The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1903-02-27
YOUTHS PRIZE g
GRAFTON ON M'KINLEY
Continued From Page one.)


achievements of. this remarkable man,
for you all know how, by earnest en-
deavor, and constant attention to the
service of the country, he rose step by
step, higher and higher, in the es-
TEEN of the people. Was advance
ment with him the result Of political
chicanery and party manipulation?
MOI 1t was because in him the peo-
pie recognized a man of great ability
and force of character, a man who un-
derstood and was able to solve the
problems of government.
Unlike many world-herO, the late
president was not meteoric in his ca
reer.' He advanced steadily. He met
defeat with the same composure and
grace that marked his conduct In VIC
tory. His faith in the people was
hnbounded, and he conformed to their
desires. He was a man Of firm con-
victions. He believed in his party. he
believed In his government, he be-
lieved in humanity, he believed In
God! How. noble an example for all
those just entering on the broad field
of public service.
AS A HIsTORY-MAKER.
Within year after his inaugura-
tion as president, there came time
when the affairs of Cuba were in a
critical condition, and the powers of
the old world looked upon the United
States with thoughts of opposing her
In the event that war was declared
with Spain; then the indomitable
courage of the president exhibited It.
self. Though many of his friends de-
serted him, and did not appreciate his
faithful endeavors to destroy Spanish
oppression, he began the short strug-
gle, which made Cuba our sister re-
public. This was great test of en-
durance for the leader. but the up
rightness of his character was ulti-
mately triumphant.
When we consider the wonderful
craftsmanship exhibited by this man
all through his life, can we help be-
ing inspired with a greater love for
American citizenship, for our national
honor, and do we not feel thankful
that we live in the greatest and most
prosperous country on the earth, the
United States of America?
HIS PERSONAL TRUST.
In the halls of legislation, and in
the executive chair of state and ma
tion, this man served humanity with
of purpose. The interests
of the people were always foremost in
his plans. Their welfare was his
highest aim. His determination to
pursue only that which was best for
the American people is the point Of
view from which to survey his life.
Whoever stands there will find 1t
progress onward and upward to the
end Such was the character of this
leader. an incarnation Of American
ism which has wrought SO much for
the happiness of the people, the pros
perity of the country. and the prog
ress of the race.
The tender solicitude for others was
one Of the conspicuous points Of his
life Even when struck down by the
bullet of an anarchist, his words ex-
pressed desire that the assassin be
treated gently. This showed a true
Christian spirit. which was further
demonstrated by his expressions when
the final hours of his life on earth
were fast ebbing away. VIII the
melodies, Lead Kindly Light" or
Nearer. My God, to Thee" ever be
sung without recalling that time
when the nation was in deep gloom,
on account Of the loss of a noble
statesman?
MCKINLEY EULOGIZED.
This famous parsonage was an op-
tin,ist, always looking ON the bright
side Of everything. His great pa
thence in his trying work, and merci-
full and tender feeling exhibited alike
In joy and sorrow, won for him the
esteem of the people he represented.
What a grand climax to all his public
service was the last speech which he
delivered! How glowing were the
final words Of that speech! Gentle
men, let us ever remember that our
interest is in concord, not conflict,
and that our real eminence rests In
the victories of peace, not those of
war. We hope that all who are rep
resented here may be moved to high
er and nobler effort for their own and
the worlds good, and that out OF this
city may come not only greater COM
merce and trade for us all, but more
essential than these. relations of mu-
tual respect, confidence, and friend
ship. which will deepen and endure.
Our earnest prayer is that God will
graciously vouchsafe prosperity, hap
piness, and peace to all our neighbors,
and like blessings to all the peoples
and powers Of earth"
Quiet, modest, dignifled, unhesitat-