The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-13
PEERLESS VICTORIES IN PEACE
His Pride in His Country and
Love for His People.
STRICKEN AT HIS ZENITH.
Glowing Words Paint the Achieve
mcnts of the Last of Our Mnrtyred
Presidents birthday of First
Who Fell by Assassin'S Hand.

anniversary banquet of the Republican
Club of New York. The subject of his
address was William Mckinley" and he
spoke in part, as follows:
William Mckinley was the product and
representative of that development of
Americanism which has aroused intense
interest and discussion at the commence
ment Of the twentieth century. Industrial
America owes more to him than to any
other statesman.
Though never a business man or an
employer of labor, he created those enter
prises which have given unequaled posi-
ton. wages and work TO his countrymen.
Though never a manufacturer he gave the
impulse and opportunity for manufacture
ers which have placed the surplus of the
mills and factories of the United States in
the markets of the world, and given them
success not only in the competitive coun-
tries of the East but upon the soil and
alongside the most highly organized in
dustries of Europe.
Made Gigantic Fortunes Possible.
Though always a poor man. and leav-
ing an estate which was the result only
of the savings from his salary as Presi-
dent, and his life insurance, he made pos
sible the gigantic fortunes which have
been amassed by master minds in the con-
troll use, and distribution OF iron, coal,
OIL cotton, and wool, and their products.
Though never an organizer or benef-
ciary OF combinations or trusts, yet the
constant aggregation of most industries
in vast corporations of fabulous capital,
while due to tendencies of the age and
common to all countries, received ire
mendous aoceleration from his policies.
The dominant idea which governed his
public life was that measures which
brought out our national resources and
increased our national wealth added to
the security, comfort, and happiness of
every citizen. Some might profit more
than others, but every enc shared in
greater or less degree in the general
prosperity.
Pride in his country and love for his
people were the mainsprings of his
career
Soldier Nodded the Statesman.
Mckinley the soldier nodded Mckinley
the statesman. For four years the one
object before him, at sunrise and sunset
leading the way in toilsome marches, it:
folds illuminating the tented field and in
spring defence and assault, was the flag
1t was dearer to him than life, and for ii
he repeatedly risked his life.
1T stood for country, home, and lib
erty. 1t became sacred in his eyes. and
lo Huff in
almost to alteration. He rarely, in after
years, ever made a speech which did not
have some affectionate or patriotic allu-
sion to Old Glory. II fixed his career and
public life. Where he could advance the
best interests of the Republic became his
aim and ambition.
NO official was ever SO considerable of
the feelings of others. He delighted in
the bestowal of Office and was grieved
when he had to deny the applicant. His
greatest pleasure was in meeting and
greeting his countrymen and country
women. Whether they were friends or
strangers that cordial grasp, that kindly
smile, that honest interest in everyone
who came near him sent both the sue
cessfu, and disappointed from his pres
ence feeling that the meeting was itself
a decoration. 1t was the irony of fate
that the most ,ovable and the best loved
should die at the hands of an assassin.
The Victories of Peace.
"Americanism with him meant the vic
tories of peace. To see the United States
controlling its own markets and success
fully competing with other nations in the
markets of the world was his idea Of the
true glory of his country. That Ameri-
had in no for hri
over the Nile. or rails for Russian roads.
or cars for Australia, or had introduced
successfully agricultural machines and
electrical appliances on the Continent of
Europe and textile fabrics in Great Brit
ain, gave him more pride and pleasure
than any possible triumph land or sea.
He would exhaust every resource Of
diplomacy and adopt every measure of
cancellation and arbitration before going
to war
"A large number of his countrymen diff
fered widely with him in the measures by
which he sought to accomplish these
benefcent ends. but they did not question
the purity of his purposes or the sin
certify Of his convictions. He thus be-
came the most eloquent and convincing
advocate of the policy OF a protective
tariff and the embodiment and repre-
sentative of the principle of fostering by
legislation industrial development.
Mastered Economic Problems.
In large and in detail he was pro-
found student of economic problems.
While he had neither the training nor the
temperament for success in business, he
knew better the conditions and prospects,
at home and abroad, of every branch OF
industry than those who had spent their
lives in its development and accumulated
fortunes by their sagacity
He could not practically conduct any
trade but was able to suggest and pro-
vide laws for the benefit OF all manufac
lures so wise and beneficent that the cap
tains of industry bowed to his judgment
and followed his lead. His profound
knowledge OF these questions. his eager
ness to have the people agree with him
and his deep convictions gave an earnest
ness and force to his advocacy which edu
Gated an orator of uncommon power.
Force in His EIoquence.
He was not magnetic Ike Blaine nor
emotional like Garfield, but there was
wonderful force in his eloquence. An
honest, earnest. sympathetic speaker
master Of his subject and possessed OF
singuIarly lucid style. pleaded like an
evangelist for the material salvation Of
the people Much speaking on the same
subject gave his efforts ain aXio-
matte stvia which coined maxims and