CAREER OF THE LATE PRESIDENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 214, 16 September 1901, Page 3

CAREER OF THE LATE PRESIDENT.

STEPS ON THE PATH TO THE WHITE HOUSE. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION. William McKinley, the seventh child of William McKinley, ironf ounder, was born on January 29th, 1843, at Niles, Ohio. While his family did not suffer from poverty, as it was then known, nevertheless the hard work and privations of the time would be looked upon at the present time as sufferings too much for human endurance. It was a continual struggle between the growing boy William and his family as to whether he' should continue his education. He. declared it his duty to assist in the support of the family, while his older brothers and sisters as steadfastly insisted upon doing that and assisting him to get his education as well, for even at that time he gave great promise of ability in all local debates and literary contests. His school teaching was but the means to another end, for he had shown such skill in debate that it was determined by his family tin' ho should be educated for the practice of the law. TAKES PART IN THE CIVIL WAR. In the midst of all came the war, and away lie went with the impetuosity of a boy kindled to blazing point by the stories told at every fireside of bis warrior ancestors who had fought for American freedom. He served through the long weary war, rising from private to the rank of major, always winning friends and becoming so enamoured of the soldier's life that ho desired to follow it again. He had, however, the good sense to follow his family's counsels, and returned to his law studies, entering the office of Judge Charles E. Gleddin, at Poland. This gentleman was a master of his profession and an orator of ability as well, and it is said by those who have heard both men, that much of the beautifully sympathetic modulation of McKinley'B voice was acquired while listening to Judge Gleddin's congratulatory addresses upon the return of the battle-thinned regiments.

ENTERS THE LEGAL PROFESSION. In the spring of 18G7 the yonug lawyer was admitted to practice at Canton, and bade adieu to his old friends at Poland to go to the former place, then containing a population of five or six thousand, to open his law office. Here was associated with him his younger brother, Abner McKinley, and there is still a sign upon the door of a law office in Canton, which reads "W. and A. McKinley, Law Office." Before he had been two years in Canton he had been offered and had accepted the Republican nomination for Prosecuting Attorney. The country being hopelessly democratic, this was held but lightly as an honour; but young McKinley took to the stump with a fury of logic and oratory that won him the position by a handsome majority. By 1876 he had won first place in his profession in the town. MARRIED LIFE. In IS7I he was married to the wife who has ever since beeu his constant eneourager. Of the relationship which existed between this couple for so many years of sunshine and cloud, much has been written. The bond has been one which the loss of their two little girls in infancy served to strengthen. The shock was one from which the young mother never physically recovered, and Mrs. MclJinloy has been more or less of an invalid now for very many years. A MOTHEB'S BENEFICENT INFLUENCE.

Like nearly every American wlio has risen to eminence, William McKinley owed much to his mother. A recent writer, touching on this subject, says :—One who knew Mrs. McKinley in the old days speaks of her quiet dignity of manner, of her neverfailing watchfulness over the young family, and of her influence for good. It was a family full of sunshine and of hope, of selfsacrifioe on the part of both father and mother. It represented a pure American home, where religion and love of country were inculcated from childhood. It was typical of those homes which turn out the best and most useful citizens of the Re- | public. Many of McKinley's good qualities, I both of heart and mind, were due to his mother. She was tall, and erect to the last, with hair untouched by grey, and was vouchsafed the joy of being present at the first inauguration of her son as President of the United States. HIS POLITICAL PROGRESS. Entering the House of Representatives in 1877, he soon wade his mark as a zealous and ahle Protectionist, and ultimately became chairman of the Ways and Means Committee which framed the tariff measure known as the McKinley Act of 1890. In November of that year he was defeated in the Congress election, but in 1893 he was elected Governor of Ohio by a tremendous majority. From that' date onwards he was regarded as a possible CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY, and his chances grew more and more favourable fill he wi<s nominated in 1896 The circumstances of the contest made him practically the champion of a sound currency. iiis cv-poncnL, Mr. Bryan, standing on a silver and Populist platform. Consequently many Democrats voted for Mr. McKi' l-y, and at the election in November l>p v.as returned by a very large majority. j lis term of office commenced in Match 1897. During 18i)8he had a difficult task to perform in regard Yo the war \v;th Spain, but he rather strengthened Ms postilion, with his countyyuicn thftn otherwise Great discontent was felt and expressed, however, during 'O9, at the way in which he shielded the War Minister, Mr. Alger (who finally resigned , in the.face of his proved incompetence, and General Otis, whose conduct of the military operations in the Phillippines was severely criticised, A strong party also disapproved altogether of the policy of holding the Philippines, smd the embroilment of the Government in the China trouble during 1900 was by no means pleasant to staunch adherents of the Monroe doctrine. Nevertheless, the country rallied strongly to the support of the Government at tho Presidential election in November, chiefly, it appeared, because of the tlnancial policy of the President's opponent, Mr. Bryan; and Mr. McKinley was returned by a larger majority than ever.