CHAPTER XXXI THE NATION STANDS BY THE CHIEF The story of Mr. McKinley's life-work would not be complete, unless a few appreciative words were devoted to the merits of those who assisted him so ably during the dark days of the Spanish-American war, and to the close of his eventful career. The late Hon. John Sherman, of Ohio, the President's first Secretary of State, resigned in 1897 on account of ill health, and was succeeded by Judge William R. Day, of Ohio, Mr. McKinley's special friend, who rendered splendid services to the state department until the end of the Spanish war, when he was appointed head of the peace commission, which concluded the treaty of peace with Spain, on December 10, 1898. The Hon. John Hay, born in Salem, Indiana, Oct. 8, 1838, Abraham Lincoln's assistant private secretary, and of late United States Minister to England, was immediately appointed to succeed Mr. Day. Mr. Hay at once displayed great talent in the art of diplomacy, and his work will go down into history as the most brilliant achievement of any American or foreign diplomat. Among the many important successes none stand out so conspicuously as the HayPauncefote treaty and the American open-door policy and leadership in the recent Chinese disturbance. The appointment of Lyman J. Gage, of Illinois, as Secretary of the Treasury was criticised by some as being a weak one, but his masterly handling of the national finances and of the sound-money question soon convinced the financial world that he was the best selection, and he has undoubtedly proved himself the most popular Secretary. He succeeded himself at the second term of Mr. McKinley's administration, and in all probability will continue to the end of Mr. Roosevelt's term. The first Secretary of War in the Cabinet was the Hon. Russell A. Alger, of Michigan, but he resigned in 1899, when Hon. Elihu Root was chosen as his successor. Mr. Root has shown himself thoroughly competent to discharge the duties of his department. The Hon. John D. Long, of Massachusetts, was the President's choice for the department of the navy for both his first and second terms. Mr. Long's admirable services during the trying days of the Spanish war, and to the present time, deserve the gratitude of his countrymen. Theodore Roosevelt was his assistant secretary, but resigned at the outbreak of hostilities, to organize the famous "Rough Riders." The other members of the cabinet, also, did excellent work and deserve the praise of all the people. Mr. Roosevelt, recognizing the excellent judgment the President showed in selecting his advisers, decided to retain the old cabinet and to continue "absolutely unbroken" the McKinley policy, which augurs well for the future of our nation. Mr. George B. Cortelyou, the President's private secretary, showed great ability and tact in lightening the burden of cares of his chief, displaying extraordinary skill in appeasing office-seekers, and other |