does not inebriate. It is wholesome inspiration and advancement, and there is no depression, no reaction. While we maintain the existing standard, resisting all extremists, disregarding factions, supporting with the credit of the nation the parity of the white and yellow money metals at the ratio familiar in our affairs, we shall follow the example of bimetallic France and close the mints firmly to the coinage of legal tender silver. We have all of that sort of money we can make good. There is to be no more free coinage of silver-that is fundamental. The tendency of the gold production is to the settlement of the silver questions according to the operation of the laws and economics of nature, leaving less and less to be determined by the legislative wisdom found in the government. We have only to stand solidly, as we are, for honesty and economy, to find the very soil of controversy removed, and our feet on the rocks that have resisted the billows of the oceans and the stormy skies for all the millenniums of which there are records of men.

CHAPTER XI.

WILLIAM MCKINLEY AS A CAMPAIGNER.

Speaking to fifteen millions of people-Making one thousand speeches-Constitution of iron-Wondrous vitality-Magnetic power-Excellent memory-Good listener-Making convertsPolicy of Protection the hope of America.

I

N the past six years William McKinley has been

constantly in battle. There has been no rest

for him. It has been a continued campaign, in which he was the central figure. Beginning with the impossible contest for re-election to Congress in the gerrymandered district and continuing through the gubernatorial canvass of 1891, the Congressional campaign of 1892, the second fight for the governorship in 1893, the great Congressional contest of 1894, the Ohio campaign of 1895, and the preliminary struggle of 1896, Major McKinley has been under an increasing strain.

In that period he has probably spoken to more than fifteen millions of people, and shaken hands with a million and a half more, and made a thousand speeches, averaging an hour in length. Such was a task to make any man shrink, to test the nerve,

the physical endurance, and the vocal powers; but Major McKinley went through it all without the least symptom of illness, though he was often wearied and worn. The ex-Governor has a constitution of iron, great recuperative powers, the ability to sleep under uncomfortable conditions, to eat without care all sorts of food at all hours, and to digest it well, to drink waters that are ordinarily unhealthy without disastrous results. He has a surprising power, that comes to his rescue when it would seem as if he could do nothing more. He has a wondrous vitality, excellent lungs, and great vocal power. Instead of breaking from constant use his voice seems to gain in strength and volume.

It is interesting to note the way he begins a speech. The hall is always filled when he is booked to talk. It usually happens that it is difficult to get him into. the hall, because of the crowds on the outside. The moment he appears on a platform is a signal for prolonged and vehement cheering. His face flushes a little and his eyes flash. He breathes quickly and compresses his lips, the lines around the mouth taking promiHe brushes the hair back from his forehead with a nervous hand. Though outwardly composed, it appears to those who know him that he is a little anxious and a bit apprehensive, possibly almost alarmed. It is worthy of note when he steps on a platform and is greeted with enthusiasm, he bows low and waves his hands from side to side. The silk hat is always in the right hand, the brim firmly gripped.

nence.

This is generally ruffled, for at the moment he forgets that it gets pressed. The bowing continues until the fury of the reception shows a sign of abatement. For the last four years almost every chairman of a meeting has introduced him as "the next President." To those who campaigned with him this became somewhat of a joke, and there were bets made, the odds being always two to one that would be the introduction. Now the chairman of a political meeting is generally a man of consequence in the neighborhood where the meeting is held. The opportunity of introducing such an orator as McKinley does not come often, and every chairman takes advantage of it. It is amusing to note the expression of McKinley's face when the introduction is prolonged. He frowns almost imperceptibly. Only one who has studied his countenance would notice it. There follows a look of weariness and then of impatience. He moves his feet a little and is restless. The strain is becoming painful to hear and the compliments dreary. They have been repeated probably twice before on the same day, and it is not often that anything of keen interest is said. When the inevitable "next President" comes the Major's face is impassive. One would not know from his attitude that the reference was to him. He does not seem to hate it, but would as leave it was omitted.

Finally the chairman has come to the "Fellow citizens, I have the great pleasure, etc.," and McKinley steps forward and there are cheers. The speaker

clasps his hands behind him and bows right and left, to the pit and to the gallery. He moves his hand to still the enthusiasts and begins. He has discovered whether there are women present and then in a voice almost inaudible says, "Ladies and Gentlemen. My fellow citizens." The opening sentence is always a striking one. It is spoken in a low tone. Someone in the rear of the hall or at the edge of the crowd says "Louder!" and there are many sounds of "Shu!" McKinley pays no attention to the interruption except to wave one hand again. The voice of the orator becomes stronger and in ten sentences the words ring and reach every corner of the hall. The audience is leaning forward eager to catch every word.

As he proceeds the Major warms. He gesticu

lates with both hands. He hits the air a little to emphasize a point and while his attitude is unstudied it is graceful. He owns the crowd now. It is hypnotized by his eloquence. His hair grows damp with perspiration. Possibly a dark lock will stray over his forehead. It is impatiently brushed back and the sweep of a handkerchief cools the brow. His eyes are flashing fire. His breast heaves with His voice rushes from between his teeth and his lips are compressed as he finishes a word. His tones are pitched in a higher key. There is a metallic tone in the voice and yet it is musical. His bearing is impassioned. He has forgotten self and is regardless of everything but his subject. One

the storm.