His opponents were very active. They felt certain they would beat him, and they wished if possible to "snow him under so he would never be heard of again," as some one said.
Then came the counting of votes, which was a most trying time.
"You are beaten," said some of McKinley's friends. "It is too bad, but we cannot alter the fact. Your opponent is elected."
"How many thousand majority has he?"
"No thousand at all. You are beaten by only 303 votes."
"If that is so, then I don't think I have a right to complain," was the quiet answer McKinley made. "The returns show that even though a Republican I have received the support of over two thousand Democrats. I am proud to have made so many friends."
It was something to be proud of, and even those who had been opposed to him had to admit the fact. This was his only defeat while running for Congress. When next he stood for election to public office, his majority was something as surprising as it was gratifying.
