Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 May 1896 — William McKinley. [ARTICLE]

William McKinley.

William McKinley became a National character when, in 1861, a little more tran 17 years old, he enlisted as a private soldier in defence of his country. : , The record of the warshowsThe impression he made upon those who came in contact with him. His manliness and courage attracted attention., In action he was alert and vigorous, in manner cordial and considerate. His mind was strong, clear and comprehensive. Correct in judgment and energetic in expression. The physical and mental qualities which then won confidence and distinction have been illustrated and confirmed by his subsequent career. In public and and private life, in social and and official relations, he is genial and sympathetic, A master in debate, he carries conviction mainly by the earnestness, sincerity and directness of his thoughts and by uniform courtesy toward his opponents. Patriotic by birth, by association and by conviction, the glory of his country and the welfare of its people are the touchstone of his principles and his Conduct. By this standard he gauges opinions, measures and men.

Conservative, yet liberal in bis views, he welcomes criticism and shows the same regara for thb opinions of others that he claims for his own. He is conscientious and laborious in forming, and candid iu expressing, his conclusions. He is efficient and courageous in maintaining the right and in rebuking wrong, but without malice or prejudice. He is unswerving in devotion to duty, affirming by the dignity of his bearing bis own self-iespect, and commanding the respect of others. He presents a signal example of the best type of the American citizen in public service. The traits which distinguished the soldier boy on the battlefields of Virginia and Maryland marked also the young lawyer in Stark County, Ohio; the private citizen in domistic and social life; the statesman in committees and in debate framing and advocating measures for the public good; the chief magistrate of his native State, exercising power and clemency; the leader in National conventions, refusing for himself honors he believed dup to others; the popular campaign speaker, inspiring men with confidence and enthusiasm; the polished orator, exalting in glowing words, heroic deeds and memorable events,- or with earnest expressions advancing the cause of religion and education.

Born of the people, every fibre of his being thoroughly American, rising step by step at the summons of his fellow men to higher and higher, stations, never failing to respond to the hopes of his friends or do honor to the positions to which he was chosen; recognized in all parts of the country as a leader in whom confidence was never misplaced; in external features noble and commanding; in intellectual and moral constitution of unsurpassed integrity, sagacity, purity and strength; an ideal embodiment and an indefatigable adyocate of Republicanism; houored by all men, even by his antagonists, and loved by the people everywhere. William McKinley stands in the forefront of American statesmen, and, without disparagement to any other of the great names which honor the Republican party, is

conspicuously fit for the highest station in -the service of his country- Edward H. Ammidown, Firet President of The American Protective Tariff League-