tions, but I shall cheerfully do everything possible to promote and increase it.

Let me again repeat the words of the oath administered by the Chief Justice, which, in their respective spheres, so far as applicable, I would have all my countrymen observe:

"I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

This is the obligation I have reverently taken before the Lord Most High. To keep it will be my single purpose; my constant prayer-and I shall confidently rely upon the forbearance and assistance of all the people in the discharge of my solemn responsibilities.

CHAPTER XXII.

PRESIDENT MCKINLEY'S LATER DAYS.

Elected and Inaugurated President a Second Time-Triumphal Tour Through the South and the West, ended by Mrs. McKinley's Illness.

T

HE Republican National Convention of 1900, held in Philadelphia from June 19 to 21, unanimously nominated President McKinley as the standard bearer of the party. The hearty action of the Convention was the grandest possible endorsement of the President's first administration. For the second place on the ticket Theodore Roosevelt of New York was nominated.

The campaign that followed the nomination was valiantly fought because of the tactics employed by the opposition. In spite of the heroic efforts of the Democratic party, led by Mr. Bryan, President McKinley carried nearly every northern and western state, receiving a larger popular majority than that of four years before. This

was a magnificent attestation of his popularity among the people.

In a little pavilion midway of the main east door of the capitol and the heroic figure of Washington which faces the great building, William McKinley, on the 4th of March, 1901, for the second time took the oath of office as President of the United States. As with uplifted hand he repeated the formal vow to support the constitution of the republic he looked into the face of Chief Justice Fuller, whose snowy locks and heavy black silk gown made him a statuesque figure in the ceremonial edifice.

Grouped about the President just without the pavilion were the members of the cabinet, foreign diplomats, United States senators, representatives, governors and the distinguished statesmen of the period. The ceremony was performed quickly, however, and before the throng that surged toward the plaza could comprehend what was going on the President became his own successor and was reading his inaugural address. This was marked by a strong patriotic policy and was well received by the nation. The address comprised a reiteration of the policy of his first administration.

A few weeks after the inauguration a tour by the President and his party was planned for the south and far west. As originally planned the

President was to go from Washington to New Orleans, stopping at several cities in the south on the way. Thence to Texas, making short visits at Dallas and Galveston, and possibly stopping at other small cities. The trip across western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and southwestern California was to be hurried, the first important stopping place on the Pacific coast being Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles the party was to go to San Francisco, there to remain several days participating in the launching of the battle-ship Ohio and festivities which had been planned on an elaborate scale. On the north Pacific coast the President was to go to Portland, Seattle and Tacoma. After leaving Puget Sound he was to stop at one or two of the smaller cities in Washington, possibly in Idaho, and then proceed to Helena and Butte in Montana. Thence to the Yellowstone park, entering it on the north and reentering his train on the south side of the park.

The President had never been in the great national park of the country and he was therefore to explore it as thoroughly as he could in two or three days. He was then to be whisked off to Salt Lake City, thence to Denver and Colorado Springs; thence to Topeka and Kansas City. Without making any stops of importance, his train was to be hurried to Duluth, where the President was to embark for a trip down the great lakes for Buffalo.

On the way down he was to stop for some hours at Detroit and at Cleveland, and arrive at Buffalo some time between the 10th and 15th of June, where he was to be the guest of the city and participate in the exercises at the Pan-American exposition on President's day.

The itinerary was begun in the spring as planned, Mrs. McKinley accompanying the President. The President was heartily received throughout the South, gala days being held wherever he stopped.

On reaching the Pacific coast Mrs. McKinley became seriously ill, and for some days her life was in danger. This ended the itinerary, and as soon as she could be safely moved the Presidential party returned home by special train. A rest at the family home in Canton so improved Mrs. McKinley's health that she was able to accompany the President to the Pan-American exposition in September and be present on President's Day at the exposition.