The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1901-09-26

Nereu. Nndt an INSPIRATION Is MS lie
to the young of this country to lead hon.
est, Industrious, sober, upright lives.
To what may they not aspire? He was
of humble parentage. He was reared in
the lap of toll. When but eighteen he
was battling in behalf of his country
and rose from the ranks by sheer merit
and bravery to major of his regiment.
In time of peace his honesty, integrity
and industry brought him the love and
confidence of his fellowmen, and he was
elected to congress term after term,
where he battled for what he believed to
be right; and when his cherished prin-
ciple went down to defeat he went down
with it and lived to see it triumph.
Twice elected governor of his state, he
fulfilled the fondest hopes of his friends,
and twice elected president of the coun-
try he loved so well, he more than salts
fled their fondest dreams. If such life
is not an inspiration to nobler, grander
life, then there is no inspiration. BY
his life he showed to us mans possibili
ties in republic. BY his death he
showed mans divinity.
What shall say of the assassin and
his deed? What can be said? Words
fail. Knowing the character of the VIC
tim and the circumstances, we cannot
ullOtTStdllu lie Nv DusSlOuS VI wal do
in Lincoln's time; no factional party
fight to prey upon the weak minded no
excuse whatever. We cannot compre-
bend the diabolical nature of the wretch
who would do such deed, considering
the character of the victim. But re-
member, the shot that struck our presi-
dent was aimed not at him, but at our
government. 1t was aimed at you and
at me. 81 am an anarchist and did my
duty" tells the story. There are those
in this country who are enemies to all
government. Under the guse of liberty
they have been permitted to spread
their hellish doctrines and form their
hellish plots. 1t is disgrace to our ma
ton that these societies have been al
lowed to hold their meetings and dis
seminte their doctrines after it has been
brought home to us that through their
agents two of the best rulers of Europe
have been assassinated. We have "sown
to the winds-we are reaping the whirl-
wind" Is it not high time that we
should bestir ourselves when the ruler
of the freest people on earth is not Sc
cure? have said in your hearing be-
fore, and l repeat it now, that this is
great country. 1t is a broad country.
1t is Il powerful country. But this
| broad enough, it is not powerful enough
to sustain and uphold any flag other
| than the stars and stripes. The red flag
of anarchy must not be permitted to
contaminate the freedom laden air OF
| America. Those who are opposed to all
| law, all restraint, all government, those
who are unfriendly TO our principles
and institutions, deserve not and are
not entitled to the protection OF our
laws and our institutions, and must be
eliminated from our country in some
way. Did it require this precious life to
awaken us to our duty, to show us our
danger? Ii it did, and we heed it, then
will another jewel be added to his
crown.
But while we condemn the anarchist
for his brutal deeds and his seditious ut
terances, let us on this solemn occasion
examine ourselves and see If we are
wholly guiltless. Have we not, in our
| political discussions, given excuse for
these seditious utterances? Have we
not, for political advantage, in our pub
lie speeches and through the press. de-
nounced our political opponents as enc
mics OF our country and its institutions?
Have we not charged them directly or
| by plain implication Of attempting to
take away our liberties? Have we not
tried to array one against the other?
| Have we not questioned the honesty and
integrity, patriotism and loyalty OF those
nominated for high and responsible po-
sitions without any just reason what
ever? Have we not denounced our Of
ticials with being tyrants and with at
tempting to destroy our government?
Have we not shown an absolute want of
respect for the opinions OF others and
imputed to them the vilest and basest Of
motives simply because they have not
agreed with us? Have we not by car
toons and by speech expressed and ut
tered sentiments which would inf1ame
and incite weak-minded and ignorant
person to conclude that he would be do
ing a noble deed to remove from author
ity those whom we have entrusted with
power? ! fear we must plead guilty.
While we denounce anarchy and ,anar-
chists, oh, my countrymen, let us on
this day of our country's sorrow and hui
| initiation consecrate ourselves to the
principles of Justice, fairness and toler-
ance to our fellowmen. Let us deter
mine that we shall hereafter discuss our
differences fairly and honestly, imput-
ing to none anything that is base except
there be strong proof. Let us pledge
ourselves upon the altar of our sorrow
that the course of our martyred presi-
dent, who was always fair and Just to
those who agreed not with him, shall be
our course in the future.
William Mckinley is dead, but our ma
ton lives. 1t is stronger by his life, it
is stronger by his death Our nation
will continue its noble mission of lib
erty, humanity and good government
while government shall last upon the
earth. McKinley's fame is secure and
| bis life will cnnfinna an insr,i ra ton Cor