282 MCKINLEY'S OPPORTUNITIES. American people, as well as those that were involved in the issues upon which he was first elected. So far all is well. This must not be accepted, however, as proving the wisdom of his administration. The people are not infallible. In fact, a large and very intelligent number to-day regard Mr. McKinley's re-election as the result of a choice between two evils, of which the lesser was chosen, rather than as an indorsement of his administration. The crucial test is to come. If he is able to prove himself the equal of his opportunities during the administration of his second term, for which he cannot seek the approval of his countrymen by seeking a third election, no president of the republic will have accomplished more than he for his country, for civilization, for humanity. When the possibility of a re-election was before him it was only human that many of his acts, consciously or unconsciously, were inspired by a praiseworthy ambition to win the approval he has received. He now has the opportunity to administer the duties of the high office of president of the United States freed from all temptation so to shape his course as to win a re-election, and with the inspiration of the most honorable, the most lofty ambition that can influence a human mind. His appeal for approval cannot again be made to the people. It must be made to the impartial and expert judgment of those who write history. They will measure his administration by its opportunities and will attest its wisdom, or unwisdom, MCKINLEY'S OPPORTUNITIES. 283 by its results upon the welfare of the people, the destiny of the republic, the world progress of civilization, the uplifting of humanity. Their judgment will assign him his true place among the greatest of the nation, the greatest of earth. From the judgments of history there is no appeal-fortunate for Mr. McKinley, more fortunate for the welfare of the republic, most fortunate for the cause of human liberty and progress throughout the world, will it be if the verdict of history shall be that his administration was wise and just. This we believe it will be. As a result, we predict for the people of this country during the next four years a solid industrial, intellectual and political growth, which will make the American republic the strongest, most respected and most influential world power. Let every person be, then, in his own sphere, what he desires Mr. McKinley to be-the equal of his opportunities. All the people of the nation must study the problems with which we have to deal, domestic and foreign, and must aid with the best judgment of which they are capable in settling them right. |