The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-16

million dollars raised III 1883. looked like
thirty cents compared to the immense
fund that gave more money than the most
lavish use could employ. But, with all his
resources, Mr.. Hanna knew that victory
was still not won on the fifteenth of Oc-
tober, though the tide did not appear to
run so strong toward Bryan. The literary
bureau had filed the major portion of the
press with direful predictions of distress
and ruin if Bryan won; great manufac-
moved by the fund of Hanna, began the
work of coercion that drove thousands of
men to the polls like so many sheep,
under the threat of losing their job il
Bryan should win; professions of magni-
tude, costing hundreds of thousands OF
dollars were held in the great cities; ex-
cursich n carried everybody to Canton who
could be induced to go; and every posi-
bic agency that could aid the Republican
canvass was brought into requlsltlon. The
country was amazed at the daily new
bold leader of the Mckinley forces. He
did not sleep, or eat or rest except now
and then. He was here, there, every
where, always cheerful, always inspiring
confidence and always imparting enthu-
siasm to his co-workers. and now and
then sending terror into the heart of the
beneficaries of protection, subsidy ia
voritism or immunity. He won. The
world crowned him as the successful lead
err Of a cause that would have been ir-
retrievably lost under a less resourceful
and aggressive leader. Mckinley re
! ceived the certificate of election. He was
indicted into office. Hanna declined a
place in the Cabinet, and seemed about
to retire to his large private interests.
But he had no such idea. He had tasted
of the delights of achieving political vic
tory. He liked it. He had in busy
life amassed a fortune. Henceforth he
resolved to be leader in the highest
legislative body in the world. There was
a distinct shock to most people when it
was announced that Mr.. Hanna aspired to
to conduct campaigns, but men shook
their heads when there was talk of put
ting him in the Senate to succeed the
veteran, John Sherman. But he wanted
to be Senator and he was appointed
Later on, after very close and bitter
contest he was elected by a very small
majority. He served acceptably to his
people and only last year was reelected
by a very large majority. In that six
years he had strengthened his hold upon
Ohio, and at the time of his death he
was stronger than ever, thus showing that,
though introduced into public life by Nc
Kinley he was able to more than hold his
own after the death of Mr.. Mckinley.
He and his friends regarded this election
as triumphant vindication. In the Sen
ate Mr.. Hanna has spoken seldom, but
as the head of his party, he has exerted
powerful influence when he chose to do
So He forced the change from Nicaragua
to Panama, after both the Republican
and Democratic National Conventions had
declared for the Nicara qua route and the
House of Representatives had unanimous
" sent a bill to the Senate directing the
construction of the Nicaragua canal.
That is the best illustration of his in
| fiuence in the Senate.
Though a king maker he was destined
not to wear the purple himself, though
he aspired to the Presidency. From the
day of McKinleys nomination at st. Louis
he had looked forward to the time when
he should succeed to that high office At
the Philadelphia Convention in 1900, Sena-
tor Platt, in order to get rid of Mr.. Roosc-
welt as Governor of New York, forced his
nomination as vice-president. Roosevelt
did not want it, or if he did, was playing
the Caesar act when Marc Antony did
thrice present him with the crown on the
Lupercal" Mr. Hanna did not want
Roosevelt, but he did not seek to stem the
tide. Roosevelt was named as McKinley's
running mate. The tragic death OF Mr..
Mckinley elevated Mr.. Roosevelt to the
presidency. Did it at the same time mean
that MIR. Hanna must surrender his dream
Of being president?
The past year has been one. of perplexlty
and conflict with Mr.. Hanna. He has
been in cuandary-'tto run or not to
run for president'-that is the question
that has gone to bed with him at night,
greeted his waking eyes in the morning
and assailed him in all hours Of the day.
On the one hand, there were hopes Of
powerful friends urging him to become
candidate; on the other hand was the
president, seeking his support and IN all
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