within a few years. From his conning-tower at the head of the government he gained a broader outlook. With experience and greater opportunities he surveyed a wider field and was honest and manly enough to change his opinions when he was convinced that those which he had formerly held were no longer for his country's highest good. We honor him for the truth of his character, no less than for the clearness of his sight in regard to questions upon whose correct solution depends the future prosperity of the United States. "Mr. McKinley has left his message to those who shall come after him. It is to cultivate friendship with all the peoples of the earth, to recognize the changes which modern invention have introduced into modern international relationships, to cast aside ancient sentiments of selfishness and sordidness, and pass out into the sunshine where the nations may buy and sell to each other much more freely. Mr. McKinley was a true friend and advocate of commercial expansion. Some sententious maxims in this farewell address must be remembered: "Our capacity to produce has developed so enormously and our products have so multiplied that the problem of more markets requires our urgent and immediate attention. Only a broad and enlightened policy will keep what we have. No other policy will get more.' "We must not repose in fancied security that we can forever sell everything and buy little or nothing.' "What we produce beyond our domestic consumption must have a vent abroad.' "The period of exclusiveness is past.' "Commercial wars are unprofitable.' "If, perchance, some of our tariffs are no longer needed for revenue or to encourage and protect our industries at home, why should they not be employed to extend and promote our markets abroad?'" It is useful to recall these words in connection with President Roosevelt's promise "to continue absolutely unbroken the policy of President McKinley for the peace and prosperity and honor of our beloved country." We can now but echo the late President's own words in his last speech, when he did not yet foresee the interruption of his earthly term: "The good work will go on. It cannot be stopped." It is for us now to remember his influence as we remember his words and— "Make it live beyond its too short living, With praises and thanksgiving." CHAPTER XIX The Assassin's Fatal Shot T was just after the daily organ recitals in the Temple of Music on Friday, September 6th, a day long to be remembered and deplored, that the attempt was made upon President McKinley's life which led to his death. Planned with all the ingenuity and finesse of which anarchy or nihilism are capable, the murderous assassin carried out the work without a hitch. The President, though well guarded by United States secret service detectives, was fully exposed to the attack. He stood at the edge of the raised dais, upon which stands the great pipe organ, at the east side of the structure. Throngs of people crowded in at the various. entrances to see the chief executive, and, if possible, clasp his hand. The good-natured mob every minute swelled and multiplied at the points of ingress and egress to the building. The President was in a cheerful mood, and was enjoying to the full the evidences of good-will which everywhere met his gaze. At his right stood John G. Milburn of Buffalo, President of the Pan-American Exposition, who was introducing to him persons of note who approached. Upon the President's left stood his secretary, Mr. Cortelyou. It was soon after 4 o'clock when one of the throng which surrounded the Presidential party, a medium-sized man of ordinary ap pearance and plainly dressed in black, approached as if to greet the President. Both Secretary Cortelyou and President Milburn noticed that the man's right hand was swathed in a bandage or handkerchief. He worked his way to the edge of the dais until he was within two feet of the President. President McKinley smiled, bowed and extended his hand in that spirit of geniality the American people so well know, when suddenly the sharp crack of a revolver rang out loud and clear above the hum of voices, the shuffling of feet and vibrating waves of applause that ever and anon swept here and there over the assemblage. There was an instant of almost complete silence, like the hush that follows a clap of thunder, or the momentary lull that comes after the discharge of a bombshell. The President stood stock still, a look of hesitance, almost of bewilderment, on his face. Then he retreated a step, while a pallor began to steal over his features. The multitude, only partly aware that something serious had happened, paused in the silence of surprise, while necks were craned and all eyes turned as one toward the rostrum where a great tragedy was being enacted. A GREAT COMMOTION Then came a commotion. Several men instantly threw themselves forward as with one impulse and sprang toward the assassin. Two of them were United States secret service men, who were on the lookout and whose duty it was to guard against just such a calamity. A negro named Parker, who was near in the line, was said to have instantly struck the assailant and grasped his pistolhand, but the evidence at the assassin's trial discredited this story. In truth, there was a struggle which rendered the exact facts difficult to obtain. The assailant was hurled to the floor, the pistol struck from his hand, and blows rained upon him by the infuriated detectives and soldiers. Only now did the multitude that thronged the auditorium begin to come to a realizing sense of the dreadful tragedy which had just been enacted before them. A moment before they had stood mute and motionless, not comprehending the terrible event; but now, as by a single impulse, they surged towards the stage of the horrid drama, while a cry went up from a thousand throats and a thousand men charged forward to lay hands upon the murderous wretch, then helpless in the hands of his captors. For an interval the confusion was terrible. Men shouted, women screamed. |