The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-09-20
SWEDISH MEMORIAL.
Frank Nelson's Eloquent Tri-
butte to McKinley's Life.

Memorial services in the Swedish
language We're held last evening at the
Swedish Lutheran Evangelical church
at Fourth avenue and Tyler street in
honor to the memory of the late Presi-
dent Mckinley. The services were
short and simple. Two addresses were
made. One by Rev. J. D. Danielson Of
North Topeka and the other by Super
intendent Of Public Instruction Frank
Nelson.
Following an invocation by the pastor
Of the church. Rev. A M. l.. Herenius.
the audience sang Nearer My God to
Thee" Several other selections were
sung during the evening. Rev. Mr..
Danielson paid a tribute to the mar
tyred president in an address in the
Swedish language. Frank Nelson made
the principal address, He said.
To-day the tears of the civilized
world mingle with the tears OF the
American people at the bier of our be-
loved President Mckinley. A great
and pure man has left US. But though
he is gone the influence of his true,
clean Christian life remains as a bless
ing and a benediction. The crucial
hours Of his life revealed to the world
q deep Christian faith and a nobleness
of character which win always live as
priceless heritige to the nation he serv
ed SO we'll
1T seems that the beautiful song,
Nearer My God to Thee has a new
meaning because Of It's tender associa-
ton with the closing hours OF the life
of William Mckinley. Today this song
has been sung over this land as it has
never been sung before, and words
cannot express nor language define the
farreaching influence that it has had
upon the Individual life and upon the
larger life of the nation. As Mr.. Nc
Kinley felt that he was moving from
the realm Of life into the mysteries of
death: as he realized that he was ap-
preaching his God, he consecrated his
life and labors by singing Nearer My
God to Thee
THE craftsmanship Of this nation
presents no such beautiful example OF
courage and character and Christian
faith in the hour of death.
las a servant Of the people whom he
loved SO well. Mr.. Mckinley put a new
and broader. yea-a better Interpretation
upon the duties Of public men. He did
not stoop to the low and lewd in poll
tics. He was a politician. but he al
ways carried his manhood with him in
to politics He had an exalted sense OF
private and public duty. He had but
one standard of morality There was
no dualis1n in his character. He was a
man.-frank. free, kind and generous.
He was strong enough to stand alone
and brave enough to face duty even
when criticised and misunderstood.
There was but one William Mckinley.
He sought the counsel Of his trusted
friends and associates and yet he was
greater than them all. In the supreme
hour OF a great national duty he forgot
party lines, because he was greater
than party. Through his matchless
craftsmanship he lifted the nation up
to his own broad view. and when the
problem had been solved, the people
understood the motive that had prompt
ed him and the conviction that had in
spired him, and all were glad that the
nation had him at the helm
Mr.. Mckinley realized that those
great currents that mould and shape
world problems must come from large
national policies And SO he strove to
make this nation the best, the greatest
and the most progressive among the
nations Of the world