The sun., 1916-09-04
McKINLEY,S STAND.
1--WE win Take Care Of the Strike
First, the Presidency Afterward."

TO THE EDITOR OF THE suN-Str: In a
recent review Of william McKinley's
work in Congress I was impressed by his
advocacy Of the arbitration Of labor dis
putes.
He summarized his faith in few words.
The people Of this country will concur
with him. I believe. before the conclu-
sion Of the present situation.
Mckinley said in addressing Congress
on April 2, 1885:
believe. Mr.. Chairman, in arbitration
as a principle: believe It should pre-
vail In the settlement Of international
differences. II represents a higher civili-
cation than the arbitrament OF war. I
believe It IL In accord with the best
thought and sentiment Of mankind: be
iieve II Is the true way Of settling diTe--
ences between capital and labor: ! bc.
liere 1. will bring them both to Q better
understanding. uniting them in closer IN.
terest and promoting better relations.
avoiding force. avoiding unjust exactions
and oppression. avoiding the loss Of earn
ings TO labor. avoiding disturbances to
trade and to transportation: and II this
house can contribute in the smallest meas
ure, by legislative expression or otherwise.
to these ends. II will deserve and receive
the gratitude Of all men who love peace.
good order. Justice and fair play.
I had the privilege. as chairman of
the Republican state Committee Of Ohio
and as a member Of Mckinley's personal
military stan when he vas Governor, to
observe closely his relations and his SYM
pathics with the w%orkingmen OF the
state. II was during his hrst term as
ak.s -. Oh.o'. a,f
tration law for settlement OF labor dis
putes. II is the law to-day and It has
worked admirably. Ohio vas the sec
ond State to pass such a law.
recall a personal experience In con-
nection with the operation of the law
In Mckinley's second term as Governor.
It will cxemplify the great Executives
entire disregard for his own political
successes when oficial duties and Ques-
tons required decision. II was At the
time when his candidacy for the Presl-
dental nomination was the subject OF
expressions Of approval n disapproval.
1t was. I think. early In 1895. and the
nomination was made in 1896.
The Republican state Committee was
in session at the capital. AS chairman
Of the committee I was with the Gov
ernor. The greatest of Ohio's railway
strikes was threatened. Demands were
being made upon Governor Mckinley. on
one hand Immediately to call out the
National Guard to stop imminent de-
struction Of properly. on the other not TO
~antagonize a large element OF the state
! population by such a move.
The Governors secretary. a Mr.. Boyle
entered the room and informed Mckinley
that a friend, a prominent Columbus
citizen. wished to taik with him over
The telephone. Mckinley replied that he
was too busily engaged In a strike con
ference TO leave his desk and after the
friend several, times had repeated she
request Mckinley said the man would
have to he content with delivering
his evidently important message to the
secretary.
Shortly afterward I heard the secre.
tary deliver these words to Mckinley
| shall never forget them nor his reply
Governor, Judge - asks ne to say
to you that In his opinion II you cal
out the National Guar Of Ohio now to
settle the Wheeling labor troubles you
will never be President; OF these United
states"
Like a fash the Governor sent bach
this message:
Mr.. Secretary. kindly say TO Judge
--- that We will take care Of the strike
first and the Presidency afterward."
within an hour the entire National
Guard Of the state OF Ohio was ordered
into the field no lives were lost. nc
property was destroyed. Mex year |. a.
chairman OF the Republican State Com
mi,,ee. had the pleasure OF %congratu'
iatinE him IN settling ohio's labor dr.
fcrences first and the Presidency af,e~.
ward. col. JoatPH r.. BONNER
NEW YORK. September ..