The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-13
MAJESTIC TRIBUTE
PAID TO M'KINLEY

phrases that became part of the current
thought and common language of the
country.
While he never rose to the majestic
heights of Websters reply to Hayne he
was always immensely Interesting and at
times il seemed in the sDlendor of his
speech that by a supreme effort he might
advance one step further and stand be-
side the immortal orators of inspired
genius.
His Sway Over Congress.
NO President has ever had such infiu-
ence with Congress. His ability TO allay
strife in his own party and win support
from the other was marvellous. The dis
appointed officeseeker nursing a grievance
and lying in wait for vengeance, and the
most stubborn opponent. were alike clay
in his hands. In that forum, Congress,
where every President has repeatedly
been foiled, Mckinley never suffered de-
feat.
His faith in the public intelligence and
conscience was supreme He believed the
people knew more than any man. no mat
ter how great his talents or opportuni-
ties. He never tried to lead, but studied
so constantly public opinion that he be-
came alomst infalihle in its interpreted
tion.
Triumph of His Faith.
The prolonged financial and industrial
depression which preceded his election
was the opportunity he at once saw and
seized. The slogan he had sounded as a
citizen, as an orator. and as Congress-
man, now rang from the White House
with clarion clearness which aroused
the country. 1t was to him tire triumphal
hour of faith and works.
In his Impotence for the trial of his
favorite theories. he did his best to pre-
vent the war with Spain. He detested
war and he shrank with horror from its
cruelties and with dread from the inter
ruptions OF industries il usually entails.
When the country would not wait his
efforts for peace he pushed preparations
for war and forced the fighting with
wise and resistless energy which recalled
the best efforts of Carnot and OF Stanton.
Foremost Among Nations.
THE triumphant issue of the war with
Spain lifted our country in hundred days
from the isolation of the Western Henri
sphere and the confines of continent
TO the responsibilities Of colonial en-
pre and foremost position in the fam
| lily of nations among the great Powers of
Europe
The President had never been abroad.
never given any attention to foreign af-
fairs or the government of alien peoples.
and for forty years had concentrated his
mind upon purely domestic questions hc-
ton must be taken, and Immediately or
We had to acknowledge that our instf-
tutions were wanting in elasticity for
the situation and in the essential ele-
ments of sovereignty which constitute
-.arstNTr arAra-
equal to the peaceful administration of
the results CT the victories CT our army
and navy.
With the calmness of conscious powers
without effort which might excite the
public and create financial distrust and
industrial paralysis, the President so
wisely formulated measures for the pacifi-
cation of Cuba and preparations for its
independence. and for the government of
the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam that
the most delicate and difficult task of
creating constitutions and institutions
under untried conditions seemed to an as
tonished and satisfied country to be the
ordinary processes of peaceful administra-
ton.
struck Down at His Zenith.
William Mckinley entered upon the
Presidency at period of greater distress
IN every Drancn oil industry ana employ
rlent than had ever before been expert
enced. He died when prosperity had as
sumed proportions in productions, in do
nestle trade and foreign commerce. in
the accumulation of national and individ-
uai wealth, and in the happy condition of
wage-carners, beyond the dreams of the
most enthusiastic optimist in the devel-
opment of our country.
He assumed the administ ration Of the
Government when it was not reckoned
automatically or industrially by the Cab
inets of the Old World, and left it to his
successor when for the same Cabinets the
leading discussion is how to avert what
they are pleased to call the American
peril
Happily for him before the dread sum-
mons came. the realization of his life
work, his aspirations and his hopes were
complete.
THE assassin struck him down at the
moment when the splendors of the frui-
ton of his labors were crystallized by
his death into halo of Immortality.