Evening star., 1901-09-14

William Mckinley.

The country was prepared yesterday for
the blow that fell at an early hour this
morning. The bulletins from Buffalo all too
truly told of the calamity that was rapid
ly approaching. Higher or warmer hopes
of a people were never dashed to earth.
And yet we should be thankful for the
week that has elapsed since the assassin
pistol was fired In that time, while we
have been buoyed up by the fair promises
of the Presidents recovery, we yet, In
pondering the deed that disabled him and
put him in such peril, have come into
feeling that helps US to bear the great loss
now that it has come. 1t is not as 1t would
have been had he perished upon the in
slant. without a thought of danger him
self and with the country in holiday mood
of happiness and good cheer.
An eminent, a beautiful. and a most use
full life has come to a close. In the char
acter of William Mckinley were mingled
all the qualities that make for Righteousness
and Justice He loved his fellow men. He
stroye to do good. His ambition was Of the
highest order. His patriotism was un-
bounded And So full OF love, full OF en-
ergy full of high capacity, full of pride OF
nationality, he rose by gradual well-timed
steps from the ranks OF the sturdy plain
people to the place of head Of the state
In every office he acquitted himself with
distinction AS young soldier he was
promoted for gallantry in action. As
legislator his name was linked with meas
ures of worldwide influence. As governor
of his native commonwealth he gave to the
people a clean and wholesome administra-
ton of their affairs, and as chief magistrate
of the United States-a post Of the greatest
difficulty and responsiblity-he has laid the
country under such a debt as insures him
a place among the greatest men who have
ever served it.
We naturally turn in this hour, however
from the magistrate, great as he was in
that capacity, to the man. He was cor
rect of life and true to every high personal
obligation. His heart was always in his
hcme. His constant thought was of those
to whom his first duty was due The most
exacting of his public duties-and they
were many-neFer caused MIN 10 1oTSel oE
neglect the tender ties of the hearthstone.
If every man, indeed were as thoughtful
of those committed to his care and watch
fulness. and as gifted with the sense of
generous bestowal, it is not too much to
say that this world would be something Of
a paradise. He gave not only to his coun-
trymen but to all men, most inspiring
and uplifting example of what the son, the
husband the friend, the citizen should be;
and in exhibiting his graces of character in
the house of all the peOple-the White
House-he set his light upon hill. end
rendered In that way a service as valuable
as any that pertained to the public policies
of the government.
The Presidents last days were among
his very best. He was in perfect health
when stricken, and filing an engagement
which appealed strongly to his pride and
his principles. His last speech was In ad-
vccacy of a greater America. and full Of
sound suggestions to policies for ma
tional growth and happiness. 1t will live
and will influence our future: A final mes
sage, delivered thus by such a man in the
very shadow Of the tomb, cannot but have
an abiding place In our memories. Com
posed and forgiving in the presence Of his
assassin. serene and resigned in the hour
of death, he has departed. with the affec-
tions and amidst the lamentations of all
his countrymen and with the respect and
profound regret Of all the world.