The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-13

life. precious TO US. under the favor of
God, viii be restored. 1t IS meet that We
should meet IN the surroundings of this
great occasion and gathering, and with the
aid of his surviving comrades in arms.
give. expression to the JOY which fills our
hearts.
Fear has changed TO hope. sorrow 10
JOY. and great people bow in revereDt
thankfulness in this deiiverance. The re-
gret that he cannot be with his comrades
upon this historic occasion, IS az much felt
on his part as ii is U9On ours. His first real
experience in life, breaking in upon his col
lege days, was with the Grand Army OF the
Republic Who shall say that in the duties,
hardships and privatiOns of that service,
the foundations of a great character may
have been securely laid; He belonged 10
that noble regiment which has given TO the
country another President a great general
and a Justice of the Supreme Court Of the
United States.
s'Upon the authority of one of his COM
rades, we have an incident, which showed,
even In those early days, the qualities
which have made him equal 10 the great
.Occa SIOnS with which his career mas been
crowded. When General Early had at
tackled the federal army near Winchester
and driven it back, William Mckinley,
riding through Winchester with General
Hayes, his chief. noted at the roadside an
old lady down whose face tears OF SYM
pathy were flowing with which was be-
neved to be a great disaster TO the Union
arms. The young officer drew up his horse
and said TO her. Cheer up; have no fear.
We shall be back this way again. In a few
days the prophecy was made true and the
victorious army OF the Union swept back
through Winchester, driving the enemy
from the Shenandoah valley.
These great traits, Kindness Of heart,
courage and confidence in his cause, have
ever been characteristic of aim. Now
. America weeping at the bedside of the
turns to him and says, Thank God you are
coming back this way To-day the world
knows the story or his lie ana MS place
In the history Of the country and Of the
world is secure. We rejoice that his days
of usefulness are not ended. We rejoice
above all that to the people of this state,
VINO have so long known and loved him,
his life remains for our guidance and com
fort. - ~
There are many in the audience who
know that no matter how high he has adj
Vauced on fortunes browning slope he
has eyer retained those endearing. quail
ties which have made him. while one of
the strongest, the gentlest of men and the
kindest OF nefghbOrs and friends
we may feel assured that no words or
good cheer would be more welcome on his
journey back to health than those which
come from this gathering of his friends in
this great State and city and from his CID
companions in arms. Let US fervently nope
and pray that the day is not far distant
when We may look again on his noble face
and feel anew the pressure of his friendly
hand"
Governor Nash this afternoon made the
following announcement: 81 wish to an
rounce TO the people of Ohio that 1 will
set apart SUNDAY. Sept. %, as a day for
thanksgiving and rejoicing. will prepare a
proclamation within the next two or three
Gays, calling upon the people of Ohio, the
home of our beloved President, to send up
their thanks to the Almighty Ruler for
the life of President Mckinley"
Governor Bliss, of Michigan. and Cover
nor Durbin, of Indiana, who are in at
tendance at the G. A. R. encampment,
probably Will appoint similar dates for
thanksgiving services in their respective
States.