The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1903-01-30
Judge William R. Day, Of Canton. Utters Splendid
Keynote in Calling the Banquet TO Order Last
Night
Late Presidents Most Precious Legacy Was the
Example Of His Life and Character introduction
of the President.

Upon calling the Mckinley birthday
banqueters to order last evening,
Judge. w. R. Day spoke as follows:
1--WE commemorate today the birth
If q great American. Though gone
from us, he has left the imperishable
memory of his character and deeds.
His life is part Of the history of his
time. The great things he wrought
have left their impress upon his coun-
try's destiny and have written his
name among the immortals.
ITO the most OF those who gather
about this board tonight it was given
20 know and love William Mckinley.
rhis city was his home. 1t was here
ne came after four years of service
in the field to begin the civil career
scarcely paralleled in the worlds his
tory. There are those here tonight
who have watched every step of that
great career with the keen interest
of friendship. To have known Will
liam Mckinley was constant lesson
in patriotic devotion to public duty
and cheerful constancy in upright liv-
ing. He never forgot the friends Of
his early manhood. From the high
est places his eyes turned fondly to
the white porch of his home. He Of
ten declared that the good will and
approval of those who best knew him
was dearer to him than the highest
earthly honor. He believed In the up
building of American citizenship, in
the enlargement of the comforts and
privileges of the American home. In
these purposes he found the highest
duties of constructive statesmanship.
In such a home, without ostentation
or display, William Mckinley lived.
In its domestic peace and comfort
he had hoped to pass the remainder
of his days when the cares of Office
should be laid aside. 1t is fitting that
in this home of his choice his fellow
countrymen should meet to pay trib-
ute to his memory and renew the les
sons of patriotism and virtue which
his life taught.
William McKinley's most precious
legacy to mankind is the example of
his life and character He believed
implicitly in his country and its insti-
tutions. He had supreme faith in the
people. He recognized that an en-
lightened public sentiment was the
ultimate appeal of the statesman in
free country, and sought to guide it
in the channel he believed best and
safest for its welfare. He never
sought to exalt himself above the peo-
pie he served. He kept in touch with
them, and, as far as possible, delight
ed to take them into his confidence.
In private life he met his fellow cit
iZens upon equal terms. He fulfilled
to the ideal Cardinal Newman's def
milton Of a gentleman,--he never In
fiicted pain. His presence was al
ways an inspiration. His duty clear,
he never shirked responsibility,
however grave. He nerved others to
their duty. He loved to make others
happy. He scattered sunshine, never
gloom. With all his strength of pur-
pose and character, he was gentleness
itself He loved to give kind word
when he could do no more. Singular
ly free from resentments, he met
calumny with silence and unfair crit
icism with charity. He was possessed
of sublime courage, sustained by an
unquestioning faith in his God that