The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-08
characteristics ard Methods Of the
Man Who IL Now Suffering from
an Anarchists Bullet.
THE OFFICE IS NO sINECURE
A METHODICAL MAN WHO ACCOM-
PLIsHEs MUCH BY SYSTEM.
His own Personality Goes Into All
Papers and DOcuments-Tact in
Dealing with the Public.


The presidency is no sinecure. This has
been made most evident in the two admin
istrations Of President Mckinley. The ordi-
nary responsibilities OF the Office have al
ways been troublesome. but. heretofore. do
nestle affairs have been the chief cause
of concern. save when Venezuelan or Sa-
moan question has given anxiety for a
brief period. TO be settled later through or
binary diplomatic channels. During his adj
ministration William Mckinley has had 10
wage two wars, one with Spain and the
other with the Philippine insurrectionists.
He has solved great problems arising from
the Spanish war In their solution he has
taken a broad stand, not conhning himself
to the aarrowness of "A present view. He
has looked forward frankly and bravely 10
the future, confident Of the wisdom Of his
course, even when it appeared for time
that he might have been exceedingly reck-
less In his administration the work and
responsibilities of the presidency have
nearly doubled.
1t has been fortunate for the country
that its chief executive has had a calm and
patient disposition. not easily disturbed.
and that he could meet new problems with
a mind unprejudiced, prepared 10 receive
advice and to weigh carefully before max
ing decision. Happily, too, he has con-
stitution Of iron. a remarkable capacity for
hard work and the ability to snatch brief
rest in emergencies and arise refreshed
and ready to face new difficulties with
confidence.
The President is methodical, completing
each days task as il comes TO him. He
does not postpone business from day TO
day until, with a dash Of determination
and despair, he rushes through 1t hastily
and carelessly. He has the important eN-
ecutive faculty of making others work for
him. He knows how TO direct, to place
responsibility on other shoulders, not that
he avoids it. but that while making de-
cisions and outlining policies himself he
leaves the drudgery to others. This relieves
him Of much routine that would weary and
prevent him from paying the faithful at
tention to affairs which a successful ad-
ministration requires.
President Mckinley is not naturally COM
bative. He prefers to employ peaceful rath-
er than aggressive methods in the accom-
plishment Of an object He never fights
less circumstances force it; yet he domi-
mates always. and when policy is deter
mined upon it is carried out. He has often
been pictured as yielding. but this is un-
just. When he has purpose in view ii
matters not TO him whether he wins what
might be termed a personal victory long
as the purpose is accomplished. He uses
tact is courteous and considerable at all
times and avoids enmities. This is both nat
ural and a matter Of policy, a course far
more successful in the long run than ag-
erosion.
is A HARMONIZER.
The President consults unreservedly with
his Cabinet on all important questions.
with congressional leaders of both parties
and with prominent men throughout the
country, giving due weight 10 all judgments
and opinions. He keeps in close touch with
public sentiment in this way and by read
ing the newspapers thoroughly. He is. Ger
tainly, not self-opinionated, and yet he il
self-conident and has an exact measure OF
his own abilities. He invariably listens TO
arguments, hears all sides OF a question.
then makes up his mind and acts accord
ingly Perhaps he might be called har-
monizer. This quality is seen in the unity
and solidity OF his party. He is its acknOwl-
edged and undisputed leader. and it has
never been more effective or harmonious.
In his Cabinet are men selected for their
intellectual force and especial capacities.
men Of strong individualities and vigorous
is the dominant force. He advises with
them fully, but when a decision is reached
it is his, and it is he. the President. who
acts. The Cabinet is always In harmony
with the determination that has been
reached. This absence OF Cabinet dissen-
sion shows the persuasive. yet determined
President, whose arguments have brought
conviction. Each Cabinet officer is supreme
in his department. but is held 70 strict ac-
count for its work. And the policies OF
those departments are. TO surprising de-
gree, inspired by the President who is fully
informed Of their needs and the duties OF
each Official
One Of Mr.. McKinley's striking character
istics is his personal dignity. No one ever
slaps him on the back or becomes familiar;
nor does any one tell doubtful story in
his presence. He is courteous and affable
friendly and at times jovial. yet ever by
his bearing requiring the fullest respect
and consideration for the great Office ne
occupies. He never forgets that it is due
10 the people who elected him 10 preserve
and even increase the dignity OF his Office.
Despite his unexpressed demand that re-
spect be shown him as President, he il
most approachable. simple in his tastes.
absolutely unaffected. detesting pomp and
ostentation. He always realizes his respon-
sibility to the people and their claims on
him. He is clean-minded. conscientious and
earnest, a model husband and typical
Christian American. His ambition Is 10 per-
form his duty faithfully. TO protect and
advance the Nations best interests, 10
support its highest traditions. and to pro-
mote the general welfare.
\ LABORIOUS OFFICE.
While the presidency Is. or necessity, =
laborious office, its cares may be much
lessened IL the secretary 10 the President
is capable and diplomatic. able 10 relievs
his chief Of many burdens. a good coun-
selor who is broad and big enough men,
tally 10 make an efficient Cabinet officer.
President Mckinley has such a man in
George b. Cortelyou. who is not only his
secretary. but his trusted friend. Though
a stanch Republican. Mr.. cortelyou was
not selected through political influence.
but because he had proved himself efi-
| Client and trustworthy. In this dificult po-
sition he makes friends rather than enc