One of the most interesting features of the present commercial expansion of the United States is the large growth in the exports of iron and steel and goods made of these metals. Aside from the many articles containing considerable iron and steel, but classified under other headings, such as agricultural implements, scientific implements, steamers and sailing vessels sold to foreigners, and many of the articles classed as manufactures of wood, the value of iron and steel exports, not including ore, increased from $57,497,305 to $121,858,344. These exports go to every country on the face of the globe, and include everything from locomotives to cambric needles.

Under the head of steam engines there were exported in 1897 two fire engines, valued at $6,790; 338 locomotives, valued at $3,225,831; 423 stationary engines, valued at $323,438, and boilers and parts of engines. valued at $671,334. In 1900 these exports had grown to four fire engines, valued at $14,915; 525 locomotives, valued at $5,592, 403; 1, 128 stationary engines, valued at $652,976, and boilers and parts of engines to the value of $1,756,199. The exports of electrical machinery were not separately stated in 1897, but in 1900 they amounted to $4,328,917. Laundry machinery, which was not stated separately in 1897, was exported to the value of $7, 193,390 in 1900. The value of sewing machines exported increased from $3,340,241 in 1897 to $4,540,842 in 1900, and the appreciation of American typewriters in foreign countries is shown by the increase in exports from $1,453,117 in 1897 to $2,697,544 in 1900. Despite the fact that many classes of machinery stated separately in 1900 were included under the heading "all other machinery" in

1897, the increase under this latter heading is from $19,771,856 to $21,913,202.

The exports of steel rails, which were largely imported into the United States from England until a comparatively short time ago, have increased largely. In 1897 their value was $2,482,208, and in 1900, $9,218, 144. Of this total, British North America took rails to the value of $2,882,667; Asia and Oceanica, $2,168, and South America, $1,420,625. Europe took rails to the value of $658, 532. The value of exports of wire increased from $2,242,617 to $5,982, 400.

RECIPROCITY.-The growth of American industries and the expansion of our foreign trade have made it evident to thougthful men that a certain re-adjustment of our economic system has become necessary. The President was prompt to perceive this necessity, and in his last journey across the continent in many speeches emphasized the desirability of arriving at such amicable trade relations with other nations as would give us a larger market, without sacrificing the benefits of protection. He realized that in his own party strong influences would oppose any such concessions, but he grappled with the situation and in his last public address made a cogent argument for reciprocity policy.

Whether he would have succeeded in getting this policy adopted before the end of his second term no one can say, but certainly no living American leader was better qualified than William McKinley to conciliate opposition and to bring about arrangements that would be beneficial to the general welfare without injury to our industrial interests.

CHAPTER XV

TRIBUTES TO LINCOLN AND GARFIELD

President McKinley was probably known to more of his countrymen by actual sight and hearing than any other President of the United States has ever been in his time. Early in his career he was in demand as a public speaker, and traveled over a large part of the country. His bearing and delivery were inimitable— easy, yet dignified, lofty, yet pleasing, always thoroughly earnest and carrying proof of personal conviction, and withal so amiable as to win over any unprejudiced listener.

His style was earnestness, clearness and straightfor wardness exemplified, and so direct and simple that no effort was required to follow him through an ordinarily dry discourse. He possessed to perfection the happy faculty of clothing with the magnetic charm of life the cold, practical facts of economic statistics and experience. No wonder his eloquence was always in demand upon memorial and anniversary occasions. Two specimens of his memorial addresses are here presented.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.-The following tribute to Lincoln is from an address delivered by President McKinley before the Unconditional Republican Club, at Albany, N. Y., on February 12, 1895, on the occasion of the observance of the anniversary of President Lincoln's birthday:

"The greatest names in American history are Washington and Lincoln. One is forever associated with the independence of the States and formation of the Federal union; the other with universal freedom and the preservation of the union. Washington enforced the Declaration of Independence as against England; Lincoln proclaimed its fulfillment not only to a downtrodden race in America, but to all people for all time

These

who may seek the protection of our flag. illustrious men achieved grander results for mankind within a single century, from 1775 to 1865, than any other men ever accomplished in all the years since the flight of time first began. Washington engaged in no ordinary revolution; with him it was not who should rule, but what should rule. He drew his sword not for a change of rulers upon an established throne, but to establish a new government which should acknowledge

no throne but the tribune of the people. Lincoln accepted war to save the union, the safeguard of our liberties, and to re-establish it on 'indestructible foundations' as forever 'one and inseparable.' To quote his own grand words: 'Now we are contending that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'

"A noble manhood nobly consecrated to man never dies. The martyr of liberty, the emancipator of a race, the savior of the only free government among men, may be buried from human sight, but his deeds. will live in human gratitude forever.

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"The story of his simple life is the story of the plain, honest citizen, true patriot, and profound statesman who, believing with all the strength of his mighty soul in the institutions of his country, won, because of them, the highest place in its government, then fell a sacrifice to the Union he held so dear and which Providence spared his life long enough to save. meet to-night to do honor to one whose achievements have heightened human aspirations and broadened the field of opportunity to the races of men. While the party with which we stand and for which he stood can justly claim him, and without dispute can boast the distinction of being the first to honor and trust him, his fame has leaped the bounds of party and country and now belongs to mankind and the ages.

"Lincoln had sublime faith in the people. He walked with and among them. He recognized the importance and power of an enlightened public sentiment and was guided by it. Even amid the vicissitudes of war he concealed little from the public view