Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-24

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president. In this way Mr.. Smith, a close
and warm personal friend of Mr.. McKin-
ley long before the latter succeeded TO
the highest office in the land cemented
that friendship with that close intimacy
brought about by the trend of circum-
stances, and so was enabled to gain
clearer insight and a more comprehensive
view than any other writer, perhaps,
of the methods, plans and ambitions OF
the lamented executive.
1t is we'll known that only the most ur-
gent pleadings of Mr.. Mckinley caused
Mr.. Smith to remain in the cabinet as
long as he did, and IT was only upon the
promise that his resignation would be
accepted If handed in at a stated time
in the future that he did finally consent
to retain his position. The date of Mr..
Smiths resignation from the cabinet APP
proximated the time set by him in his
pact with Mr.. Mckinley.
In one of the papers treating of Presi-
dent Mckinley in the cabinet room, Mr..
Smith tells some interesting stories, and
a vivid picture of the late executive in
the trying hours preceding the war with
Spain. He says in part:
Keen Sense Of Humor.
president Mckinley had a keen sense
of humor His social traits were very
marked, ard he had great fondness for
the freedom and joys of social intercourse.
He loved to be among his friends and to
abandon himself to the relaxation and
exhilaration of unrestrained communion
with those he trusted At such times he
was the life of the company. His talk
sparkled with fun and interest He had
excellent faculty in telling story or mar
rating an occurrence. He would often
omen a cabinet meeting before settling
down to business by recounting some lit
tie chapter of his army or political life
which was recalled by the suggestion of
the hour.
'.rfis sense of hurnor took various forms.
1t was sometimes subtle, sometimes open
sometimes exuberant 1t was often
treat to see how with perfectly serious
look not a suggestion of smile, not
muscle of his face quivering, he would
prick a hollow argument or claim with
an ironicaI statement of its extreme de-
velopment. He could never be otherwise
than kindly, but he had power OF genial
satire that would not be suspected by the
chance acquaintance. He would some
times dispose of an impossible demand
by turning 1t, with the utmost gravity
of countenance, into an absurdity which
the author himself could not fail to per-
ceive. In this keen method OF dealing
with the impracticable, which was min
Cling of hadinage and suavity, he was
unequaled.
His Genial BadInage.
In the lighter and graver humor he had
a deft touch. Judge Day, after his splen-
did service as assistant secretary and Sec
rotary of state, had been appointed pres
ident of the peace commission that was
about to leave for Paris and was attend
ing his last cabinet session.
In that closing hour of his cabinet SER
vice there were mutual expressions of
good will and of regret at the coming sep
aration. Judge Day was not without his
facetious vein. In a playful spirit he
proffered his sympathies to his associates
who were about to lose his counsel and,
the most modest of men as he was and is,
remarked that he didn't know how they
were going to get along without him.
WELL" said the president with that most
serious aspect which he put on when he
was most in fun, "as every change In the
cabinet has been an Improvement, per-
haps we can stand it," The tables were
turned on Judge Day, and no one Joined
in the laugh more heartily than he did.
The two devoted and admiring friends
could safely chaf each other.
When the time came for the final in
structions to the peace commission, then
engaged in its negotiations at Paris, as to
whether II should demand from Spain the
cession of the whole Philippine archipela-
60 or only a part, the discussion in the
cabinet was long and earnest. There was
a full appreciation of all the grave is
sues involved. Every member expressed
his views freely and unreservedly. When
It came the turn of Secretary Wilson to
give his counsel he spoke with his accus-
toned energy and even more than his
accustomed seriousness. He was one of
the most positive expansionists in the
cabinet He made a forceful and cogent
argument in favor of keeping the whole
of the Philippines.
As he finished, the president, who, like
the others around the table, had listened
with silence and deep attention, quietly
remarked: ct should have expected that
argument from you. l have observed
that you Scotch Presbyterians believe in
keeping the Sabbath and everything else
you can lay your hands on" AS he was
himself Of Scotch origin he could well
afford the jest.
Relieved the Strain.
It was with such touches of humer that
he relieved the intense strain of the ire
mendous questions and the serious dis
cussions that preoccupied him. On anoth-
er occasion there was a most interesting
incident which illustrated another side
of his character. A federal officer had is
sued public paper in which he reflected
on the administration II was d AOOlASh
and unwarranted criticism. The question
came up as to whether he should be dis
ciplined. The president had not known
of the paper and asked to see it, On
glancing over 1t he said: II don't know
but this officer Is directly criticising me.
and you had better leave the paper and
let me examine it more closely" "And,
Mr. President If you find he is criticising
you, what will you do?" IT will forgive
him." was the presidents immediate and
calm answer. 1t was characteristic of his
broad and generous nature.
He did not cherish animosities and re-
sentiments. In political rivalries he had no
bitterness Of feeling. His warm personal
friends were found in the ranks of all
parties. He was exceedingly tolerant of
differences and of opposition, and he was
ever ready to forgive and overlook even
personal hostility which was not mali
cious. 1t would be a mistake, however, to
infer that he did not have insight into
mems motives and strong feeling against
malevolent and mischevious antagonism.
He was good, but he was righteously hui
man.
President Mckinley, with all his
equanimity of temper and all his beauty
of disposition, was keenly sensitive to de-
ceptive pretense and justly indignant at
malign hostility. He knew how to re-
Hfvr IN - e..