the world; and the public manifestations of grief which followed his death were without precedent in our history, save only at the time of Lincoln's assassination.
These facts are but the skeleton outline of a great career, full of rare activities. Mr. McKinley's success in congress, apart from his unique personal endowments was in large part due to the fact that he selected the subjects to which his interest and his efforts should be devoted, and gave to them his undivided attention. His appointment to succeed Garfield on the Ways and Means committee gave him the exact position from which he afterward controlled, by force of his superior knowledge, the proceedings of congress in legislation upon those measures of practical economy which underlie our national monetary and industrial systems. He spoke rather infrequently; but when he took the floor on his chosen theme, he was without a rival in accuracy of information, diligence of preparation and skill in argument.
When he became leader of the house, in 1890, after his defeat for the speakership, he proved himself to be gifted in debate, patient in temper and considerate in judgment. His ability to unite and inspire was unfailing. The range of topics he discussed covered the whole field of legislation; and in him the house found a master who not only commanded profound respect, but captured hearts and gained a permanent place in the affections of his fellow-members of both parties.
His administration of the office of governor of Ohio, though not without high distinction, added little to his prestige, and perhaps still less to his equipment for the presidency. Like Blaine and Garfield, his preparation for practical leadership was in the national legislative tribunal, to which he had brought the cumulative experience and patriotic virtues of a singularly sincere, studious and unselfish life.
As president, he was thoroughly conversant with the duties of his office, and could enter into its most minute details. He knew the American people through and through. He believed in and sympathized with that theory of government, preeminently American, which defers to the will of the majority. And yet he knew how to persuade men, as his policy of protection amply proved. He was averse to the war with Spain, because he alone among the public men of the country seemed clearly to comprehend in advance all
