The Washington herald., 1909-02-01

William Mck1nley's services as Presi-
dent OF the United States, his part as a
statesman IN the country's expansion.
and MS splendid example as a loving
husband. a devoted father, and an up
right man were the subject Of eulogies
last night at the First Congregational
Church and the Metropolitan Memorial
Methodist Episcopal Church
At the former Rev. Dr.. Samuel H
Woodrow preached on a nations
heroes. with special reference 20 the
influence Of the life Of Mckinley on the
history OF this country. At the latter
church an equally high tribute vas paid
by Rev. Dr. John Reid shannon
At both services the two hymns of
which the martyred President was Most
fond were sung: Lead. Kindly Light
and Nearer. Ny God. TO Thee
Both pastors agreed in placing the name
Of WiSism Mckinley high in the honor
roll Of Americas great men. Although
greatness of public men is a quality
that does nor readily lend itself 10 CON-
parison=. a review OF the two sermons
shows but one variation IN the estimate
Of McKiniey's worth Dr.. shannon de-
cIared that NlcKjnley occupies a position
with Washington and Lincoln on the
highest pedestal Dr. Woodrow placed
him On a level only slightly lower.
Woman's Relief Corps Present.
The First Congregational Church was
decorated with American flags. hung
from the balcony. On the platform were
photographs Of Mckinley and Lincola.
and at the back. against the organ pipes.
was picture of George Washington.
The memorial service was held in answer
10 q request from the Woussn-s Relief
Corps. and that organization attended in
a body There were also in ire Congre-
CATION many meukers OF the Grand
Army. The splendid choir ana chorus OF
fifty men and women. under the dlrec-
ton os Dr.. J 3. Bischon. sang an IN
usually beautiful musical programme.
and brought out with feeling the strong
appeal Of the two hymns dear 10 the
dead President. A solo was sung by J.
Walter Humphrey
Dr. Woodrow. in outlining MS address,
said that in view OF the fact that Sic
KInley's death was 50 recent and tbs
salient points in his career so famiiisr.
he proposed TO speak Of the value Of q
nations heroes 10 national life
4 had the good fortune % meeting 9Ir-
Mckinley but once, he said. That Has
when was = boy He vas taking parE
in the Garfield campaign. and I remem-
Der the impression, OF fairness he made
on ne al the time, when the discussion
OF the tariff question was bringing ont 50
much bitterness and exaggerated state
ment- I was happy 20 have the chancs
70 shake hands with him when he con-
cluded his address.
IN determining the value 10 nation
Of its great men, there are two schools
Of thought. One Is the Individual
school-thst OF Thomas Cariyle-whicb
says a countrys history IS bat a biogra-
pily Of its great men, The other schOct
upholds the evolution theory that 1is
men themselves are subordinate 10 the
general law OF the uplift Of the COM
munify This school denies that men
are the makers Of the epOchs in which
they live. and declare that they are rather
the products.
The Epoch OGerS the Chance.
Il would follow the individual concep-
tion. modified TO padake somewhat OF The
evolution idea I believe the epoch gives
the potential great man his opportunity
to show his greatness. but when that IS
admitted. It is the great man who gauges
the situation. sees the solution. and takes
the leadership lie may not break down
environments and established traditions.
but he nolds the sentiment OF the people
that new traditions are formed for thoss
who come after
'sThe influence Of great men Increases
after their death Surrounded by enemies
aud carping critics. the utterances OF
George Washington had not nearly the
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