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Memorial Edition

COMPLETE LIFE OF
William McKinley
AND
Story of His Assassination
AN AUTHENTIC AND OFFICIAL MEMORIAL EDITION, CONTAINING EVERY INCIDENT IN THE CAREER OF THE IMMORTAL STATESMAN, SOLDIER, ORATOR AND PATRIOT

BY

MARSHALL EVERETT

The Great Descriptive Writer and Friend of the Martyr President

PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH FULL-PAGE PHOTOGRAPHS OF

THE ASSASSINATION SCENE

Portraits of President McKinley, His Cabinet, Famous Men of His Administration and Vivid Life-Like Pictures of Eventful Scenes in His Great and Grand Career

Copyright 1901 by Marshall Everett

OUR MARTYR PRESIDENTS.

PREFACE.

No figure of modern American history appeals so strongly to the patriotism and love of the American people as William McKinley, and no volume can have greater interest and value at the present day, or be more dearly prized, than a history of his life in which every event of his great career as a noble youth, a gallant soldier, an able lawyer, a brilliant orator, a grand statesman, a brave patriot and an heroic martyr is set forth accurately, and in a spirit of love and reverence.

The author of this memorial edition has produced exactly the volume described.

In graphic words he has described the assassination of President McKinley. It is a word picture that will linger forever in the memory of every reader, calling forth sympathy and patriotism on behalf of the martyr President and undying contempt and horror of the assassin and the foul and cowardly thing called anarchy. Every detail of that now historic scene is told so vividly that the reader sees it as if he were an eye-witness.

McKinley’s gallant fight for life, his cheerfulness, his patience, his tender solicitude for his invalid wife, his trust in God and all the beautiful attributes of his grand Christian spirit are recorded with fidelity to truth and a just appreciation of the nobility of such a grand character.

Nothing in history is more touching and beautiful than the author’s description of the death-bed scene of President McKinley—the tender parting of devoted husband and loving, clinging wife, and the noble resignation of the dying man to the will of the Creator as expressed in the last words he uttered, addressed to his sorrowing wife: “God’s will, not ours, be done!”

Another chapter describes the efforts of surgical and medical science to save and prolong the life so dear to the nation.

With the closing of the last chapters of that fearful scene at Buffalo, the painless death and the national funeral services, the author takes up the boyhood life of William McKinley and follows it step by step, up, up and ever upward to the very summit of his greatness when he fell a martyr to liberty and lawful government.

His early Christian training by his noble mother—“Mother McKinley” as the whole nation learned to call her—who lived to see her boy in the White House, and all the events which went to shape his character are depicted with interest.

Next in order is his career as a soldier in the Civil War—in which the author gives every thrilling incident and exciting experience in which William McKinley figured during that great struggle. Later, it is told how in after years he did so much to reunite the sections of his country and wipe out all bitter memory of that war between brothers.

As a congressman, governor and President, nothing is omitted in this history that is a part of the life of this great American statesman. The history of his campaigns and administrations is given in full, together with his management of the Spanish war, the policy of expansion, the growth of national commerce and all the other great achievements and policies that were a part of his life work.

In other words, this volume is exactly what it purports to be, a COMPLETE life of William McKinley.

The beautiful illustrations in this volume have been made from actual photographs, and reproduced by the well-known half-tone process. There are hundreds of scenes of interest in the life, death and funeral of President McKinley. The pictures of the assassination, the death-bed scene and the places and people of the great tragedy are true to life in every particular and have an historic interest and value for every American citizen.

This volume is in every respect truly a memorial edition of the Complete Life of William McKinley, whose memory will ever remain in the minds of loyal Americans inseparably associated with his two fellow martyr-Presidents, Lincoln and Garfield, and the record of whose patriotic and noble life is contained herein.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT McKINLEY.
A graphic and vivid description of the Shooting of the President by Leon Czolgosz, an Anarchist, at the Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo—Two shots fired from a derringer concealed by the assassin under a handkerchief which looked like a bandage—Different accounts by eye-witnesses—Assassin seized by James F. Parker, a colored man—Saved from the mob by the President’s words, “Let no one hurt him”—Scenes among the horror-stricken crowds in the Temple of Music—The President taken on a gallop to the Emergency Hospital—Description of his wounds—How the great man bore the ordeal[33]
CHAPTER II.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY’S FIGHT FOR LIFE.
The fateful week at the house of President Milburn of the Exposition where President McKinley lay wounded—His coolness, bravery and cheerfulness—Physicians and country hopeful—President shows signs of recovery—How he was nourished—Scenes in the President’s apartment—His sudden relapse—Hopes of the nation dashed by the news[41]
CHAPTER III.
DEATHBED SCENE OF PRESIDENT McKINLEY.
Friends and officials called back—President regains consciousness after first relapse—Pathetic parting between the President and Mrs. McKinley—The farewell Kiss—“God’s will, not ours, be done,” his last words to her—“Nearer My God to Thee”—Dr. Rixey remains to the end—Unconscious for hours before dissolution—A Christian deathbed scene that will remain forever, a beautiful and inspiring memory[57]
CHAPTER IV.
THE STORY OF THE ASSASSIN.
Description of Czolgosz the assassin—A Pole by birth—Boasted that he was an Anarchist and believed in killing the rulers of all nations—Became an Anarchist under the teachings of Emma Goldman—How and why he went to Buffalo—Followed the President for three days seeking an opportunity to kill him—A monstrous confession—His father and mother found in Cleveland—Poor and ignorant, but nothing known against them—People who knew the assassin tell of his belonging to Anarchist clubs and always preaching Anarchy[65]
CHAPTER V.
EMMA GOLDMAN, WOMAN LEADER OF ANARCHISTS.
Description of the woman from whom the assassin learned the teachings of Anarchy—Text of Emma Goldman’s speech which Czolgosz says inflamed him to commit assassination—Emma Goldman’s career as an Anarchist in New York and Europe—Her arrest in Chicago—Arrest of the “Free Society” branch of Anarchists in Chicago[76]
CHAPTER VI.
ANARCHISM AND ITS OBJECTS.
Definition of anarchy—No two Anarchists agree—Some of the leaders who have talked, written and acted anarchy in this country and in Europe—A hellish doctrine that has caused many of the world’s greatest men to fall by the hands of assassins—Complete history of anarchy from Proudhon to the present day—Review of anarchistic agitation and murder—Story of the Haymarket assassinations in Chicago[89]
CHAPTER VII.
SCENES AT BUFFALO FOLLOWING THE ASSASSINATION.
Wild anger of the people at the appalling crime—How the assassin was guarded against the popular wrath—Grief and anger mingled—The location of the Milburn house—The President’s clothes—What he had in his pockets—Senator Hanna’s remarkable dream of warning—The devotion of Private Secretary Cortelyou[99]
CHAPTER VIII.
DAYS OF ANXIETY AND SORROW.
How the American people watched and waited, hoped and prayed while the President lay ill—All the civilized world shared in the sorrow and anxiety—World-wide grief at the President’s death—Rulers of the world eulogize the dead President—Their messages of sympathy[107]
CHAPTER IX.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY’S LAST SPEECH.
Greatest speech ever made by the President delivered on the day before the assassination—World-wide in its influence and uniting the American people in praise of his wise statesmanship—Great honors shown the nation’s chief on the day before his assassination—Events of a day to be memorable in American history[115]
CHAPTER X.
WILLIAM McKINLEY’S BOYHOOD.
His Scotch-Irish ancestry—His sturdy sire, William McKinley, Sr.—The Christian influence of Mother McKinley, who lived to see her boy in the White House—Early occupations of the future President—Supporter of Fremont and Lincoln—Early days at Niles and Poland, Ohio[123]
CHAPTER XI.
McKINLEY AS A SOLDIER IN THE CIVIL WAR.
Enlisted as a private and won a commission by gallant and heroic conduct—Under fire at Antietam and other historic battles—Promoted by General, afterwards President, Hayes—Brave and modest—Stories of his experiences in battle[129]
CHAPTER XII.
McKINLEY IN CONGRESS.
Elected in the Centennial year—Soon gave evidence of legislative ability—Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and leader of his party in the Lower House of Congress—Fourteen years of memorable work—Some of his memorable speeches and debates—How his district was “gerrymandered” in order to defeat him—A marvelous legislative record[141]
CHAPTER XIII.
McKINLEY’S LIFE WAS PROTECTION’S ERA.
First champion of Protection for Protection’s sake—Made his policy the policy of his party and the nation—Growth of the country’s industry—His last speech substituted Reciprocity for Protection[161]
CHAPTER XIV.
McKINLEY AS GOVERNOR OF OHIO.
Twice chosen as chief executive of his state—First nomination by acclamation—A campaign that carried the people with him—Governor McKinley and the labor troubles—Always stood for law and order and sympathized with honest labor[169]
CHAPTER XV.
McKINLEY AS A CAMPAIGNER.
His winning personality in politics—Believed in the people and knew how to convert men to his way of thinking—His methods of campaigning—His wonderful knowledge of politics—Campaigns of education—McKinley a wonderful speech-maker—Talks to workingmen and business men on the lawn at Canton[177]
CHAPTER XVI.
GOVERNOR McKINLEY’S FINANCIAL TROUBLES.
In trying to assist a friend his small fortune is swept away—Governor McKinley and his wife turn over all of their property to meet his obligation—Friends come to the rescue and he is relieved from owing any man a cent—The story of how W. R. Day, H. H. Kohlsaat, Myron T. Herrick and Marcus A. Hanna stood by Governor McKinley in his hour of need—Governor McKinley’s attitude above criticism[185]
CHAPTER XVII.
McKINLEY’S LOYALTY TO SHERMAN, BLAINE AND HARRISON.
Friendship between three great statesmen—McKinley always an enthusiastic Blaine man—His honorable attitude toward the Ohio statesman—Thrilling scene in a National convention when delegates attempt to stampede to McKinley—How he stopped his own nomination for President and brought about the nomination of General Harrison by acclamation[189]
CHAPTER XVIII.
FIRST NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT.
The sentiment of the people strong for McKinley’s nomination in 1896—The other candidates—History of the great National Republican Convention at St. Louis in 1896—Foraker set the delegates wild with his speech nominating McKinley—First ballot secures his nomination—Historic political scenes and characters—Hobart named for the second place[195]
CHAPTER XIX.
THE GREAT CAMPAIGN OF 1896.
Men and issues of a memorable national campaign—William Jennings Bryan as McKinley’s opponent—Gold vs. Silver—How the issues were stated by leading debaters—Bryan’s speech-making tour—Pilgrimages of the people to Canton—McKinley receives thousands of voters at his home[213]
CHAPTER XX.
THE SPANISH WAR CLOUD.
How President McKinley exhausted every means in his power to honorably settle the Cuban trouble and avert war with Spain—Brief history of the causes leading to the war with Spain—Wisdom and patriotism of President McKinley—A war for humanity[221]
CHAPTER XXI.
McKINLEY’S OWN STORY OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
In a celebrated state paper the President reviews the entire history of the Spanish war—His able conduct of the war—Every great historical detail of the struggle for humanity set forth by President McKinley—An historical document that will remain forever as a true record of President McKinley’s humane and wise statesmanship[227]
CHAPTER XXII.
McKINLEY AND EXPANSION.
Great amount of territory acquired by the United States under President McKinley—The story of American expansion—President’s policy toward the people of our new possessions—The greatness of President McKinley’s Expansion policy—What it meant to the nation[251]
CHAPTER XXIII.
SECOND PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF McKINLEY.
Complete history of the Philadelphia convention of 1900—McKinley’s renomination a foregone conclusion—Senator Wolcott’s great eulogy of President McKinley—Theodore Roosevelt named for Vice-President[263]
CHAPTER XXIV.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY AND THE CHINESE CRISIS.
Prompt action by the President following the boxer uprising—Cause of the trouble—The siege of Peking—The United States joins the powers to rescue the besieged legations—China appeals to the United States to prevent the powers from dividing the Empire—President McKinley’s attitude results in a just settlement of the trouble—A remarkable chapter on President McKinley’s wise diplomacy[271]
CHAPTER XXV.
McKINLEY: BUILDER OF A WORLD POWER.
A complete history of the foreign policy of President McKinley during his two administrations—How he built up the nation to be one of the great powers of the world—The master work of his life was in giving the United States its proper place in the family of nations—Results that will rank with those of Washington and Lincoln in adding to the greatness of the American nation[281]
CHAPTER XXVI.
PRIVATE LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY.
A model son and husband—His courtship of Ida Saxton—Their marriage—Two children bless the union, only to die in infancy—Mrs. McKinley’s health shattered—The “Major’s” devotion to his invalid wife—William McKinley, the highest type of American manhood, and a model for every American boy and man[293]
CHAPTER XXVII.
McKINLEY’S EULOGY OF LINCOLN.
Full text of an address delivered by President McKinley on President Lincoln’s Birthday anniversary[298]
CHAPTER XXVIII.
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE.
The new President sworn in at Buffalo—A simple ceremony tinged with the gloom of tragedy—Biography of President Roosevelt, soldier, author, statesman—A review of one of the most remarkable careers in history[304]
CHAPTER XXIX.
GREAT EVENTS OF THE WORLD DURING PRESIDENT McKINLEY’S ADMINISTRATION.
A chapter of happenings of world-wide importance, many of which were influenced by the late President[321]
CHAPTER XXX.
THE FUNERAL SERVICE AT BUFFALO.
Private funeral of William McKinley, the man and citizen, held at the Milburn house—Touching scenes of last farewell—Simple but beautiful services[330]
CHAPTER XXXI.
LYING IN STATE AT BUFFALO.
Body of the President viewed by thousands in the city hall—All classes of people present—Italian women remove the shawls from their heads—Indians drop flowers on the casket—Eloquent tributes of Indian chiefs—Thousands brave a storm and drenching rain to gaze on the features of the nation’s beloved dead[339]
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE FUNERAL TRAIN TO WASHINGTON.
Thousands line the route—Bells toll, choral societies sing, people stand uncovered and reverently bow their heads as the train passes—Outward signs and emblems of a nation’s grief such as were never before witnessed in the world—Complete story of the journey to the National Capital[345]
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE LAST NIGHT IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
President’s body taken to the White House from the funeral train—Awe-inspiring scenes at the station—President McKinley’s happy departure for Buffalo recalled—Body placed in the great East Room[349]
CHAPTER XXXIV.
FUNERAL SERVICES AND PROCESSION AT WASHINGTON.
National funeral services held in the rotunda of the Capitol, directly under the dome—Body brought from the White House—Description of the procession—Rev. Dr. Naylor’s eloquent prayer—Bishop Andrews’ funeral sermon[357]
CHAPTER XXXV.
LYING IN STATE AT THE CAPITOL.
Crowds throng the Capitol building at Washington for a last look at the martyr-President—Complete description of the scene—A panic caused by immense crush—Beautiful floral designs—The last day at the seat of national government[367]
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE ASSASSIN ARRAIGNED.
While the President’s body was lying in state in the National Capitol, the assassin was arraigned in court and attorneys enter plea of “not guilty”—Text of the indictment[375]
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE SAD JOURNEY TO CANTON.
Route of the funeral train from the National Capital to the Ohio home lined with mourners—Journey through Maryland and Pennsylvania—Touching incidents on the way—Through Ohio—Arrival at Canton, a city of sorrow[381]
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
CANTON BATHED IN TEARS.
How the people of Canton received the body of their fellow townsman—Grief in every heart[387]
CHAPTER XXXIX.
FUNERAL SERVICES IN ALL CHURCHES.
First Sunday after the death of President McKinley—All sects and creeds unite in eulogy—Sad and impressive scenes[395]
CHAPTER XL.
CANTON’S FAREWELL TO McKINLEY.
Friends and neighbors take their last view of the dead President—Many pathetic and beautiful incidents mark the final leave-taking[404]
CHAPTER XLI.
McKINLEY LAID AT REST.
Complete account of the funeral and burial of President McKinley—Beautiful and impressive ceremonies—Soldiers guard the tomb[415]
CHAPTER XLII.
NATION OBSERVES BURIAL DAY.
Services held in every part of the United States—The old world joins in observing McKinley’s burial day—Five minutes of silence[425]
CHAPTER XLIII.
ASSASSINATIONS OF LINCOLN AND GARFIELD.
Complete story of the manner in which our other two martyr-presidents were shot down by assassins[431]

NOTABLE ASSASSINATIONS AND ATTEMPTS OF RECENT TIMES.

George III. of England, attempt by Margaret Nicholson on August 2, 1786, and by James Hatfield on May 15, 1800.

Napoleon I. of France, attempt by use of an infernal machine on December 24, 1800.

Czar Paul of Russia, killed by nobles of his court on March 24, 1801.

Spencer Percival, Premier of England, killed by Bellingham on May 11, 1812.

George IV. of England, attempt on January 28, 1817.

August Kotzebue of Germany, killed by Earl Sand for political motives on March 23, 1819.

Charles duc de Berri, killed on February 13, 1820.

Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, attempt on January 30, 1835.

Louis Philippe of France, six attempts: By Fieschi, on July 28, 1835; by Alibaud, on June 25, 1836; by Miunier, on December 27, 1836; by Darmos, on October 16, 1840; by Lecompte, on April 14, 1846; by Henry, on July 19, 1846.

Denis Afire, Archbishop of Paris, on June 27, 1848.

Rossi, Comte Pellegrino, Roman statesman, on November 15, 1848.

Frederick William IV. of Prussia, attempt by Sofelage on May 22, 1850.

Francis Joseph of Austria, attempt by Libenyi on February 18, 1853.

Ferdinand, Charles III., Duke of Parma, on March 27, 1854.

Isabella II. of Spain, attempts by La Riva on May 4, 1847; by Merino on February 2, 1852; by Raymond Fuentes on May 28, 1856.

Napoleon III., attempts by Pianori on April 28, 1855; by Bellemarre on September 8, 1855; by Orsini and others (France) on January 14, 1858.

Daniel, Prince of Montenegro, on August 13, 1860.

Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, at Ford’s Theater, Washington, by John Wilkes Booth, on the evening of April 14; died on April 15, 1865.

Michael, Prince of Servia, on June 10, 1868.

Prim, Marshal of Spain, on December 28; died on December 30, 1870.

George Darboy, Archbishop of Paris, by communists, on May 24, 1871.

Richard, Earl of Mayo, Governor General of India, by Shere Ali, a convict, in Andaman Islands, on February 8, 1872.

Amadeus, Duke of Aosta, when King of Spain, attempt on July 19, 1872.

Prince Bismarck, attempt by Blind on May 7, 1866; by Kullman on July 13, 1874.

Abdul Aziz, Sultan of Turkey, on June 4, 1876.

Hussein Avni and other Turkish Ministers, by Hassan, a Circassian officer, on June 15, 1876.

William I. of Prussia and Germany, attempts by Oscar Becker on July 14, 1861; by Hodel on May 11, 1878; by Dr. Nobiling on June 2, 1878.

Mehemet Ali, Pasha, by Albanians on September 7, 1878.

Lord Lytton, Viceroy of India, attempt by Busa on December 12, 1878.

Alfonso XII. of Spain, attempts by J. O. Moncasi on October 25, 1878; by Francisco Otero Gonzalez on December 30, 1879.

Loris Melikoff, Russian General, attempt on March 4, 1880.

Bratiano, Premier of Roumania, attempt by J. Pietraro on December 14, 1880.

Alexander II. of Russia, attempts by Karakozow at St. Petersburg on April 16, 1866; by Berezowski at Paris on June 6, 1867; by Alexander Solovieff on April 14, 1879; by undermining a railway train on December 1, 1879; by explosion of Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, on February 17, 1880; killed by explosion of a bomb thrown by a man who was himself killed, St. Petersburg, on March 13, 1881.

James A. Garfield, President of the United States, shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881.

Mayor Carter H. Harrison of Chicago, shot by Prendergast on October 28, 1893.

Marie Francois Carnot, President of France, stabbed mortally at Lyons by Cesare Santo, an Anarchist, on Sunday, June 24, 1894.

Stanislaus Stambuloff, ex-Premier of Bulgaria, killed by four persons, armed with revolvers and knives, on July 25, 1895.

Nasr-ed-din, Shah of Persia, was assassinated on May 1, 1896, as he was entering a shrine near his palace. The man who shot him was disguised as a woman and is believed to have been the tool of a band of conspirators. He was caught and suffered the most horrible death that Persian ingenuity could invent.

Antonio Canovas del Castillo, Prime Minister of Spain, shot to death by Michel Angolillo, alias Golli, an Italian Anarchist, at Santa Agueda, Spain, while going to the baths, on August 8, 1897.

Juan Idiarte Borda, President of Uruguay, killed on August 25, 1897, at Montevideo by Avelino Arredondo, officer in Uruguayan army.

President Diaz, attempt in the City of Mexico by M. Arnulfo on September 20, 1897.

Jose Maria Reyna Barrios, President of Guatemala, killed at Guatemala City on February 8, 1898, by Oscar Solinger.

Empress Elizabeth of Austria, stabbed by Luchini, a French-Italian Anarchist, at Geneva, Switzerland, on September 10, 1898.

William Goebel, Democratic claimant to the Governorship of Kentucky, shot by a person unknown on Tuesday, January 30, 1900, while on his way to the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky.

Humbert, King of Italy, shot to death on July 29, 1900, at Monza, Italy, by Angelo Bresci.

Albert Edward, then Prince of Wales, now King of England, attempt by Brussels Anarchist on April 4, 1900.

William McKinley, President of the United States, shot at Buffalo on September 6, 1901. Died September 14, 1901.

Chronology
OF
President William McKinley

Born Niles, Ohio, January 29, 1843.

School-teacher, Poland, Ohio, 1860.

Enlisted Union Army June, 1861.

Second Lieutenant September 24, 1862.

First Lieutenant February 7, 1863.

Captain July 25, 1864.

Brevet Major for gallantry, 1865.

Admitted to the Ohio bar 1867.

Elected state’s attorney 1869.

Elected first to Congress 1876.

Re-elected 1878, 1880, 1882, 1884 to 1890.

Elected Governor of Ohio 1891.

Re-elected Governor of Ohio 1893.

Elected President United States 1896.

Re-elected President United States 1900.

Shot by an assassin September 6, 1901.

Died Buffalo, N. Y., September 14, 1901.

CHARACTERISTIC POSE OF PRESIDENT McKINLEY.

PRESIDENT McKINLEY AND HIS WAR CABINET OF 1898.

PRESIDENT, WM. McKINLEY.

MRS. WILLIAM McKINLEY.

MR. AND MRS. McKINLEY AND THEIR HOME AT CANTON, OHIO.

MRS. McKINLEY, MOTHER OF THE PRESIDENT.

Copyright by Clinedinst, Washington, the President’s Photographer.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY TAKING AN AFTERNOON DRIVE.

WILLIAM McKINLEY IN HIS CANTON HOME.

MISS HELEN McKINLEY.

Copyright, 1901, by Clinedinst, Washington, Photographer to the President.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY IN HIS LIBRARY.

PRESIDENT McKINLEY AND MARSHALL EVERETT IN CONSULTATION DURING THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

HEARSE BEARING PRESIDENT McKINLEY’S REMAINS PASSING THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C.

U. S. MARINES IN THE McKINLEY FUNERAL PROCESSION, WASHINGTON, D. C.

U. S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES IN THE McKINLEY FUNERAL PROCESSION, WASHINGTON, D. C.

PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

BUILDING IN WHICH PRESIDENT McKINLEY WAS SHOT, TEMPLE OF MUSIC, PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION, BUFFALO, N. Y.

LEON CZOLGOSZ, THE ASSASSIN OF PRESIDENT McKINLEY.

ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT McKINLEY.

... The Life ...

OF

President William McKinley

CHAPTER I.
THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT McKINLEY.

On Friday, September 6, 1901, the blackest Friday in American history, the American people were shocked and stunned by the news that their beloved President, William McKinley, had been shot down by a cowardly assassin, while attending the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo.

It was like a flash of lightning from a clear sky. The people were stunned into momentary silence. The sign of grief was on the face of every loyal American, and the hearts of the people beat as one in sympathy for the stricken chief.

The horror of the tragic event grew when it was learned that the assassin was an anarchist, and not an insane man as was first supposed.

Then came the full realization that the murderous bullet of the assassin was aimed not only at the foremost citizen of the Republic, but that the Red Thing called Anarchy had raised its blood-stained hand against government, against all peaceable authority and law. It was a blow struck at all the institutions of society that men hold dear and sacred.

With that wonderful self-control that distinguishes the American people, loyal citizens restrained the rising passion in their breasts, and their suppressed rage was further held in check by the word of hope which followed that the President was yet alive.

Alas! it was but a hope, destined to linger but a few days.

The scene of the assassination was the Temple of Music, at the Exposition grounds. The day previous was President’s day at the Exposition, and President McKinley had delivered what many believed to be the greatest speech of his life. Praises for his wisdom and statesmanship were ringing around the world.

On the fateful day the President attended the Exposition as a visitor, and in the afternoon held a reception in the Temple of Music.

The reception to the President was one to which the general public had been invited. President John G. Milburn of the Exposition had introduced the President to the great crowd in the Temple, and men, women and children came forward for a personal greeting.

Among those in line was Leon Czolgosz, whose right hand was wrapped in a handkerchief. Folded in the handkerchief was a 32–caliber self-acting revolver holding five bullets.

A little girl was led up by her father and the President shook hands with her. As she passed along to the right the President looked after her smilingly and waved his hand in a pleasant adieu.

Next in line came a boyish-featured man about 26 years old, preceded by a short Italian who leaned backward against the bandaged hand of his follower. The officers, who attended the President, noted this man, their attention being first attracted by the Italian, whose dark, shaggy brows and black mustache caused the professional protectors to regard him with suspicion.

The man with the bandaged hand and innocent face received no attention from the detectives beyond the mental observation that his right hand was apparently injured, and that he would present his left hand to the President.

The Italian stood before the palm bower. He held the President’s right hand so long that the officers stepped forward to break the clasp, and make room for the man with the bandaged hand, who extended the left hand towards the President’s right.

THE FATAL SHOTS.

The President smiled and presented his right hand in a position to meet the left of the approaching man. Hardly a foot of space intervened between the bodies of the two men. Before their hands met two pistol shots rang out, and the President turned slightly to the left and reeled.

The bandage on the hand of the tall, innocent looking young man had concealed a revolver. He had fired through the bandage without removing any portion of the handkerchief.

The first bullet entered too high for the purpose of the assassin, who had fired again as soon as his finger could move the trigger.

On receiving the first shot President McKinley lifted himself on his toes with something of a gasp. His movement caused the second shot to enter just below the navel. With the second shot the President doubled slightly forward and then sank back. Secret Service Detective Geary caught the President in his arms and President Milburn helped to support him.

ASKS IF HE IS SHOT.

When the President fell into the arms of Detective Geary he coolly asked: “Am I shot?”

Geary unbuttoned the President’s vest, and, seeing blood, replied: “I fear you are, Mr. President.”

It had all happened in an instant. Almost before the noise of the second shot sounded a negro waiter, James F. Parker, leaped upon the assassin, striking him a terrific blow and crushing him to the floor. Soldiers of the United States artillery detailed at the reception sprang upon them, and he was surrounded by a squad of exposition police and secret service detectives. Detective Gallagher seized Czolgosz’s hand, tore away the handkerchief and took the revolver.

The artillerymen, seeing the revolver in Gallagher’s hand, rushed at the assassin and handled him rather roughly. Meanwhile Detective Ireland and the negro held the assassin, endeavoring to shield him from the attacks of the infuriated artillerymen and the blows of the policemen’s clubs.

Supported by Detective Geary and President of the Exposition Milburn, and surrounded by Secretary George B. Cortelyou and half a dozen exposition officials, the President was assisted to a chair. His face was white, but he made no outcry.

When the second shot struck the President he sank back with one hand holding his abdomen, the other fumbling at his breast. His eyes were open and he was clearly conscious of all that had transpired. He looked up into President Milburn’s face and gasped: “Cortelyou,” the name of his private secretary. The President’s secretary bent over him. “Cortelyou,” said the President, “my wife, be careful about her; don’t let her know.”

Moved by a paroxysm he writhed to the left and then his eyes fell on the prostrate form of the assassin, Czolgosz, lying on the floor bloody and helpless beneath the blows of the guard.

The President raised his right hand, red with his own blood, and placed it on the shoulder of his secretary. “Let no one hurt him,” he gasped, and sank back in the chair, while the guards carried Czolgosz out of his sight.

The ambulance from the exposition hospital was summoned immediately and the President, still conscious, sank upon the stretcher. Secretary Cortelyou and Mr. Milburn rode with him in the ambulance, and in nine minutes after the shooting the President was awaiting the arrival of surgeons, who had been summoned from all sections of the city, and by special train from Niagara Falls.

The President continued conscious and conversed with Mr. Cortelyou and Mr. Milburn on his way to the hospital. “I am sorry,” he said, “to have been the cause of trouble to the exposition.”

Three thoughts had found expression with the President—first, that the news should be kept from his wife; second, that the would-be assassin should not be harmed; and, third, regret that the tragedy might hurt the exposition.

The news that the President had been shot passed across the exposition grounds with almost incredible speed, and the crowd around the Temple grew until it counted 50,000 persons. This big crowd followed the ambulance respectfully to the hospital, then divided itself into two parts, one anxious to learn the condition of the President and to catch every rumor that came from the hospital; the other eager to find the assassin and to punish him.

Certain it is that if the officials had not used remarkable diligence in taking Czolgosz out of the way of the crowd he would have been mobbed and beaten to death.

Czolgosz had been carried into a side room at the northwest corner of the Temple. There he was searched, but nothing was found upon him except a letter relating to lodging. The officers washed the blood from his face and asked him who he was and why he had tried to kill the President. He made no answer at first, but finally gave the name of Nieman. He offered no explanation of the deed except that he was an Anarchist and had done his duty.

A detail of exposition guards was sent for a company of soldiers. A carriage was summoned. South of the Temple a space had been roped off. The crowd tore out the iron stanchion holding the ropes and carried the ropes to the flagpole standing near by on the esplanade.

“Lynch him,” cried a hundred voices, and a start was made for one of the entrances of the Temple. Soldiers and police beat back the crowd. Guards and people were wrangling, shouting and fighting.

In this confusion, Czolgosz, still bleeding, his clothes torn, and scarcely able to walk, was led out by Captain James F. Vallaly, chief of the exposition detectives; Commandant Robinson, and a squad of secret service men.

Czolgosz was thrown into a carriage and three detectives jumped in with him. Captain Vallaly jumped on the driver’s seat and lashed the horses into a gallop.

Six doctors were at the President’s side within thirty seconds after his arrival at the hospital, among them the President’s family physician, Dr. P. M. Rixey. Dr. Roswell Park, a surgeon of national reputation, was summoned from Niagara Falls, where he was performing an operation, and Dr. Herman Mynter arrived soon after.

The surgeons consulted and hesitated about performing an operation. The President reassured them by expressing his confidence, but no decision was reached when Dr. Mann of the exposition hospital staff arrived. After another consultation Dr. Mann informed the President that an operation was necessary.

“All right,” replied the President. “Go ahead. Do whatever is proper.”

The anesthetic administered was ether, and for two and a half hours the President was under the influence of this.

The wound in the breast proved to be only a flesh wound. The bullet struck a button and was somewhat deflected. It entered the middle of the breast above the breast bone, but did not penetrate far. When the President was undressed for the operation the bullet fell from his clothing upon the table.

The second and serious wound was a bullet hole in the abdomen, about five inches below the left nipple and an inch and a half to the left of the median line. The bullet which caused that wound penetrated both the interior and posterior walls of the stomach, going completely through that organ.

It was found also that as a consequence of the perforation the stomach fluid had circulated about the abdominal cavity.

Further examination disclosed that the hole made by the entrance of the bullet was small and clean cut, while that on the other side of the stomach was large and ragged.

A five-inch incision was made and through that aperture the physicians were enabled to turn the organ about so as to suture the larger bullet hole. After that had been sewed the abdominal cavity was washed with a salt solution.

The operation performed on President McKinley at the emergency hospital left no need for a second operation to follow it almost immediately. Dr. Mann, who performed the operation, had for his first assistant Dr. Herman Mynter. His second assistant was Dr. John Parmenter. His third assistant was Dr. Lee of St. Louis, who happened to be on the exposition grounds at the time of the tragedy, and placed his services at the disposal of the President. Dr. Nelson W. Wilson noted the time of the operation, and took notes. Dr. Eugene Wasdin of the marine hospital gave the anesthetic. Dr. Rixey arrived at the latter part of the operation, and held the light. Dr. Park arrived at the close of the operation. It was Dr. Mann who wielded the knife.

The operation lasted almost an hour. A cut about five inches long was made. It was found necessary to turn up the stomach of the President in order to trace the course of the bullet. The bullet’s opening in the front wall of the stomach was small and it was carefully closed with sutures, after which a search was made for the hole in the back wall of the stomach.

This hole, where the bullet went out of the stomach, was larger than the hole in the front wall of the stomach; in fact, it was a wound over an inch in diameter, jagged and ragged. It was sewed up in three layers. This wound was larger than the wound where the bullet entered the stomach, because the bullet, in its course, forced tissues through ahead of it.

In turning up the stomach, an act that was absolutely necessary, and was performed by Dr. Mann with rare skill, the danger was that some of the contents of the stomach might go into the abdominal cavity, and as a result cause peritonitis. It so happened that there was little in the President’s stomach at the time of the operation. Moreover, subsequent developments tended to show that this feature of the operation was successful and that none of the contents of the stomach entered the abdominal cavity. If any of the contents had entered the cavity the probability is that peritonitis would have set in.

The weapon used by the assassin proved to be a five-barreled double-action revolver of 32 caliber. Every chamber contained a bullet, and three remained in the weapon after the shooting.

It was at first reported that the weapon was a derringer, but this proved to be incorrect.

Many of the accounts of the assassination vary in detail, which is quite natural under the excitement of the moment, and the fact that no two persons see and hear alike. One account, given by an eye-witness, which differs in some respects from the one with which this chapter begins, is as follows:

“It was about four o’clock, near the close of the reception in the Temple of Music, and the President, in his customary cordial manner, was reaching forward, with a pleasant smile, to take the hands of the good-natured crowd that was pushing forward. A six-foot colored man, who proved to be a waiter in the Plaza, named James F. Parker, had just shaken hands with the President and was smiling all over with enjoyment, when suddenly, behind him, pressed forward the slight figure of a smooth-faced but muscular young man, whose eyes were wild and glaring, whose head was drooping, and who seemed to me to have sprung up from the floor, as I had not observed him before. The President took no special notice of him, but simply stooped over to shake his hand, without looking, apparently, at the individual.

“Their palms had hardly touched before I heard two shots in quick succession. A hush and quiet instantly followed. The President straightened up for a moment and stepped back five or six feet. Secretary Cortelyou, who had been standing at his side, burst into tears, and exclaimed, ‘You’re shot!’ The President murmured, ‘Oh, no, it cannot be!’ But Secretary Cortelyou and Mr. Milburn had torn open the President’s vest, and the telltale blood, flowing from the wound in the abdomen, revealed the fearful truth. The President had dropped into a chair and now turned deathly pale. Meanwhile, the other wound in the breast had been uncovered and both Mr. Milburn and Secretary Cortelyou were in tears. The President, seeing their emotion, put up his hand and gently murmured that he was all right, or some reassuring words, and appeared to faint away.

“The Secret Service men, Foster and Ireland, at one bound seized the assassin, before the smoke had cleared away, and, in fact, before the sound of the second shot was heard. The negro, Parker, also turned instantly and confronted Czolgosz, whose right hand was being tightly held behind him by the detectives and whose face was thrust forward. Parker, with his clenched fist, smashed the assassin three times squarely in the face, and was apparently wild to kill the creature, while all the crowd of artillerymen, policemen, and others, also set upon the object of their wrath.

“The women in the vast audience were hysterical, and the men were little less than crazy. The transformation from the scene of smiles and gladness of a moment before, to the wild, rushing, mighty roar of an infuriated crowd, was simply awful. The police and military at once set about the task of clearing the building, which they accomplished with amazing celerity and good judgment, considering the fact that a crowd of 50,000 at the outside was pressing into the entrance.”

A third narrative is still somewhat different. The narrator recites that the President, after he had been shot, was calm, seemed to grow taller, and had a look of half reproach and half indignation in his eyes as he turned and started toward a chair unassisted. Then Secretary Cortelyou and Mr. Milburn went to his help. Secret Service Agent S. R. Ireland and George F. Foster had grappled with the assassin, but, quicker than both, was a gigantic negro, James F. Parker, a waiter in a restaurant in the Plaza, who had been standing behind Czolgosz, awaiting an opportunity, in joyous expectation, to shake the President’s hand. He stood there, six feet four inches tall, with two hundred and fifty pounds of muscular enthusiasm, grinning happily, until he heard the pistol shots. With one quick shift of his clenched fist he knocked the pistol from the assassin’s hand. With another he spun the man around like a top, and, with a third, he broke Czolgosz’s nose. A fourth split the assassin’s lip and knocked out several teeth, and when the officers tore him away from Parker the latter, crying like a baby, exclaimed, “Oh, for only ten seconds more!”

CHAPTER II.
McKINLEY’S FIGHT FOR LIFE.

The courage exhibited on the battlefield, when the whole being is aroused and the nerves are tingling with a thrill of excitement, is worthy of the highest praise, but to show fortitude and resigned courage in a battle for life, when the approach of death is heralded by unfailing signs, requires a hero. Such was the lamented Chief Executive in the trying hours following the attack of the assassin. Few of those about President McKinley on that memorable day expected to see him survive the night.

Prompt work on the part of the surgeons and a rugged constitution prevailed over wounds considered mortal. The President was under the care of the most skillful practitioners, who were encouraged by the favorable turn, and they, by their bulletins, which were full of hopefulness and buoyancy, led the nation and the entire world to believe that their distinguished patient would soon be back at his desk. All realized the gravity of the situation; nevertheless few anticipated any but a favorable outcome.

Beginning on the eventful Friday night, the official statements sent out were encouraging. While the normal pulse is about 80, the fact that McKinley’s was from 120 to 128 was not considered cause for alarm. In all cases where an operation is undergone, a high pulse follows for some days. During the week the President lay wounded his averaged 120, high under normal conditions, but not alarming in the case of a wounded man.

Dr. P. M. Rixey, the family physician, was the most constant watcher at the bedside of the wounded man. After McKinley had recovered sufficiently to talk, which was on the third day, he would ask regarding the condition of Mrs. McKinley. The assurance that she was bearing up bravely seemed to act beneficially on the President.

Mrs. McKinley was permitted to see her husband daily, but only for a few minutes at a time. As was his wont in former days to cheer his invalid wife, so it was a pleasure for her to show a reciprocal spirit, which she did. The daily meetings were those of true lovers, and every eye in the sick room would be wet ere the parting kiss of the day would be given.

These visits, at all times brief, were still a source of deep satisfaction to the stricken President. The outcome of the struggle vitally interested McKinley, more because of the effect his death would have on his wife and on the nation than for personal reasons.

A man of sterling Christian character, pious and devout, he did not fear death. The end had no terrors for him, but he felt it would leave a void, a vacancy, which none other could fill. The invalid who for 30 years had relied on him alone as her support and protector, her aid and comfort, still needed him. It was parting from her that made him feel reluctant to lay down his life’s work.

Cares of state engrossed little of his attention during that week spent in the Milburn residence. He had builded well, and the dedication, as it were, of his noble edifice of national policy, in which all culminated, was in the memorable speech of the day preceding the fateful Friday. Several times during his last days he smiled upon being complimented for that truly great oration, but he did not live to learn how thoroughly it was appreciated throughout the length and breadth of the land.

Dr. Charles McBurney, the eminent New York specialist, was summoned to Buffalo the evening of the shooting. He did not arrive until Sunday morning, however.

The President passed the first night after the shooting fairly comfortably. His temperature increased from 100° to 100.6° between 1 and 3 a. m., and fears were entertained that peritonitis might set in. The doctors chosen to care for the case—P. M. Rixey, M. B. Mann, Roswell Park, H. Mynter and Eugene Wasdin—were in attendance at the President’s bedside all night, watching carefully each symptom.

At 10:40 p. m. the doctors issued this bulletin: “The President is rallying satisfactorily and is resting comfortably. Temperature, 100.4°; pulse, 124; respiration, 24.”

At 1:30 a. m. the bulletin read: “The President is free from pain and resting well. Temperature, 100.2°; pulse, 120; respiration, 24.”

Saturday, the day following the shooting, was one of grave anxiety. The President, while holding his own, was approaching, so the doctors said, a crisis. It was thought that Sunday would decide what effect the shots fired by Czolgosz would be. Dr. Rixey gave it as his opinion that the President would recover. The other physicians refused to commit themselves, saying that they could not make promises until further developments.

An X-ray apparatus was brought from Thomas A. Edison’s laboratory with which it was intended to locate the bullet which lodged in the back. It was not used. On Sunday morning at 5 o’clock the physicians issued this bulletin: “The President has passed a fairly good night. Pulse, 122; temperature, 102.4°; respiration, 24.”

Sunday proved a rather uneventful day after all. The anticipated crisis did not materialize. The news was good throughout the day. It was not merely negative good news, but news of a distinct improvement. The President’s temperature on Sunday evening was a degree lower than it was during the morning, the pulse was slower and the respiration easier.

Dr. McBurney arrived during the day and held a consultation with the other doctors at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon.

Immediately following the consultation this bulletin was issued: “The President since the last bulletin (3 p. m.) has slept quietly, four hours altogether, since 9 o’clock. His condition is satisfactory to all the physicians present. Pulse, 128; temperature, 101°; respiration, 28.” This bulletin was signed by Drs. Rixey, Mann, Park, Mynter, Wasdin and McBurney.

DR. McBURNEY’S STATEMENT.

Later Dr. McBurney said in an interview:

“The fact that there is no unfavorable symptom is a most favorable sign. What we are all waiting for is the lapse of time without the occurrence of inflammation or septic conditions.

“I want to say right here that in my opinion everything has been done for him that could and should have been done. The case has been most handsomely handled. If he lives he will owe his life to the promptness and skill of the physicians here.

“The question of time is of the greatest importance in a case of this kind. An operation could not have been performed too soon. It was performed in one of the quickest times on record. It will be famous in the history of surgery.”

This report from so eminent a surgeon served to allay all doubts, and the reports sent out from Buffalo cheered millions of Americans, who had spent a sorrowing Sunday. Prayers had gone up for the President from thousands of hearts and their invocations seemed to be answered by a divine Providence.

Telegrams of sympathy and condolence were changed to congratulations over the good tidings. Hopes rose high, and the somber spirits which had pervaded the land for three days changed to those of a brighter hue. Intimate friends were permitted to see the President for a few moments at a time, and each one on leaving the Milburn home brought cheering news. The bulletins were optimistic, and the members of the Cabinet who had been hastily summoned began to discuss returning.

Vice-President Roosevelt had hurried to Buffalo from Vermont. Senator Hanna had come from Cleveland, his home, and Abner McKinley sped from Denver, with Dr. and Mrs. Herman Baer, the latter being the favorite niece of the stricken President. Roosevelt soon departed for the Adirondack regions on a hunting trip. Hanna returned to Cleveland and hopes ran high, for the departure of these men was taken as proof positive that no serious results were apprehended by the corps of physicians.

The President improved so rapidly on Monday that his friends declared he would be able to attend the duties of his office, at least to a moderate extent, within a month. The worst danger was regarded as past, peritonitis seemed no longer probable, and the only cause for fear was the possibility of a sinking spell. The X-ray instrument was still in the house, but had not been used. It was decided by the doctors that so long as the bullet did not prove immediately dangerous, no serious attempt should be made to locate it, much less to remove it. If it were imbedded in a muscle, or was even loose in the abdominal cavity, it was not regarded as likely to cause much trouble for the time being.

There seemed only one contingency which would necessitate its immediate removal; if it should press against the spinal column it might cause paralysis sooner or later, and would have to be removed to save life. This contingency, however, was remote.

The bulletins throughout Monday were hopeful. One said the President has passed a somewhat restless night, sleeping fairly well; and another declared the President’s condition was “becoming more and more satisfactory,” and adding that “untoward incidents are less likely to occur.” One issued at 3 p. m. stated: “The President’s condition steadily improves and he is comfortable, without pain or unfavorable symptoms. Bowel and kidney functions normally performed.”

The last bulletin for the day, issued at 9:30 p. m., said: “The President’s condition continues favorable. Pulse, 112; temperature, 101°; respiration, 27.”

Mrs. McKinley felt so encouraged that she took a drive during the afternoon. She had just left the President, after an interview in which she displayed quite as much fortitude as the President. She seated herself beside his bed and took his hand. They said little. In each other’s eyes they seemed to read what each would say. Then the President remarked quietly: “We must bear up. It will be better for both.”

There were tears in her eyes as Mrs. McKinley bowed her head in assent. Soon afterward Dr. Rixey lead her gently from the room.

Mrs. McKinley paid another brief visit to the President that evening. They were alone for a moment only, barely sufficient for her to kiss him good night and murmur a few words of cheer.

The way Mrs. McKinley is regarded in the Presidential circle is well expressed by Secretary Wilson.

“It is a little less than wonderful,” he said, “how remarkably well the noble woman bore her trial. She was shocked and frightened, but never for a moment did she show the slightest sign of collapse. Tears came to her relief, and perhaps it is fortunate for her that they did, as such an expression of grief undoubtedly lessened the strain.”

News from the bedside on Tuesday was more favorable than on the preceding day. The danger point was regarded as past, and fast recovery was the general prediction. The doctors had only two services—aside, of course, from careful watching—to perform. One was to open in part the President’s outside wound to remove some foreign substances, and the other was to give him food for the first time. It developed that a portion of the President’s clothing had been carried into the wound by the bullet, and this had not all been removed at the first operation. As slight irritation was caused by the cloth, the surgeons removed it. The operation caused no harm, and little annoyance to the patient.

The President felt so well that he asked for some newspapers to read. The request was denied. The President enjoyed the food given him—beef extract. At 10:30 o’clock on Tuesday night the physicians issued this bulletin: “The condition of the President unchanged in all important particulars. His temperature is 100.6°; pulse, 114; respiration, 28.”

Whenever the physicians would permit the wounded man to talk, he would show his hopefulness. Jokingly he assured the constant watchers that his wants were all filled except one—his desire to smoke. McKinley loved a good cigar and smoked from ten to twenty each day. The craving for a cigar was constant and only by great self-denial did he keep from demanding one. The weakness of his heart, which later was one of the contributing causes of his death, was in part due to the sudden change from free use of cigars to the absolute prohibition which the doctors imposed.

The consultation held by the physicians in attendance upon President McKinley lasted from 9:20 until 11:20 o’clock Tuesday night. Half an hour after they left the Milburn residence the following bulletin was issued:

“The condition of the President is unchanged in all important particulars. His temperature is 100.6°, pulse 114, respiration 28. When the operation was done on Friday last it was noted that the bullet had carried with it a short distance beneath the skin a fragment of the President’s coat. This foreign material was, of course, removed, but a slight irritation of the tissues was produced, the evidence of which has appeared only to-night. It has been necessary on account of this slight disturbance to remove a few stitches and partially open the skin wound. This incident cannot give rise to other complications, but it is communicated to the public, as the surgeons in attendance wish to make their bulletins entirely frank. In consequence of this separation of the edges of the surface wound the healing of the same will be somewhat delayed. The President is now well enough to begin to take nourishment by the mouth in the form of pure beef juice.

“P. M. Rixey.

“M. D. Mann.

“Roswell Park.

“Herman Mynter.

“Charles McBurney.

“George B. Cortelyou,

“Secretary to the President.”

Before the doctors appeared, Secretaries Smith, Wilson, and Hitchcock came out of the house, followed by Secretaries Hay and Root. They said the doctors were still engaged in their consultation, and had not come down stairs. They had been informed, though, they said, that the satisfactory conditions still continued.

Very soon after the doctors had left the morning visitors began coming. First came Comptroller Charles G. Dawes, Senator Fairbanks, and Judge Day. They went into the house about 10:50 o’clock. They were only there a few minutes when Senator Hanna and Secretary Hitchcock, Postmaster-General Smith and Congressman Grosvenor of Ohio appeared. They all expressed themselves as confident of the outcome. The bulletin of the physicians was not taken to indicate anything serious, and the visitors confirmed the hopefulness of the situation. The President showed so much improvement in his condition the people began to send flowers to him. Shortly before noon Tuesday a wagon load of flowers arrived at the Milburn house, the gift of Governor Gregory of Rhode Island to the President. They were accompanied by a message of the tenderest sympathy and encouragement. The flowers, which were in baskets, were placed on the lawn and were photographed before being taken into the house. Two large bouquets came from the First Signal corps, and some of the friends of the Milburns sent other baskets.

While interest at Buffalo materially centered at the Milburn house, the prison in which Czolgosz was confined received attention from many. The President was interested in the assassin, and asked for information a number of times. The physicians would not enter into details, but stated that the man was undoubtedly insane, and that the general public attached no meaning to the attack further than to attribute it to a diseased mind.

Roosevelt left Buffalo for the Adirondack woods Tuesday night. He planned to hunt for a few days and then proceed to his home at Oyster Bay. Senator Hanna and most of the members of the Cabinet left Tuesday or Wednesday.

Wednesday was another day full of hopeful signs. The President continued to show remarkable recuperative powers and passed the day without the slightest unfavorable symptom. He was able to retain food on his stomach, and surprised and amused his doctors by again asking for a cigar. He was not allowed to smoke, but he was placed in a new bed. He was also given a bath. His highest temperature on Wednesday was 100.4°. That was at ten o’clock in the evening. The highest point reached by his pulse was 120—at six o’clock a. m.—and his respiration remained normal at 26.

Mrs. McKinley saw the President on Wednesday morning. When the doctors arrived at the house for the consultation they passed her sitting in the upper corridor of the residence at work on her knitting. She was in good spirits, and after the visit of the doctors they gave their assent to her entering the sick room again. She remained only a minute, as the physicians were avoiding any sapping of the President’s strength by prolonged visits, even by those nearest to him.

Governor Yates of Illinois and State Senator Templeton, chairman of the Exposition Commission of Illinois, called to pay their respects and advise with Secretary Cortelyou as to the propriety of proceeding with the arrangements for Illinois Day at the Exposition, which was set for the following Monday.

Secretary Cortelyou told them that it was the President’s own desire that none of the features of the Exposition should be disturbed by his illness, and assured them that there would not be the slightest impropriety in going ahead with the arrangements. Such was the confidence displayed forty-eight hours before McKinley’s death.

The physicians announced that there was no intention of hurrying Mr. McKinley away from Buffalo, which city is much cooler than either Canton or Washington, and the home of the President of the Buffalo Exposition is a first-class modern residence, admirably equipped for taking care of the patient. It is in a residence part of town, and by utilizing the police and the infantry had been completely isolated.

It was Mrs. McKinley’s wish that they remain at Buffalo until the President had recovered and then spend a month at the home at Canton in final recuperation, after which they were to proceed to Washington. The President favored going to Washington and the Cabinet officers favored this plan. There was no pressing public business, but the routine duties are numerous. Plans were under preparation for the journey to Washington when the distinguished patient began to show signs of a relapse.

It was on Thursday, just six days after the shooting, that the President suffered a relapse. Everybody was still full of hopes until 8:30 o’clock in the evening, when the physicians announced officially that the President’s condition was not so good. The problem of disposing of the food in the stomach was becoming a serious one, and the danger of heart failure increased. At midnight the situation was critical. Calomel and oil were given to flush the bowels and digitalis to quiet the heart. The bowels moved soon afterwards, and the patient improved. The pulse dropped to 120, and the prospect was regarded as brighter.

Secretary Cortelyou announced that there would be no more bulletins during the night, and the physicians departed.

Shortly after two o’clock, after a heavy thunderstorm, the physicians and nurses who were left on watch detected a weakening of the heart action. The pulse fluttered and weakened and the President sank toward a collapse. The end appeared at hand. Restoratives were applied speedily, but they did not at once prove effective. It was then decided to send for the other physicians, relatives, members of the Cabinet, and close personal friends of the President.

Trouble began on Thursday afternoon through the failure of the digestive organs to perform their functions. The necessity for nourishment had been pressing for several days, and the partial failure of artificial means had led to the adoption of natural means. The rectum, through which nourishment had been injected previously to Wednesday, became irritated and rejected the enemas.

PRESIDENT McKINLEY FALLING INTO ARMS OF CORTELYOU, SAYING: “AM I SHOT?”

PRESIDENT McKINLEY BEING PUT IN THE AMBULANCE AFTER BEING SHOT.

The physicians tried to feed him through the mouth, probably before the stomach was prepared. The first administration of beef juice through the mouth, however, seemed to agree with the patient, and the physicians were highly gratified at the way the stomach seemed to receive the food.

Dr. McBurney was especially jubilant over the action of the stomach and before his departure for New York dwelt upon the fact that the stomach seemed to have resumed its normal functions. The breakfast of chicken broth and toast given Thursday morning was spoken of by all the physicians as strong evidence of the President’s marked improvement. It was only when it became apparent late in the morning that this food had not agreed with the President that the first genuine anxiety appeared. The first note of alarm was sounded in the official bulletin Thursday afternoon, which spoke of the President’s fatigue.

President McKinley, already weak from the ordeal of the tragedy and suffering, complained of an increasing feeling of fatigue. He had heretofore been so buoyant and cheerful that his complaints were regarded seriously. The pulse was then also abnormally high, 126 beats to the minute. With a temperature of 100.2° it should have been thirty beats lower.

The weakness of the heart began to arouse serious concern. Instead of growing better, the President’s condition after that grew steadily worse.

The staff of physicians, augmented by Dr. Stockton, who had temporarily taken the place of Dr. McBurney, was summoned early in the evening, and there was a conference.

At 8:30 the physicians announced officially that the President’s condition was not so good. The problem of disposing of the food in the stomach was becoming a serious one and the danger of heart failure increased.

It was believed then that the opening of the bowels, which was effected, would have the effect of allaying the wild pulsations of the heart. His pulse did drop to 120 and the prospect was slightly brighter. But owing to the President’s extreme weakness and his fatigue no attempt was made to conceal the serious apprehension which was felt. The feeling of depression increased in volume and intensity.

Secretary Cortelyou insisted that the truth should be made public by the doctors and the bulletins themselves were telling their unfortunate story all too plainly. There was still hope that the worn and weary patient would be better in the morning, and at midnight Secretary Cortelyou said it was not probable that another bulletin would be issued until morning.

Hope came once more to the breasts of those who had waited for hours in anxiety. The physicians parted for the night and every sign was a cheering one. There had been disquieting pulse action for several hours, but practically all of the unfavorable symptoms had been linked with the stomach trouble, and it was thought they would probably disappear with the removal of the cause which was supposed to have created them.

The unofficial reports at one o’clock and 1:30 o’clock were both of a satisfactory nature and the watchers gathered about the house prepared for an uninterrupted night.

Another thunderstorm came out of the north and a few minutes’ play of the lightning brought rain in a heavy downpour. A bluster wind blew up from the west to complete the cheerlessness of the night.

Shortly after two o’clock the physicians and nurses detected a weakening of the heart action. The pulse fluttered and weakened and the President sank toward collapse. The end appeared to be at hand.

Restoratives were speedily applied and the physicians fought the battle with all the reserve forces of science. Action was immediate and decisive. Digitalis and strychnia were administered, and as a last resort saline solution was injected into the veins.

A general alarm went speeding to the consulting physicians and trained nurses as fast as messengers, the telegraph and telephone could carry it.

The restoratives did not at once prove effective and it was realized that the President was in an extremely critical condition.

That realization, with the shadow of death behind it, led to another call, and that a summons to the Cabinet, relatives and close personal friends of the President.

The messengers who returned with the doctors and nurses were hurried off after those within reach, and to those who were absent from the city telegrams conveying the painful tidings were quickly transmitted.

The scene about the house and in the storm-swept street was dramatic in its action and setting, and the spirit of the tragedy was on those who looked upon it. A messenger who darted into the rain and was whisked away in an electric cab gave the outside watchers the first intimation of the ill news from within.

At the same moment new lights burned within the windows of the Milburn residence. Soon the word was passed out that the President had partly collapsed and was critically ill. It was a confirmation that was hardly needed, for the fact had been established by action that needed no words.

Mrs. McKinley went through the long night of sorrow as only the thoroughbred woman does. She slept, but that she could have slept much was impossible. But no traces of the night’s agony showed as she turned her serene face upon early callers next morning.

Mrs. Barber, Mrs. McKinley’s sister, was present, and with her the Misses Barber, her daughters, and her son, Assistant Paymaster Barber of the Navy. When the two sisters met, Mrs. McKinley came nearer to breaking down than she had at any time. Her eyes overflowed and her voice broke. But she soon recovered and was again the strong, consoling wife of a stricken mate.

When the serious condition of the President was realized, early Friday morning, Secretaries Hitchcock and Wilson, the only Cabinet officers in the city, were summoned at once and came in a short time. Drs. Mann and Mynter and Dr. Park, who had been present at the consultations held during the night, arrived just after them. The first two were together in an automobile. They leaped from it before it stopped and ran up to the house. Dr. Park showed the same haste.

Miss Mackenzie, one of the nurses, arrived at 3:10 in a cab. She jumped from her cab and ran up the steps. Mrs. Newell, another of the nurses, followed her in five minutes in an automobile.

Secret Service men, summoned by Operator Foster, came and took possession of the Western Union telegraph wires leading to the Milburn house. Communication was attempted with Vice-President Roosevelt. The Cabinet ministers who were not in Buffalo were sent word to come at once. Senator Hanna was summoned from Cleveland, and answered that he would come as fast as a chartered train could bring him.

Mrs. Lafayette McWilliams drove up to the house at 3:35 and went directly to Mrs. McKinley, who at that time was still sleeping. Then the procession of carriages arriving at the Milburn house at a gallop grew thicker, bringing state dignitaries and friends of the President with their anxiety marked on their faces.

When the immediate danger of death was considered passed the visitors at the house began to depart, and some of the physicians left. At eight o’clock the only person at the house besides doctors and regular attendants were Secretaries Hitchcock and Wilson, Abner McKinley, Colonel Brown of Fostoria, Ohio, John G. Milburn, Miss Alice Barber and Mrs. Lafayette McWilliams.

Crowds of the curious had surrounded the house by that time, the news of the President’s extremity having circulated rapidly through the city. The lines of police and soldiers were doubled, but the crowd grew and seemed content to wait for news from the physicians.

Shortly after eight o’clock the physicians began to arrive at the house again, some of them having gone home for breakfast and rest. Abner McKinley did not go to his breakfast. Mrs. McKinley was still sleeping at eight o’clock and Secretary Cortelyou had lain down to rest, as the strain and anxiety of the night had exhausted him.

Major Diehl called at 9:30 and with him was former Postmaster-General Bissel. They were informed by Dr. Mann that if the President survived the day there was hope for him. The President was in a collapse, he said, although his heart action was slightly strengthened.

A clergyman, Arthur O. Sykes, arrived soon after and caused much excitement among the watchers, as his presence was interpreted as a sign of extremity. It was learned, however, that he only came to bring messages of sympathy from the citizens of Portsmouth, Va.

Senator Hanna arrived at the house in an automobile at 9:35. He arrived at the Central Station on his special train but a few minutes before, after a record-breaking run from Cleveland in a chartered train. Detective Ireland met him at the train and the automobile brought him to the President as fast as possible.

At eleven o’clock the President fell into a slumber. While he slept the sun, whose beams had dispelled the rain clouds of the night, was again overcast. A chilling rain began to fall. Visitors still came into the house, inquired of the President’s condition and departed.

Governor Yates of Illinois was among them. He arrived shortly after eleven o’clock. When he left he said the surgeons had informed him there was a slight improvement in the President’s condition, but not sufficient to remove the grave apprehension felt.

Senator Chauncey M. Depew arrived shortly after noon with Colonel Myron T. Herrick, who had gone to the depot to meet him. Senator Depew had been summoned during the night. Colonel Herrick arrived on the same train that brought Senator Hanna.

The news that came from the house at this time was still of the gravest kind. Nothing more than a fighting chance was conceded by the physicians. That was the news that Colonel Herrick brought out when he left the house at 12:18 to go to dinner.

By far the most hopeful of the watchers was Senator Hanna, who declared his belief that the President had a good chance for his life. He sent for Dr. Rixey and questioned him and the doctor replied:

“The President is gaining strength and has a good fighting chance but for his heart. God knows what it will do.”