davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1902-02-28

the new stimulus and American trade set
out on its new crusade not to conquer the
world. but to trade with ii on terms adj
vantageous to all concerned. | will not
weary you with statistics; but one or two
words seem necessary to show how the
acts of Mckinley as President kept pace
with his professions as candidate. His
four years of administration were costly:
we carried on a war which, though brief,
was expensive. Although we borrowed
5000. zoe and paid cur own expenses.
without asking for indemnity, the effec-
tive reduction of the debt now exceeds the
total of the war bonds. We pay $1,000, 900
less in interest than we did before the
war, and no bond of the United States
yields the holder per cent on its mar
ket value. So much for the Government
credit; and we have s546 coo eco OF gross
gold in the Treasury.
But, coming to the development of our
trade in the four Mckinley years. we
seem to be entering the realm of fable.
In the last fiscal year our excess of ex-
ports over imports was 1854. s26. In
the last four years it was 50. I54. Az. 213-
These figures are SO stupendous that they
mean little to careless reader-but con-
sideri The excess of exports over imports
fer the whole preceding period from 1890
to 1S9T-from Washington to Mckinley
was only $3.50. SOS So
The most extravagant promises made
by the sanguine Mckinley advocates five
years ago are left out of sight BY these
sober facts. The debtor nation has be-
come the chief creditor nation. The fnan-
cial centre of the world, which re-
CURED thousands of years to journey from
the Euphratcs to the Thames and the
Seine, seems passing to the Hudson be-
tween daybreak and dark
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
His Life From Birth to
Death Typically American.

The life of William Mckinley was. from
his birth to his DEATH typically Ameri-
can. There is no environment, | should
say, anywhere else in the world which
could produce just such a character He
was born into that way Of life which else
where is called the middle class, but
which in this country is so nearly uni
versal as 10 make of other classes an al
most negligible quantity. He was neither
rich nor poor neither proud nor humble:
he knew no hunger he was not sure OF
satisfying, no luxury which could enervate
mind or body. His parents were sober,
God-fearing people; intelligent and up
right; without pretenGion and without hui
milty. He grew up in the company OF
boys like himself; wholesome, honest.
sslfrespecting. They looked down on no.
body; they never felt it possible they
could be looked down upon. Their houses
were the homes CT probity, picty, patriot
ism. They learned in the admirable
school readers OF fifty years ago the les
sons OF heroic and splendid life which
have come down from the past. They read
in their weekly newspapers the story OF
the worlds progress. in which they were
eager to take part, and Of the sins and
wrongs of civilization with which they
burned to 90 battle. 1t was 4 serious and
thoughtful time. The boys OF that day
felt dimly, but deeply, that days OF sharp
struggle and high achievement were be-
fore them. They looked at life with the
wondering yet resolute eyes OF young
esquire in his vigil of arms. They felt a
time was coming when to them should
be addressed the stern admcnition OF the
Apostle, Quit you like men; be strong"
1t is not easy to give to those of
later generation any clear idea of that
extraordinary spiritual awakening which
passed over the country at the first red
signal fires of the war between the States.
1t was not cur earliest apocalypse; hun
dred years before the nation had been
revealed TO itself. when after long dis
russion and much searching of heart the
people of the colonies had resolved that
10 live without liberty was norse than
to die. and had therefore wagered in the
solemn game of war their lives, their
fortunes, and their sacred honor" In a
stress of heat and labor unutterable. the
country had been hammered and welded
together; but thereafter for nearly Il CEN
fury there had been nothing in our life
to touch the innermcst fountain CT feel
ing and devotion; We had had rumors CT
wars-even wars we had had, not withou,
sacrifices and glory-but nothing which
went to the vital self-consciousness Of
the country. nothing which challenged the
nations right TO live.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28

Was the reckoning gesture of his country.
The thrilling notes of the trumpet called
him-him and none other-into the ranks.
His portrait in his first uniform is IA
miliar to you all-thc short. stCCky figure,
the quiet thoughtful face the deep, dark
eyes. II is the face of a lad who could
not stay at home when he thought he
was needed in the field. He Was the stun
of which good soldiers are made. Had
he Eeen ten years older he would have
entered at the head of a company and
come out at the head of division. But
he did what he could. He enlisted as
Il private; he learned to obey. His seri-
Gus. sensible ways. his prompt. alert eff
fciency soon attracted the attention of
his superors. He was faithful in little
things they gave him more and mere to
do. He was unJring in camp and on the
march: swift, cool, and fearless in fight.
He left the army with field rank when
the war ended. brevetted by President
Lincoln for gallantry in battle.
In coming years, when men seek to
draw the moral OF our great civil war,
nothing will seem to them so admirable in
all the history of our two magnificent
armies as the way in which the war came
to close. When the Confederate Army
saw the time had come, they acknowl-
edged the ptiless logic Of facts, and
ceased fighting. When the army OF the
Union saw it was no longer needed, with
out murmur or question, making no
terms, asking no return. in the flush of
victory and fUllness of might. 1t laid
down its arms and melted bacl. iLto the
mass of peaceful citizens. T:.ere is no
event since the nation was born which
has so proved its solid capacity for self
government. Beth sections share equally
in that crown of glory. They had held a
debate of Incompatible Importance and
had fought it out with equal energy. a
conclusion had been reached-and il is to
the everlasting honor of both sides that
they each knew when the war was over
and the hour of lasting peace had struck.
We may admire the desperate daring OF
others who prefer humiliation to com
promise, but the palm of common sense,
and. will say. OF enlightened patriotism,
belongs to the men like Grant and Lee.
who knew when they had fought enough
for honor and for country.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
Augmentation Of the State
Without Menace to Other Nations.

Mr.. Stedman, the dean of our poets, has
called him "Augmenter of the State" 1t
is proud title; if justly conferred. it
ranks him among the few whose names
may be placed definitely and forever in
charge of the historic Muse. Under his
rule Hawaii has come to US, and Tu-
- Porto Rico, and the vast archi-
s-'-ro FL. .. "~AH is free. Our
yo-it.ou il .-e f-- is assured be
l.a- . I,- ...." ItCre question.
The doctrine .g..,. -s be- name of Mon
zoe. SO lca- Ge-itr- nd denied by alien
pub 'a VS. evoke 10 challenge or
con,..- -eJ.1u gH1r red to the world.
1t has become an lrte. national truisln
Our sister Republics to the south CT US
are convinced that we desire only their
peace and prosperity. Europe knows
that we cherish no dreams but those of
worldwide commerce, the benefit of
which shall be to all nations. The State
is augmented, but it threatens no nation
under heaven. AS to those religions
which have come under the shadow OF orr
flag. the possibility of their being dam
aged by such 4 change of circumstances
was in the view of Mckinley a thing I'M
thinkable. To believe that we could not
administer them TO their advantage was
to turn inidel to our American faith of
more than hundred years.
In dealing with foreign Powers he will
take rank with the greatest CT our diplo-
matists. 1t was a world OF which he had
little special knowledge before coming to
the Presidency. But his marvellous adap-
liability was in nothing more remarkable
{; han in the firm grasp he Immediately
displayed in international relations. In
preparing for war and in the restoration
Of peace he was alike adroit. courteous,
and far-sighted. When a sudden emer-
gency declared itself. as in China. in a
state of things Of which our history fur
nished no precedent and international law
no safe and certain precept. he hesitated
not moment 10 take the course marked
out for him by considerations CT human
ity and the national interests. Even
while the legations were fighting for their
lives against bands OF infuriated fanatics.
he decided that we were at peace with
China; and while that conclusion did not
hinder him from taking the most ener-
getic measures to rescue our imperiled
it enabled him to maintain close
and friendly relations with the wise and
heroic viceroys OF the south, whose reso-
lute stand saved that ancient Empire from
anarchy and spoliation. He disposed Of
every question as it arose with a prompt
ness and clarity of vision that astonished
his advisers. ard he never had occasion to
review a Judgment or reverse a decision
BY patience. BY firmness. by sheer reas-
una bleness. he improve. our understand
ing with all the great Powers of the world
AMI rightly gained tie blessing which be-
longs TO the peacemakers.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
The Stupid Uselessness Of Such
Infany Affronts Common Sense

The stupid uselessncss of such an infamy
afironts the common sense of the world.
Orc can conceive how the death OF
dictator may change the political cond!-
lions of an Empire; how the extinction
Of narrowing line OF kings may bring
in an alien dynasty But in a well-or-
dered Republic like ours, the ruler may
fall, but the State feels no tremcr. Our
beloved and revered leader is gone-but
the natural process of our laws provides
US a successor, identical in purpose and
ideals, nourished by the same teachings,
inspired by the same principles, pledged
By tender affection as well is by high
loyalty to carry to completion the i'm
mense task committed to his hands, and
to smite with iron severity every mani
festation of that hideous crime which his
mild predecessor with his dying breath
forgave. The sayings of celestial wisdom
have no date; the words that reach rs.
over two thousaid years, cut OF the dark
est hour of gloom the world has ever
known, are true to the life today:
They know not what they do" The
blow struck at our dear friend and ruler
was as deadly rs blind hate could make
it; but the blow struck at anarchy was
deadIier still.
What a world of insoluble problems
such an event excites in the mind! Not
merely in its personal, but in its public
aspects, Il presents paradox not to be
comprehended. Under a system of gov
eminent SO free and SO impartial that We
icfe pralv hy IFS homo
factions: under a social order so purely
democratic that classes cannot exist IN
il, affording opportunities SO universal
that even conditions are as changing as
the winds, where the laborer of today is
the capitalist tomorrow; under laws
which are the result of ages of evolution,
so uniform and SO beneficial that the
President has just the same rights and
privileges as the artisan: we see the same
hellish growth of hatred and murder
which dogs equally the footsteps Of ben
evolent monarchs and blcod-stained des
pots. How many countries can join with
us in the community of a kindred sor-
SOW! / will not speak of those distant
regions where assassination enters into
the daily life of government. But among
the nations bound to us by ties Of ia
miliar intercourse-who can forget that
wise and mild autocrat who had earned
the proud title of the Liberator. That en-
lightenei and magnanimous citizen whom
France still mourns? That brave and
chiyalrous King of Italy who only lived
for his people? And saddest OF all. that
lovely and Borrowing Empress, whose
harmless life could hardly have excited
the animosity OF a demon. Against that
devilish spirit nothing avails-neithcr
virtue nor patriotism nor age nor youth
nor conscience nor pity. We cannot even
say that education is a sufficient safe
guard against this baleful evil-for most
Of the wretches whose crimes have so
shocked humanity in recent years are
men not unlettered, who have gone from
the common schools, through murder to
the scaffold.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
His Natural Entrance
Upon a Political Career.

So ii came naturally about that in 1876
the beginning Of the second century of
the Republic-he began, by an election to
Congress. his political career. Thereafter
for fourteen years this chamber was his
home. | use the word adyisedly. No
where in the world was he so in harmony
with his environment as here; nowhere
else did his mind work with such full
consciousness of its powers. The air Of
debate as native to him here he drank
delight of battle with his peers. In after
days, when he drove by this stately pile.
or when en- rare occasions his duty called
him here, he greeted his old haunts with
the afcctionate Zest Of child Of the
house; during all the last ten years Of his
life filled as they were with activity and
glory, he never ceased to be homes!ck for
this hall. When he came to the Presi-
dency, there was net a day when his Con-
eressional service was not of use to him.
Probably no other President has been in
such full and cordial communion with
Congress if We may except Lincoln alone.
Mckinley knew the legislative body thor
oughly. its composition, its methods, its
habits OF thought. He had the profound
est respect Tor It's authority ana an lHlIeN-
ibla belief in the ultimate rectitude of its
purposes. Our history shows how surely
an Executive courts disaster and ruin by
assuming an attitude of hostility or dis
trust to the Legislature; and, on the
other hand, Mcknley's frank and sincere
trust and confidence in Congress were re-
paid by prompt and loyal support and CO.
operation. During his entire term Of Of
fee this mutual trust and regard-so es-
sential to the public weifare-was never
Swallowed by a single cloud.
He was a Republican. He could not be
anything else. Union soldier grated
upon u Clay Wing. he necessarily believed
in the American system"-in protection
TO home industries; in a strong, agrees
sive MAJ ionality; in liberal construction
of the Constitution What any self-reliant
nation might rightly do, he felt this nation
had power to do, if required by the COM
mon welfare and net prohibited by our
written cnarter.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
RIO Exemption From Trying
to Control the Crime

Our minds cannot discern the origin.
nor conceive the extent OF wickedness SO
perverse and so cruel; but this does not
exempt us from the duty OF trying to con-
troll and counteract it. We do not under
stand what electricity is; whence it
comes or what its hidden properties may
be. But we know ii as a mighty force
Tor good or evil-and so with the painful
toll of years, men of learning and skill
have labored to store and to subjugatc
1t, 10 neutralize. and even to employ its
destructive energies This problem of
anarchy is dark and intricate but 1t
ought to be within the compass OF demo-
cratic goyornment-alt no sane mind
can fathom the mysteries OF these I'M
tracked and orbitless natures-to guard
against their alterations, to take away
from them the hope OF escape. the long
luxury OF scandaIous days in court the
unwholcsome sympathy OF hysterical de-
generates, and so by degrees to make the
crime not worth committing. even 10 these
abnormal and distorted souls.
1t would he presumptuous for me in
this pFesnce TO suggest the details OF
remedial legislation for a malady so
malignant. That task may safely be left
10 the skill and patience of the National
Congress, which has never been found
unequal TO any such emergency. The
country believes that the memory Of three
murdered comrades OF yours-all of whose
voices still haunt these walls-will be
sufficient Inspiration to enable you to
solve even this abstruse and ainful prob
lem which has dimmed SO many pages of
history with blood and with tears.
Before an audience less sympathetic
than this, / should not dare TO speak OF
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
Wisely Declined to Be Lured
Into Stump Campaign.

The campaign he made will be always
memorable in our political annals He
and his friends had thought that the is
sue for the year was the distinctive and
historic difference between the two par
ties on the subject Of tariff. To this
wager Of battle the discussions OF the pre-
vious four years distinctly pointed. But
no sooner had the two parties made their
nominations than it became evident that
the opposing candidate declined to accept
the field of discussion chosen by the Re
publicans. and proposed to put forward
as the main issue the free coinage of
silver. Mckinley at once accepted this
challenge and. taking the battle for pro
lection as already won. went with energy
into the discussion of the theories pre-
scented by his opponents. He had wisely
concluded not to leave his home during
the canvass, thus avoiding n proceeding
which has always been of sinister augury
in our politics; but from the front porch
OF his modest house in Canton he daily
addressed the delegations which came
from every part of the country to greet
him in a series CT speeches SO strong. so
NdrlCu, 80 pertinent, SO luIl OF lactS
briefly set forth. Of theories embodied in a
single phrase, that they formed the hourly
text for the other speakers Of his party,
and give probably the most convincing
proof we have of his surprising fertility
OF resource and tieXibility of mind. All
this was done without anxiety or strain.
| remember day | spent with him dur
ing that busy summer. He had made nine
teen speeches the day before; that day
he made many. But in the intervals CT
these addresses he sat in his study and
talked, with nerves as quiet and a mind
as free from care as If we had been spend
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
Days When the Nation Went
Into the Valley of Decision.

But in 1860 the nation was 60
ing down into the Valley of De-
cision. The question which had been
debated on thousands of platforms. which
had been discussed in countless publica-
tions, which, Numbered from innumer-
able pulpIts, had caused in their congre-
cations the bitter strife and dissension
to which only cases of conscience can
give rise. was everywhere pressing for
solution. And not merely in the various
channels Of publicity was ii alive and
clamorous. About every freside in the
land, In the conversation of friends and
ncighbors. and. deeper still in the secret
Of millions of human hearts, the battle
of opinion vas waging; and all men felt
and saw-with more or less clearness-
that an answer to the importunate Ques-
ton. Shall the ration live? was due, and
not to be denied. And ! do not mean that
in the North alone there was this austere
wrestling with conscience. In the South
as well below all the cfervesccnce and
excitement Of people perhaps more given
to eloquent speech than We were. there
was the profound agony Of question and
answer, the summons TO decide whether
honor and freedom did not call them to
revolution and war. II is easy for par
tisanship to say that the one side was
right and that the other was wrong. 1t
is still easier for an indolcnt magnani-
nifty to say that both were right Per-
laps in the wide view of ethics one is
always right TO follow his conscience,
though ii lead him TO disaster and death.
But history is memorable She takes no
account Of sentiment and intention: and
in her cold and luminous eyes that side is
right which fights In harmony with the
stars in their courses. The men are right
through whose efforts and struggles the
world is helped onward, and humanity
moves to higher level and brighter
day.
The men who are living today and who
were young in 1860 will never forget the
glory and glamour that filled the earth and
the sky when the long twilight of doubt
and uncertainty WAS ending and the time
of action had come. 4 speech by Abra-
ham Lincoln was an event not only of
high moral significance, but of far-reach-
ing Importance: the drilling Of militia
compsny by Ellsworth attracted national
attention: the luttering of flags In the
clear Sky drew tears from the eyes of
young men. Patriotism, which had been
rhetorical expression. became pas
sionate emotion. In which instinct. logic,
worth saving; it could be saved only by
fire: no sacrifice was too great: the
young men of the country were ready for
the sacrifice; come veal, come woe, they
were ready.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28

ing holiday at the seaside or among the
hills.
When he came to the Presidency he
confronted a situat ton of the utmost diff
ficulty. which might we'll have appalled,
man of less serene and tranquil self
confidence. There had been a state of
profound commercial and Industrial de-
preston. from which his friends had said
his election would relieve the country.
Our relations with the outside world left
much to be desired. The feeling between
the Northern and Southern sections of the
Unicn was lacking in the cordially
which was necessary to the welfare OF
both. Hawaii had asked for annexation
and had been rejected By the preceding
Administration. There was state of
things in the Caribbean which could
not permanently endure. Cur neign6or's
house WAS en- fire. and there were grave
doubts as to our rights and duties in the
premises. a man weak or rash. either
irresolute or headstrcng, might have
brought ruin en- himself and incalculable
harm to the country.
again l crave the pardon of those who
differ with ne, if, against all my inten-
tions. | happen to say a word which
may seem to give the opinion which his
friends entertained Of President Nc
Kinley, of course claiming NJ immunity
from criticism in what | SHAH say. |
believe, then, that the verdict CT his
tory will be that he met all these grave
questions with perfect valor and incom-
parable ability; that in graphing with
them he rose to the full height of great
occasion. in q manner which redounded to
the lasting benefit OF the country and TO
his own immortal honor.
The least desirable form of glory to
a man of his habitual mood and temper
that of successful war-was ncverthe
less conferred upon him by uncon-
trollable events. He felt it must come;
he deDlored its necessity; he strained
almost to breaking his relations with his
friends. in order. first, TO prevent and
then to postpone it to the latest pos
sible moment. But when the die was
cast. he labored with the utmost en-
ergy and ardor, and with an intelligence
in military matters which showed how
much Of .he soldier still survived in the
mature statesman to push forward the
war to a decisive close. War was
an anguish to MIN; he wanted it short |
and conclusive. His merciful zeal con :
municated itself TO his subordinates, a u
the war, SO long dreaded, whose co
sequences were SO mornentous, ended ili !
hundred days.
The Washington times., 1902-02-28
His Service in the House
Pathway of Unbroken Success.

Followirg the natural bent Of his mind.
he devoted himself to questions Of finance
and revenue. to the essentials OF the ma
tional hOuseke eping. lie took high rank
in the House from the beginning. His
readiness in debate, his mastery OF every
subject he handled. the bright and amia-
bic light he shed about him, and above all
the unfailing courtesy and good will with
which he treated friend and foe alike
one of the surest signatures OF nature
born to great destinies-made his service
in the House pathway of unbroken sue
cess and brought him at last to the all
important post of chairman of ways ana
Means and leader of the majority. Or the
famous revenue act which, in that ca
pacity he framed and carried through
Congress, ii is not my purpose mere ana
now TO speak The embers or the con
troversy in the midst OF which that law
had its troubled being are yet TOO warm