The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-09-28
CARDINAL GIBBONS SERMON
On the Tragic Death Of the Late
President Mckinley.


Cathedral at Baltimore, last Thurs
day week, Cardinal Gibbons delivered
the following able discourse on the
martyred president:
1t has been my melancholy expert
: ence In the course Of my sacred min
istry to be startled by the assassina
ton Of three presidents of the United
States. Abraham Lincoln was shot
in 1865. James A. Garfield was NOR
tally wounded in 1881, and William
Mckinley received a fatal wound on
the sixth day of September. Mr.. Lin
coin was shot in a theater; Mr.. Gar.
field was shot while about to take q
train to enjoy a needed vacation, and
our late beloved president fell by the
hand of an assassin while lending the
prestige of his name and influence to
the success of a national exposition.
In the annals of crime it is difficult
.cious, so wanton and meaningless as
the assassination of Mr.. Mckinley.
Some reason or pretext has been
usually assigned for the sudden TAX
ing away of earthly rulers. Baltassar,
the impious king of Chaldea. spent
his last night in reveling and drunken
ness and profanity. He was suddenl,
struck down by the hand Of the Lord.
How different was the life of our
chief magistrate. No court in Europe
or in the civilized world was more
conspicuous for moral rectitude and
purity, or more free from the breath
of scandal than the official home Of
President Mckinley. He would have
adorned any court in Christendom by
his civic virtues.
Brutus plunged his dagger into the
heart Of Caesar because of his over
weening ambition. Whatever may
have been the errors Of judgment on
ahe part of our late president land who
is free from themD no man can hon
estly charge him with tyranny or Off
cial corruption.
The Redeemer of mankind was be-
trayed by the universal symbol Of
love. If l may reverently make the
comparison, the president was be-
trayed by the universal emblem of
friendship. Christ said to Judas:
Friend, betrayest thou the Son OF
Man with a kiss?" The president
could have said to his slayer: "Be>
trayest thou the head Of the nation
with the grasp of the hand?" He was
struck down surrounded by host of
his fellow-citizens, every one of whom
would have gladly risked his life in
defense of his beloved chieftain.
Few presidents were better equip
ped than Mr.. Mckinley for the exalted
position which he filled. When mere
youth he entered the Union army
as private soldier during the civil
war, and was promoted for gallant
service OH the field of battle to the
y
for about fourteen years in the halls
OF congress, and toward the close Of
his term he became one of the most
conspicuous figures in that body. He
afterward served his state as COVER
nor.
AS president he was thoroughly con-
o,,t wifi j,,f; pe I, ofA
and could enter into it's most minute
details. His characteristic virtues
we're courtesy and politeness, patience
and forbearance, and masterful self
control under very trying circumstan-
ces. When unable to grant a favor he
had the rare and happy talent to dis,
appoint the applicant without Offend
ing him.
The domestic virtues of Mr.. McKin-
ley We're worthy of all praise. He
was a model husband. Amid the
pressing and engrossing duties of his
official life he would, from time to
time. snatch a few moments to de-
vote to the invalid and loving partner
OF his joys and sorrows. Oh, what Il
change has come over this afflicted
woman. Yesterday she was the first
lady of the land; today she is dis
consulate widow. Let us beseech him
who comforted the widow of Main
that He console this lady in her hour
of desolation.
1t is a sad reflection that some ia
matte or miscreant has it in his power
to take the life of the head Of the
nation, and to throw the whole coun,
try into mourning. 1t was no doubt
this thought that inspired some writ
ers within the last few days to advise
that the president should henceforth
abstain from public receptions and
that greater protection should be given
to his person.
You might have him surrounded
with cohorts, defended with bayonets,
and have him followed by argus-eyed
detectives, and yet he will not be ST.
cure from the stroke of the assassin.
Are not the crowned heads of Europe
usually attended by military forces.
and yet how many of them have per,
ished at the hand Of some criminal.
No, let the president continue to move
among his people, and take them by
the hand. The strongest shield of our
chief MAGISTRATE is the love and dey0.