The St. Louis Republic., 1901-09-21
Calls Him Patriot Who Will Live
in the Hearts of All
Americans.
WAS HIS PERSONAL FRIEND.
Former Assistant Secretary of the
Interior Denounces the Crime
and Says Anarchy
Must Cease.

Webster Davis of Kansas City was
In St. Louis yesterday. the guest OF
Clinton l.. Caldwell. attorney in the
Chemical building. Mr.. Davis is making
arrangements TO start on an extensive iec-
lure tour during the autumn and winter. He
is making his own engagements. and now
has contracts to deliver lectures TO cover a
period O. tau months on about ten diff
ferent subjects.
While Assistant Secretary of the Interior
Under President Nckinley's first adminis-
tration. Mr.. Davis and the President were
close friends. In regard to the assassna-
lion of the President. 10 Republic reporter
he said:
The people Of Kansas City have been ter
ribly Shocked over the sad tragedy COM
lnitted at Buffalo. regardless OF all political
affiliations. In fact. all parties held Presi-
dent Mckinley in high regard believing him
to be a patriot, an able President. and j
genial and icyable man.
Il knew him quite well. and during my
residence in Washington l saw much of
him. l do not believe that any man who
ever occupied the White House was more
popular with the people generally. We all
mourn mis- loss. In fact. the civilized world
joins with the American people in sympathy
AIR. Mckinley was. indeed, manly man.
and he vii! live in that immortality that
blooms beyond the grave. He Will live in
the hearts of the American people: he will
1--we in The records of his countrys his
tory.
Safeguards for Anarchy.
1T is a sad thing TO contemplate the real
condition OF affairs in this country when
President can be assassinated in times Of
peace, and every good citizen should hope
that some safeguard may be thrown about
our chief executive in the future that
ASSASSINATION will hereafter be rarer.
Il i r1n hn
or the action of the Republican party. or
even the stand the President took upon
Of fn policy vet Tsss
interview with the President, before ten
Gered my resignation as Assistant Secretary
OF the lnterior.I told him the story of my
my narrative OF that heroic struggle made
hy the South African patriots as L saw it.
pathize with the Beers But l am Presi-
dent. and, CT course. must govern myself
accordingly. You are a citizen and a free
man. and have a right to do that which
you believe to be right
1T is true that have attacked the Re
publican party for It's many shortcomings,
SO as long as please. 1 would oppose any
party that did not have courage enough to
stand up for Republic as against mon
archy, and that would not espouse the
cause OF citizens of Republic struggling
for Independence and liberty as against
tyrannical aris,ecraey l am for freedom
President Mckinley's heart was in the right
place: but he was surrounded. unfortunate
~. by some men whose advice was not safe
to follow
VIII Remain q Democrat.
Asked about the report that he intended
to return to the Republican party, so as
TO be able to help his brother. Walter Da-
yis secure the nomination: by the Repub-
lean party for Mayor Of Kansas City, Mr.
Davis said: =
There is no foundation for such ru-
NOR. 1t was started by political enemies
of my brother. suppose, who wished to
hurt him in his candidacy. He Is Repub
lican. and he can run for the Office II he
wishes to do SO. / am a Democrat, be-
cause 1 believe in the great Kansas City
platform. and. believing In principles. not
men. L shall always vote the Democratic
ticket, and support 1t in every other way
can, IL my services are desired
Mr. Davis says his book on the Beers
has been a great success. The third Amer
icsn edition is now being published. He
still hopes that the Beers will win, and
says: II believe that no blacker crime was
ever committed In the annals OF nations
mitting in South Africa. The war is not
yet over"
MIR. Davis is very much interested in the
St Louis Worlds Fair.
THE city of St. Louis" he says Twill
soon become the Mecca toward which the
face of all mankind will be turned. wher-
ever I have been throughout the Republic
have heard persons talking about what a
great Fair ST Louis is going to have, and
greatest success of fts kind in history.
an quite sure Kansas City will do her part
In the matter All over the State great In
terest Is being taken"