Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-09-07
A Monument
to Mckinley.

downpOur of rain and before vast
of people Thursday afternoon
the. Mckinley monument on Niagara
Square was dedicated and formally
turned over to the state Of New York,
through Gov. Charles H. Hughes. The
ceremonies were brief but impressive
and were attended by two regiments OF
Canadian troops, the 18th Royal Cana
dian Regiment Of Hamilton. Ont. ana
the Royal Fusileers of London, Ont, in
addition to the escort of American reg
ular infantry and New York State
troops. A large body Of Grand Army
veterans formed in a circle in front or
the speakers stand and on the steps
of the monument. Interspersed with
them and in contrast to their plain blue
uniforms and tattered battle flags were
the scarlet coated Canadian troopers,
interested onlookers at the exercises.
A multitude banked Niagara Square
and the approaching thOroughfares as
far as the eye could see. 1t was be-
fore just such n crowd that President
Mckinley six years ago delivered MS
last memorable address, which breath
ed a spirit of amity for the nations OF
the Western hemisphere and spoke for
an extension Of pan-AmericaniSm in
its broadcast sense. Governor Hughes,
the members Of the monument COM
mittee, their honorary guests and the
speakers Of the day We're escorted to
Niagara Square by the Canadian and
American military, and the veterans of
the G. A. r., and the Spanish War.
AS Governor Hughes stepped upon
the platform the rain increased and
the immense flag which envelOped the
obelisk in it's folds was rent in twain
by the wind. Following a prayer, Ed
ward K Butler. chairman of the monu-
ment commission introduced Mayor j.
M. Adams, who said in part:
Buffalo was bowed down in grief at
the death of William Mckinley. Today
she lifts her head and pays tribute 70
his memory. No marble column can
make his memory dearer to u.s. He was
our President. our neighbor our friend.
His name is enshrined in the heart of
Buffalo. The future generations who
never knew his kindly smile or heard
his voice this noble shaft will attest
his '.ime."
Mayor Adams was followed by Harlan
j. Swift. state commander of the G. A.
r.. who delivered an eloquent tribute to
4,
past commander of the Spanish American
War Veterans, who spoke of President
McKinley's Part in the Spanish war, and
Mrs. Donald Mclean. president of the
| Daughters of the Revolution. who spoke
| Of the martyr Presidents qualities as a
lover husband and father.
At the conclusion of Mrs. McLean's adj
| dress Mrs. Truman C. Avery pulled the
| cord which released the flag revealing the
cleaning white sides of the shaft. On
| account Of the steadily continuing rain
| other parts of the program were omitted.
A ripple of applause swept the multitude
when Gov. Hughes stepped forward to
speak. He said in part:
THE memorials OF free people are
| erected to commemorate public service
and the distinction of noble character.
Here was marked the tragic termination
] of a great career. Never did evil COM
| nit more dastardly deed. The victim
was the chosen representative of the
| American people, no less representative
| in his death than in his life. The as
sassin's blow was aimed at American in
situations represented in the head of the
nation, and Mckinley fell because he was
4
tyrdom. in memory OF heroic death, In
! testimony to the futility of insensate
4 envy in the last supremacy Of law and or
der, in memory of a worthy life crowned
by its sad sacrifice, this monument has
been erected.
1.-The vitality of democracy may be
measured by the generosity Of it's tributes
to fidelity and it's appreciation of honor
| able motive and public spirit. The peo-
pie must have faith in themselves and
the zeal which makes progress possible
is not intolerant of treachery to the pub
lie interest, but expresses itself in fine
enthusiasm for the leaders who have JUS
titled the peoples confidence. Cyncism
is destroying canker AS in proportion
as we revere those who in the past have
borne the burdens of the republic CRATE
| fully and recognize our indebtedness to
their service and profit by the lessons OF
their experience shall we prove our ca
pacity to meet the demands and solve
the problems Of a later day. Fidelity to
friendship. the exquisite grace of a hus-
| bands devotion, the honor of manhood,
| the beauty of the forbearance Of unwear-
| led patience. endeared William Mckinley
to the hearts Of his fellow citizens, and