The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1903-01-30
Great Men of the Nation
Pay Homage to Mem
ory Of the Dead.
BRILLIANT GALAXY OF GUESTS.
Speeches are Closely Punctu-
ated With Applause and En-
thusIasn IL High
Throughout.

FROM all over the land came dis
tinguished men to the home city of
William Mckinley to celebrate his
birthday anniversary. While the re-
currence of the day recalled the sad
death and the loss to the community
and country, yet the lapse Of time had
robbed grief Of its poigpancy and
those gathered at the banquet hall at
the Grand opera house, forgot their
sorrow, and rejoiced in the heritage of
q eat achievement that the distin-
guished dead had left them.
The occasion was notable one. AS
eulogy after eulogy was pronounced
upon President Mckinley, it was more
than ever realized that with him, as
with Lincoln, his true greatness will
not be fully appreciated until years
have sped. Every side of his charac-
ter was touched upon by men in civil
life. by statesmen. and by those whose
calling is one of carnage and destruc-
tion.
1t was demonstrated that in order
to fully portray the character Of the
man 1t was necessary that his life be
considered from those three stand
points. AS citizen he was the ideal
American gentleman who loved his
home more than aught else. AS a
statesman he stood pre-eminent and
the nation is now reaping the results
of his wisdom. AS a soldier in the
Rebellion and as a war president he
made for himself name that shall
endure as long as history shall be
known. All these elements of great
ness were brought out vividly by the
orators Tuesday night.
After the reception at the hotel, all
the guests were in their places in
the opera house before the presidential
party arrived. When it was announc-
ed that they were coming, the orches-
ira played Hail to the Chief" and
the vast assemblage stood to do honor
to the chief executive of the nation
and the distinguished men who ac-
companied him to McKinley's home
city.
The scene was an impressive one.
The brilliantly lighted hall was re-
splendent with flags and flowers. In
addition to the Washington party
there were men Of distinction from all
over the state. In the gallery were
hundreds of ladies'
Judge Day made an ideal toastmas-
ter, and the most enthusiastic ap-
plause Of the evening was when Presi-
dent Roosevelt referred to him as Mr..
Chief Justice Day. 1t was the an
nouncement that the News-Democrat
had predicted would be made at the
banquet, and when 1t came there was
pandemonium for few minutes.
The presidents address was mas
terful one. The vast audience sat still
for over three hours and listened to
all the speakers without the least sign
of restlcssness.
One OF the surprises of the evening
was the response of James J. Grant to
the sentiment, Ohio" While he had
been called upon at the last moment
to take the place of Governor Nash,
his address was remarkable one,
short, eloquent and inspiring.
When Col, Myron T. Herrick, Of
Cleveland, came into the hall and was
recognized, the mex Republican nom
inee for governor was given an ova-
ton distinctly his own. He bowed in
acknowledgement and the applause
was renewed
When the orchetra played Dixie"
the audience applauded. It was DUR
ing the serving OF the banquet. Later
when "The Star Spangled Banner"
was played, the vast audience arose to
its feet in honor of the national air.
The banquet was success In every
particular. There was not flaw In
the arrangement to mar the occasion.
The committees that had charge of
the affair were complimented highly
upon the manner in which everything
was conducted and those who were In
attendance agreed that the occasion
was one of the most notable ever held
In the country.
The service was satisfactory and
without a flaw. Caterer Demarest and
his assistants had their work system
atized and course followed course
without any interruption.
The music OF the orchestra consist
ed of patriotic airs and the audience
was quick to respond to the senti-
mcnts expressed In the music render
cd.
It was one o'cock when the banquet
adjourned. At the door of the opera
house were scores OF carriages, while
upon Market street were street cars
70 accommodate those who desired
them, and although the night was in
element the crowd was handled NICE
H,
The banquet Is thing of the past.
us success was greater than had been