The times., 1901-04-19
Circulation Statement.



Although the Hon. William McKin-
ley, President OF the United States al
ready enjoys the distinction of the doc
torate of law, conferred by Yale, il is
neither unusual nor inappropriate that
he should be invited to accept the like
honor from Harvard. 1t is welcome
indication of the unanimity with which
the corporation of the university agreed
that il would honor itself in offering
Mr. Mckinley the degree of LII. D..
causa honoris. that Senator Hoar, Pres
ident of the Harvard Alumni Associa-
ton, who is known as an opponent Of
the Presidents public policy in many
respects, fully concurred in the action.
In connection with such matter we
are sincerely sorry to learn that even a
single voice has been anywhere raised
in opposition TO the proposed bestowal
of the academic honor. But this is a
world of contrasts, and great people
may include exceedingly small and re-
grettable units, as in the case under
consideration. a few alleged Harvard
graduates. moved by political reasons,
have protested that it is all wrong to
make Mr. Mckinley a doctor of laws,
because they do not approve of his
course in the Philippines, or as to some
other thing connected with his Admin
istration. The New York Evening
Post" we are sorry to see, has lent it's
columns 10 the support of this utterly
un-American. and, to all true Ameri-
cans, humiliating exhibition of imperti-
nence to the First Citizen of the Repub-
lie. The Evening Post" while arguing
that the objectors rest their case upon
the principle that honorary degrees
should not be bestowed upon any prom
inent ofiiceholder, no matter what his
party or record" does not find fault
with Yale for violating its code of eth
les, but shows its animus and insin-
cerity in the remark that since that was
done, Mr. McKinley's character has
appeared in a very different light"
Comment upon such a statement is OBJ
viously unnecessary.
Within the memory of the Oldest in
habitant, so far as we are aware it has
been the Harvard practice TO confer the
doctorate upon the Governor of Massa-
chusetts Of the day, whenever he has
not previously received il from that
ancient foundation The rule was vio-
lated-rather unnecessarily we think
In the case of Governor Benjamin F. |
Butler. The Evening Post" approved /
both the rule and its suspension in his I
case. Now, If it be proper to honor a |
Governor, no matter what his party or
record" it cannot be held improper to
show the same courtesy TO the Chief
Magistrate of one of the worlds great
est nations.
In the particular case in point it is
not only not improper, but it is highly
commendable on the part of the uni
versity authorities 10 show the appre-
citation of the distinguished character
and career Of the Hon. William McKin-
ley, which vast majority of the Amer
ican people heartily feel. His whole life
from early youth he's been closely iden-
tifled with the national history OF his
time. He was hardly out of his adde's
cence before he volunteered TO risk his
life for his country. After doing his
duty with distinction as a young SOL
der. at the end of the civil war he en-
tered the legal profession, and shortly
became an honored member Of the bar
OF his State. We need not follow his
public record in detail; 1t is too well
known to his fellow countrymen. But
1T may be said that as one Of the lead
ing members of the House of Repre-
sentatives, and chairman Of its most
important committee, and. later. as
Governor Of the great Commonwealth
Of Ohio, he won Iaurels to which the
highest academic honors were not
necessary to add in order To make them
lasting and bright in his own day and ,
generation, and in the history Of the
nation.
Twice have the American people ex- .
pressed their admiration for Mr.. Nc ,
kinley as a man, arld their confidence .
IN his integrity and ability as a states
man and Administrator, in electing him {
TO the Presidency by the largest plurali- {
ties ever given to any candidate for the
highest office in our gift An astute {
man of affairs, and great affairs; an ac-
diplomatist in his treatment !
of the complex political questions which q
have been and are daily brought to him a
Tor solution: an amiable and democratic {
public servant in his intercourse with 7
The people, always approa chable and 7
ready TO consider any suggestion or I
grievance presented to him in good | 7
-aith by the humblest Of his fellow cit 7
zens, Mr.. Mckinley has record and =
popular national following of both of f
which he may well be proud More ~
over, when 1t comes to the considera- I
ion Of his personal endowments and ac-
and ignoring his high q
station and service, we must again refer I
o the record. and decide that one WIN II
las taken the part he has I'm the politi- !
al and economic movements of the last Il
bird OF the nineteenth century. and has /,
hown his intelligence erudition. and \
,rasp OF subjects beyond the ken Of or @,
IinaTy men, Is in little need of having [,
he lily Of his national and international n
equation painted with fresh academ- n
cdeSree- Mr. Mckinley could very well f,
ford to do without the Harvard doc n
crate; but Harvard could very III af- II
ord to miss its opportunity TO do him 10
he honor it has proposed After all IS OF
aid and done. and due allowance has in
'een made for party prejudice and in
ancor, the American people without | ir
ny regard to their political affiliations q
old the President ~ tho Tr,f,a4 Co.,.