. and we contested the delegation Wig
orousiy for our men. In the national conven-
ton Of 1888 We were present again delegates.
but this time were both pledged for John
Sherman, and II at this time he made the
famous speech which I felt destined him as
marked man Cor President
Even before this our friendship had seemed
to grow into something than that Of
ordinary personal political associates. Some
how I felt for him an affection that cannot be
explained, and it was at this convention that l
gained an insight into the unselfsh, unfaltering
loyalty which William Mckinley gave to every
cause he espoused
During that convention we occupied the same
rooms and were in conference day and night as
TO the best ways and means to bring about the
nomination Of John Sherman, Ohio's grand old
man.
sat by McKinley's side when he eloquently
demanded that his name be withdrawn for his
own honors sake, an1 history records that he
did withdraw it.
It was in the convention of 1883 that William
Mckinley developed into positive national
force. Blaine and Sherman had been in their
full vjgor in 1884 and I had the clear impress
sion from that time that every turn of the wheel
brought Mckinley into the full measure Of his
rnerited prominence It was after very hot
day during the Chicago convention that General
Ben Butterworth, Major Mckinley and myself
sat at q table talking over the events Of the
dav. The delegates had brought forward his
name. Mckinley took telegraph blank from
the table. and during the moments Of silence
wrote down some memorable words. He passed
il to me with the remark:
IF this thing is repeated tomorrow, that is
what I going to say.
lam here as one Of the chosen representatives
from nv State. 1 am here by resolution Of the
Rer1,hlican convention. cast without one dissent
ing vote. commanding me to vote for John Sher-
man. and use every worthy endeaVor Tor ms
nomination. I accepted the trust because my
heart and judgment were in accord with the
letter, spirit and purpose Of that resolution. 1t
has pleased certain delegates to cast their vote
for me. I am not insensible to the honor they
would do me, but in the presence OF the DUTY
honor I cannot consistently with the credit OF
the State whose credentials 1 bear and which
has trusted me, I cannot with honorable fidelity
TO John Sherman, who has trusted me In MS
cause and with his confidence. cannot
consistently with my views OF my per
sonal integrity, consent. or seem to con-
sent to permit my name to be used
candidate before this convention l would not
respect myself if I could find it in my heart
to do 10 say. or to permit to be done that which
could ever be ground for any one to suspect
that I wavered in my loyalty to Ohio, or my
devotion to the chief Of her choice, and the
chief of mine. I 90 request. I demand, that no
delegate who would not cast reflections on me
should cast ballot for me-
His name was brought forward the following
day Pleading loyal allegiance to John Sher-
man. he uttered with ali the deep sincerity Of the
man a declaration that will live in all political
history It reveals the true loyalty and un-
and supporters who afterward Joined their hands
in making him President.
He was always from his earliest political
career. such a willing worker that when 1
demonstrated with him he would laughingly re-
mark "A good soldier must always be ready
for duty
His utterances in that convention are the
best index 10 his character that / know Of and
disp,aved in him those rare qualities of manhood
which convinced me that he destined to be-
come a great power in national politics. And
here for the first time II occurred to me that
he was 2 logical ca andidate for the Presidency
in wears to come 1 was with him in 1892 at
Minneapolis and as it will be remembered. the
demand from the people for Mckinley as a can
didate was even more outspoken and seemingly
irresistible than at the previous convention. The
situation was such that it would have been an
easy matter for him to have spoken and won
the entire support of the Blaine men, to say
nothing Of his many admirers among those
pledged for Harrison. At this time it was EVIL
dent TO even the most casual observer that
sooner or later he would be placed in that high
position for which his talent and particular
abilities qualified him.
The demonstration at Minneapolis convinced
me that although it impolitic thing for
his interests TO nominate him there. in the next
national convention the popular demand for his
candidacy would override all opposition.
The condition Of the country that followed the
election Of 1892 so clearly defined hin as the
man Of all others in public life to iead the Re
publican party that I felt that his nomination
assured.
As early 1894 began to feel the pulse of
the people: that is. the rank and file. business