The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1903-01-30

tnc people, made him an Incompatible
leader Of men; while the charm of HIS
personality and the rectitude of his
conduct commanded universal respect.
From long and conspicuous service
in congress he passed to the guberna-
torial chair of mis- native state, and
finally to the chair of Washington
At a crisis In our history. when
strength of body, firmness of will, and
comprehensive intellect were needed,
was our hcnored compatriot called to
the presidency of the republic. Parti-
sanship yielded to patriotism. Ignor-
ing sectional divisions and class dis
tinctions, he assumed the duties AMI
responsibilities of his high Office. seek
ing cnly the welfare of all the people.
and the maintenance of the national
honor and integrity.
Upon no president during this gen.
Grafton has such weighty responsible
ity fallen. Cvershadowing all ordl-
nary questions of domestic policy and
administration. the imminence OF war
with a foreign power confronted
him. Not a war of conquest for the
acquisition of territory or subsection
of alien races (though both were in
volved in the results), but war for
the rescue of humanity from brutal
tyranny and oppression Calmly, pa
tiently he sought Ivy exhausting every
honorable diplomatic resource, to avert
the resort to arms; but. when peace
could no longer he maintained with
honor, he bent to the task imposed by
the peoples will with unhinching cour-
age and unfaltering faith. Stupcndous
as we're the results; enlarging the vis-
ion, extending the influence and exalt-
ing the destiny OF the republic; Presi-
dent Mckinley, with unerring judg-
ment, intuitive sense of justice anil
loyalty to the highest ideals, guided
the nation along untried paths, toward
the solution of the new problems thrust
upon the American people by the rapid
march of events. The nations of the
earth learned to respect his sincerity
and straightforward methods as dip
lomatist American craftsmanship
never commanded more respect abroad
than during his occupancy OF the pres
idential Office. In great international
crisis he triumphed in manner that
secured the profound respect Of the
worlds foremost statesmen.
Equally marked was his success
in effacing the last remnant OF the
bitterness engendered by the civil war.
He respected and honored the men,
who, having in the ardor of their
Young manhood, morn the gray, were
ready to wear the blue and follow the
flag of a restored union In defense. OF
the national honor. The south learn
ed to love him for his impartial rec
ognitien Of the true American spirit
without regard to sectional lines or
political affilitions.
"He was an ideal American citizen,
broad-minded, large-hearted. He was
strong in the elements of true manli-
ness, strong in his virtues, strong in
fall the characteristics which adorn
human nature. He strove for right
eousness and honorabl achievement,
despising shams and hating the
wrongs that oppress and the vices that
degrade humanity. His elevation to
the highest earthly station did not
change his simple, free-hearted man
ner toward his fellow citizens. A
stranger to arrogance, no false digni-
| ty hedged him in; approachable to all,
patient and kindly in his intercourse
with men. loyal In his friendships :
for these high qualities we cherish his
memory.
| "William McKinley's excellencies OF
character shone bright In the family
circle, where the tenderest sympa-
thies of human nature can be best dis
played. His honoring Difference to his
mother, his profound reverence shown
for her: his tender solicitude for his
wife, his ever-fostering care always
epvelopfng her; his never falling af-
fection for her ennobled his character
and glorified his virtues. The crown
ing act in the useful and noble life
of the martyred president was his
submission to the will OF God; his
humble childlike, simple faith, which
enabled him to meet the great enemy
and calmly pass into the unknown
land from whence none return.
''rhe whole nation mourns its he
roic dead; north and south, east and
west, have Joined In one universal ex.
preston OF sorrow. Crowned heads OF
other countries have united In pro-
claiming their grief at our loss. The
lightning has flashed across the ocean
a chorus Of sympathy and consola-
tion. Ills memory will ever lingel
kx~fs u..A ...tk - III