New-York tribune., 1902-05-19

IL was that he appeared to me more serious,
more warmly sympathetic, in the gentle dignity
that came upon him under the weight Of the
great responsibilities before him. 1t would have
taken close observer to discover that he was
other than the old member Of Congress from
Ohio quietly assuming the duties and responsi-
biities of everyday routine in the work
which he loved. He greeted me with the same
sweet smile and hearty handshake which had
known so well for thirty years past, and
could scarcely realize that he had become the
ruler OF the greatest nation on earth, and that
he was still to remain the some confidential ard
loving friend as in the old days.
After the pomp ard ceremony of the inaugura-
tion was over he appeared TO slip into his place
with an ease and grace that told the story to
every one over again that had been proclaimed
so effectively during the campaign just closed.
that William Mckinley. of all men, at this
time, exactly fitted the situation"
Immediately after Congress was called in X
traordinary session in 1897, TO begin the bust
ness in hand, TO fulfil the promises made by
the Republican party The changed conditions
Of the country seemed 10 engross his concen-
trsted attention day after day, hour after hour
morning. noon and night In all his talk and
conversation with me there supreme
purpose, and that TO bring the nation back
TO the old anchorage of sound money and a pro-
tective policy. His work from day to day was
laid out with the system and care of an archi-
tect or artisan who had specific duties be
fore him. The DingIey bill was almost ready
for the House, and in shaping and advising
along this policy, keeping in mind prosperity for
the people as the one great desired object he
was always at his best and always enthus-
astic. For the first few months of his admin
istration his whole time was taken up in deal
ing with proposition concerning which he
was acknowledged expert and more than
that, involving a labor of love which seemed to
be more apparent in his work than a sense Of
perfunctorily performing executive duties. He
was. in fact. enthusiastic in this work, and had
happy, CHEEKY way OF meeting old friends as
well as new acquaintance that had always
stood by him I'm many fights for the princi-
pies of protection Happy especially because
in every Outstretched hand that came TO greet
him there was pledge Of loyalty and support
which made him feel strong and fixed in his
determination TO DO his utmost fer his coun-
try's good It was not merely a generalized or
theorized purpose Of patriotism that inspired
him; he appeared always to have the specific
and concrete interests Of the people as indi-
viduals in mind when he undertook to solve the
great questions of public welfare.
In those days his social life was happy one
because his dear wife caught the inspiration of
the work in hand, and in the new environment
her own life had been frightened. She was
personally interested in those things which have
made the White House a bright reflection of
ideal American home life. Her interest IN those
matters was especially appreciated by the de-
voted husband, who seemed TO feel that the
great purpose Of all American policies should
concentrate in the betterment of conditions of
the American home and freside
After the adjournment of Congress, about the
first of August 1891 the President took much
needed vacation Of few weeks, but during all
that time constantly engrossed with work
he never seemed to quite throw off the serious
purpose that had been interviewer in all the acts
OF his public career. Immediately after his re-
turn 10 Washington he began the preparation
OF outlining in written data and notes the fixed
ideas expressing his own line Of policy which
was destined to be of so great benefit 10 his coun-
try ana TO humanity as well. When Congress
reassembed, in December 1897, he had fully
made his forecast. and was prepared 10 meet in
"a masterful way the questions Of the hour.
he country knows only too we'll how quickly
@1e grasped the serious situation that came up
later in the island of Cuba, ara led TO the out
break or the Spanish war. Ia during these
trying days that / Governor Mckinley in a
new light AS difficulties multiplied and re-
sponsibilities increased, he seemed to grow even
more masterful and self-reliant. As close as We
had been personal friends, each day seemed
TO unfold some hitherto unobserved strength of
character and nobility of purpose
Under these conditions was forcbIy reminded
Of the criticisms that had been made at an
earlier time, when his candidacy for the Presi-
dency was discussed. 1t was claimed that Nc
kinney was a man Of a single idea; that he
was an expert tariff matters only and that
his claims TO craftsmanship were confined to
his advocacy Of the policies and principles of
protection. Later developments proved this to
Be far from the truth. There was not a detail
or a situation in any branch Of the government
with which he came into contact that he did not
fully fathom and master. The intricate and un-
pnecedented questions growing out Of the war
situation he met in much the same way that he
did as a young lawyer in solving the intricacies
Of the case before him. While he had a loyal
and efficient Cabinet. he always led in the
newer propositions presented. His Judgment
never faItered. nor did he fail To awaken en-
thusiastic support in all with whom he came
into contact. In fact, his influence with men
grew so strong that the whole Congress of the
United States ready TO follow his leader
ship in all matters pertaining 10 the conduct
OF the war, having perfect faith in his patriot
ism, tried and true, and his ability which had
time and again withstood the crucial test
One Of the remarkable things concerning his
whole administration was this personal conf
dence and esteem which he universally inspired
and so well earned from every man of both po-
liticaI parties in the Congress of the United
States IN all the upheav8ls brought about bv
the conditions and new questions growing out
OF the war the problem OF insular possessions
and our relations with Cuba the influence Of his