The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-27

memorable IN our political annals He and
his friends had thought that the issue for
difference between the two parties on the
subject Of the tariff; 10 10 t th wager OF
four years distinctly pointed But no
sooner had the two parties made their
the opposing candidate declined to accept
the field of discussion chosen by the Re
as the main issue the free coinage of sill
YER Mckinley at once accepted this chal-
ton as already won, went with energy in
to the discussion Of the theories ss presented
not to leave his home during the canvass.
thus avoiding a proceeding Wnlch mas az az
tics; but from the front porch of his mod
est home in Canton he daily addressed
part of the country TO greet him in SER
les of speeches SO strong, so varied, SO
of theories embodied in a single phrase,
that they formed the hourly text for the
ably the most convincing proof we have
of his surprising fertility of resource and
without anxiety or strain. 1 remember a
day / spent with him during that busy
the day before: that day he made many
But in the intervals of these addresses he
as quiet and mind as free from care as
If we had been spending a holiday at the
seaside or among the hills
When he came to the presidency he con-
frOnted a Situa ton of the utmost Difficult
ty. which might well nave appalled, a man
of less serene and tranquil self-confidence-
There had been a state OF profound COM
mercial and industrial depression, from
which his friends had said his election
would relieve the country Our relations
with the outside world left much to be de-
sired The feeling between the northern
and southern sections OF the union was
sary to the welfare Of both Hawaii had
asked for annexation and had been reject
was a state of things IN the Caribbean
which could not permanently endure Our
neighbours house was on fire, and there
was grave doubts as 70 our rights ana du-
ties in the premises man either weak or
rash. either irresolute or headstrong,
might have brought ruin upon himself and
incaIculable harm to the country
THE VERDICT OF HISTORY
Again I crave the pardon of those who
differ with me, if, against all my inten-
tons. | happen to say word which may
hour But I am here to give the opinion
which his friends entertained of Presi-
dent Mckinley, of course claiming no inn
rnunity from criticism in what I shall say.
I believe. then, that the verdict of history
lions with perfect valor and Incompatible
ability; that in graphing. with them he
sion, in a manner which redounded to the
lasting benefit of the country and to his
The least desirable form. of glory to a
man of his habitual mood and temper
that of successful war-was nevertheless
conferred upon him by uncomfortable
events He felt it must come; he deplored
ing his relations with his friends, in order,
first, to prevent and then to postpone it to
the latest possible moment But when
the die was cast. he labored with the ut
most energy and ardor, and with an in
telIigence in military matters which show
ed how much of the soldier still survived
in the mature statesman to push forward
the war to a decisive close War was an
anguish to him; he wanted it short and
conclusive. His mercifuI zeal communi-
Gated itself to his subordinates. and the
war, so long dreaded, whose consequences
were so momentous, ended IN hundred
Mr.. Stedman the dean of our poets, has
called him -Augmenter of the State It
Is 4 proud ute; II justly c6nIerrea ,,, u
may be placed definitely and forever in
rue Hawai- m has come to us and Tutri la
Porto Rico and the vast archipelago of the
Caribhesn Is assured b9ton5 the possibiI
ity of future question The doctrine called
and denied nv alien TIyf5Iicists evolzes now
no challenge or contradiction when uttered
to the world. 1t has become an interna-
tional truism. Our sister republics TO the
south of us are convinced that We desire
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 1T threa tens no nation
under heaven. As to those regions which
have come under the shadow of our flag
the possibility of their being damaged by
such a change of circumstance was IN the
view of Mckinley a thing unthinkable: To
believe that We could not administer them
to their advantage was to turn infideI to
our American faith OF more than hum
In dealing with foreign powers he viii
take rank with the greatest of our diplo-
maIiStS. 1t was a world of which he had
little special knowledge before coming to
the presidency. But his marvellous adap-
than in the firm grasp he Immediately dis
played in International relations In pre-
peace he was alike adroit. courteous and
far-sighted- When a sudden emergency
things of which our history furnished no
precedent and international law safe
moment to take the course marked out for
him by considerations of humanity and
afinr We're sbfing for their lives
against bands of Infatuated fanatics he
and while that conclusion did not hinder
him from taking the most energetic meas
enabled him to maintain close and friend
" relations with the wise and heroic vice
saved that ancient empire from anarchy
and Spoliation. He disposed of every queS-
clarity of vision that astonished his adj
viSerS, and he never had occasion to re-
view a Judgment or reverse a decision.
condolences. he improved our understand
ing. with all the great powers of the world.
and rightly gained the blessing which be-
THROWN IN THE SHADE.
But the achievements of the nation in
war and diplomacy. are thrown in the
shade by the vast economical develop
ments which took place during Mr. Nc
Kinley's administration. Up to the time
of his first election the country was suf-
the REASONS of which I viii not try to seek.
But from the moment the ballots were
counted that betokened his advent to
power a great and momentous movement
In advance declared itself along all the
lines of industry and commerce In the
very month of his Inauguration steel rails
began to be sold at SIS a ton-one of the
most significant facts of modern times. 1t
meant that American industries had ad-
justed themselves to the long depression
that through the power OF the race to
a he
conditions then prevailing and perhaps by
the prospect of legislation favorable to
America had begun to underseII
the rest of the world. The movement went
on without ceasing- The president and his
party kept the pledges of their platform
and their canvass. The Dingley bill was
speedily framed and set in operation. All
industries responded to the new stimulus
and American trade set out on its new
crusade. not TO conquer the world but to