of the State and the authority of its chosen officers, acting within the law, in contempt, should not be permitted to triumph anywhere in Ohio. This State has boasted, and can justly boast, of the virtue and purity of its courts and the uprightness and fairness of its juries. The spirit of lynching is a reflection upon both courts and juries, and all the legally-constituted authorities of the counties and the State as well. If there be a crime so repulsive that the punishment inflicted by existing law is inadequate, let the present General Assembly, by law, promptly increase the penalty. I urge the General Assembly to use all the power at its command to frown upon and stamp out this spirit of lawlessness, which is a reproach upon the State and a shock to our civilization. Lynching must not be tolerated in Ohio."

CHAPTER VIII.

THE LESSONS OF HEROIC LIVES.

McKinley a patriot-Oration-Piety and patriotism-Lessons of heroism--Influences of Chautauqua—A fighting patriot-The grand review-A generous eulogy-Illustrious names.

TH

HE oration before the Chautauqua Assembly, Grand Army Day, Monday, August 26th, 1895, is an example of the simplicity and elevation of McKinley on a patriotic theme-and is worthy of study for purity of style and force of expression.

"ORATION BEFORE THE CHAUTAUQUA ASSEMBLY, ON GRAND ARMY DAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 26TH, 1895.

"Mr. President, Comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, Ladies and Gentlemen: It would have given me pleasure to meet this splendid Chautauqua Assembly at any time, but my gratification is the greater because I am invited to participate with you on the day which you have consecrated to country,

the day you have devoted to patriotism and the memories of the past, with all their precious lessons. What could be more fitting on the part of this association, whose chief objects are to exalt Christianity and promote sound learning, than to set apart a day to the brave men whose service and sacrifice preserved unimpaired the liberties we enjoy, for ourselves and posterity? Piety and patriotism have always been closely allied. My older hearers will recollect the fervent words, and recall with fond affection the matchless voice of dear old Bishop Simpson, who said in 1861: 'Nail the flag just below the cross! That is high enough-Christ and country, nothing can come between nor long prevail against them.' [Applause.]

"The lessons of heroism and sacrifice are not confined to any age or people, nor are they limited to the participants or the survivors, but are for all the people living, or who may come hereafter. Fortunately, in the economy of the Most High, the influence of any duty nobly done, or of courage or devotion in any good cause, is never lost. It strengthens with the ages, blessing and consecrating as the years recede, and inspiring others to suffer, and, if needs be, die for conscience and country. This was the spirit which animated the soldiers of the Revolution and the Rebellion, and distinguished both. They battled neither for commerce nor conquest, but for immortal principles, involving alike human rights and the highest welfare of the human race. What