White House gossip

by Edna M. Colman

CHAPTER X

FIRST ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM
MCKINLEY

March 4, 1897, to March 4, 1901

FEW inaugurations have witnessed such a happy combination of good weather, universal enthusiasm, and unusually large throngs of visitors as attended the first inauguration of William McKinley.

President Cleveland drove to the Ebbitt House, where Mr. McKinley was staying, and then together the incoming and the outgoing Presidents rode to the Capitol accompanied by two members of the Senatorial Committee.

Mrs. McKinley left the hotel about ten minutes before eleven o’clock. She walked to the carriage leaning on the arm of Secretary Porter, who had left the President-elect at the White House and had then returned hastily to the hotel for the purpose of seeing to the comfort of Mrs. McKinley. On the other side was Chairman Bell, of the inauguration committee, and between the two stalwart men, the lady who was to be first in the land was tenderly sheltered from the crowd which pressed upon them from every side.

Mrs. McKinley looked pale but happy. With her were her sister, Mrs. Mary Barber, little Kate Barber, and the President’s mother, who refused to be separated from these members of her family. Several officers of the regular army were in attendance to escort them.

After the ceremonies in the Senate Chamber, the President-elect was sworn in by Chief Justice Fuller on the East Portico, where thousands of people had gathered. In the bright light, his face, when he stood bareheaded to take the oath of office, was clear to all.

Mrs. McKinley, his aged mother, sat close beside him, and her evident pride and gratification were noted with pleasure, as was also his affectionate greeting to her and his wife at the conclusion of the ceremonies.

The presidential party took luncheon at the Capitol after the official exercises on the inaugural stand and before starting to the White House. It is said that Mr. McKinley ate sparingly, ordering only a roll, a cup of coffee, and a piece of ham.

As he and ex-President Cleveland later emerged from the Capitol, the cavalry buglers sounded a salute, the troopers came to present arms, and the great throngs pressed forward to catch a glimpse of the new President. Cheer on cheer went up, frightening the horses and making some confusion in bringing forward the handsome turnout which was to bear the party to the White House. The President bowed and smiled.

In his triumphal progress from the Capitol to the White House, President McKinley had for his escort a famous volunteer cavalry organization, Troop A of Cleveland. They preceded the carriage, while behind came the Twenty-third Ohio, the regiment which the new President had led in the days of the Civil War. Following in the wake was one of the greatest military and civic cortèges ever assembled. It was late in the day before the last of them had passed in review before the President. The number of political clubs in the parade was greater than at other inaugurations, and formed an interesting feature of the festivities. Observing that the salutes were continuous, Mr. McKinley at last sat bareheaded, hat in hand, waving acknowledgment to the multitude.

Enthusiastic praise was given veterans in the parade. When General Cecil Clay, who had charge of the District militia, passed the reviewing stand he raised the remnant of his right arm in salute, and the spectators rose and cheered with all their might. General Howard, who had but his left arm remaining, was similarly greeted when he put his reins between his teeth and saluted with his left arm.

When, at the conclusion of the parade, the President stepped on the portico of the White House, he was met by Mrs. Grant, the widow of the illustrious warrior and ex-President, who, in company with Bishop Newman, had been patiently waiting for this opportunity of meeting him. He greeted them so cordially that both felt fully repaid for their long wait. The President then entered the White House, and a great crowd that had followed his footsteps closed up against the doors. Failing to secure admission, they took their station at the windows and eagerly struggled to get at least a glimpse of the interior.

The President received a few intimate friends, including Senator Hanna; then dinner was served. The guests were Abner McKinley, brother of the President, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Barber and daughter Mary, and Mrs. Maria Saxton. The initial dinner at the White House was entirely informal. Although no callers were received after dinner, thousands of curious people crowded the portico and demanded admittance. It was only by the vigorous efforts of a cordon of police that the doorway was kept clear.

Again the Pension Building was the magnet, drawing youth, beauty, and fashion, as well as the curious, to tread the stately measure of the march and dance. This time the magnificent ballroom was a symphony of white and gold, which made a glowing background for the rainbow tints of the gowns.

Mrs. McKinley’s ball gown of her favourite shade of blue silk had a long train, high neck, and long sleeves. It was a lovely combination of brocade and point lace, diamond pins fastening the lace at the corsage. Diamond-studded side combs held her hair in soft puffs in front in accordance with the prevailing fashion.

The President’s aged mother, very stately in her rich black satin, seemed to get as much enjoyment out of the ball as she had got out of the proceedings at the Capitol.

After the presidential party had greeted the assemblage as they passed through the ballroom, supper was served in the room splendidly decorated for them, and they returned to the White House early, as Mrs. McKinley’s fragile strength had been put to a severe test through the long, exciting day. The President’s mother, whose joy in her distinguished son and his honours was a rejuvenating tonic, was also fatigued.

A detail of the inauguration of particular interest to many visitors was the unusual car which had been provided for Mr. McKinley’s trip from Canton to Washington. It was a private car without name, known simply as “No. 38.” The walls were of white oak, solid, instead of the ordinary studding. The top was a double framework of steel with a cushioned ceiling. The floors were of four thicknesses of white oak. Such unusual construction made the car proof against smashing in collision or breaking should it roll down an embankment. Every home comfort was provided: an old-fashioned log fireplace, two elegant bedroom apartments with bath to each, dainty china, rich silver, and every conceivable luxury to make travelling a delight.

Mrs. McKinley brought with her a young German maid, devoted to her and convinced that no former mistress of the mansion could approach her beloved mistress in elegance. During the week following inauguration, “Lena” took especial pride and delight in personally conducting Mrs. McKinley’s relatives and intimate friends on an inspection tour of her dressing room to display to them the White House outfits of the First Lady and her niece Miss Mary Barber, who spent much time with her.

It is doubtful if any White House mistress brought a more complete or elegant wardrobe with her than the one upon which Mrs. McKinley had expended ten thousand dollars and much thought and in the selection of which “the Major” had been drawn into consultation. For the early formal functions she had provided eight unusually beautiful gowns that brought enthusiastic praise for her good taste.

When McKinley, the twenty-fifth President of the United States, took the oath of office on the 4th of March, 1897, he was admirably equipped for the duties of his new position. He had been for years prominent in public life; his personal character and private life had endeared him to the hearts of the people; he was in the prime of manhood; he was a student of affairs. He was more of a politician than of a statesman, but the development of events proved that he could be either or both. His regard for the popular will and his long training in accurately judging its expression served as a restraining influence in his policies and prevented dangerous and possibly fatal rashness. When his plans had been fully matured, they were executed with skill. Each succeeding year, with its additional burden of important questions, saw the President broaden and develop in the art of government.

His early background had much to do with his success. He was born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. His father, William McKinley, Sr., moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The family was Scotch-Irish, whose forefathers had come to America 150 years before. He was the seventh child in the family of nine. As a boy, he had regular schooling and was especially noted for his brilliancy in debate. Later, he taught in the public schools of the Kerr district, near Poland. About this time, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a diligent student of the Bible.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was a clerk in the Poland post office. When the call was made for volunteers, young McKinley was among those who stepped forward. He went with the recruits to Columbus and was enlisted as a private in Company E, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This regiment numbered among its officers William S. Rosecrans, afterward major general, and Rutherford B. Hayes, later nineteenth President of the United States.

MRS. IDA SAXTON McKINLEY

Photo. Underwood & Underwood

WILLIAM McKINLEY

Many are the soldier stories of camp and battlefield in which McKinley figured. Henry H. Woodruff, of Oakland, Cal., who served in the same regiment with him, sent the author the following story of the famous old Twenty-third Ohio with McKinley’s service to it in war, and its service to McKinley when he was President. He says:

“I was born in the township of Mecca, County of Trumbull, State of Ohio, July 15, 1841. Wm. McKinley was born in the next township at Niles, in Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. I entered the preparatory department of Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, about thirty miles west of Cleveland, April 15, 1861. We were in class in old Tappin Hall, when the Professor read a dispatch from Washington City stating that President Lincoln had called for 75,000 men to go to the front to put down the Rebellion. Instantly every male member of that class volunteered, grabbed his hat, rushed out in front of the building, and tried to form a line, or company, as we had no military knowledge, being only farmer boys or students. We took the cars for Cleveland, going into Camp in the old Fair Grounds called ‘Camp Taylor.’ Other companies began to arrive, officers were elected, and we were formed into a regiment and given the number Twenty-third Ohio. We soon moved to ‘Camp Chare’ at Columbus, where the regimental organization was completed and Wm. Stark Rosecrans appointed colonel.

“As new companies arrived, I sometimes would go among them and get acquainted with the boys. One day I visited Company E and, to my surprise, found a Private, my neighbour, Billy McKinley. Colonel Rosecrans took the regiment into West Virginia, where we were just in time for the battle of Cainifax Ferry, September 10, 1861. This is the first battle the writer or ‘Billy’ ever saw. We moved around considerably, joining other forces all under command of ‘Old Rosey.’ We had fought nineteen battles before the war was over, commencing at Cainifax Ferry and ending at Fisher’s Hill, in the upper Shenandoah Valley.

“After serving as a private for one year, McKinley was promoted to Regimental Commissary Sergeant and got his first shoulder straps, for the meritorious act performed by him at Antietam. We lined up for battle and commenced firing before the sun rose. McKinley, knowing the condition of our haversacks, drew from the quartermaster 1,000 rations of fresh beef, got camp kettles, pressed some men into service, cut up and cooked the entire amount, pressed a teamster (John Harvey by name) into service, got some crackers and drove along behind the line still in battle, giving every man a chunk of beef between two crackers. I thought then and still think it was the sweetest morsel I ever ate.

“This act was noticed by Colonel (afterward President) Hayes, who was in command, and McKinley got a commission as Second Lieutenant. From this he rose rapidly through all grades, ending with Brevet Major, then Governor of Ohio, and President of the United States.

“Soon after his election he began to make plans for his inauguration, and among other things, he issued an invitation to his old regiment to assemble in Washington City and to act as his escort on Inauguration Day, with the result that ninety-six members arrived at our headquarters, very proud of our honoured Comrade ‘Billy,’ as he was called.

“Next morning, we assembled in the Capitol grounds to witness the second member of our regiment take the oath of office as President of the United States. We took the post of honour under the command of Captain Skyles, whom we had elected as our Commander, formed on Pennsylvania Avenue, and with great pomp and honour escorted the new President to the White House, his future home.

“Next day was set apart for the foreign diplomats to make their official calls on the new President. When we arrived there was a great crowd ahead of us. English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, etc., with their retinues of officers and servants all waiting their turn of admission. The doors were securely locked and guarded by armed men; soon the President appeared at the door and speaking to the guards, said, ‘Let my comrades in first.’ Captain Skyles gave the order, ‘Forward, Twenty-third.’ When I heard that welcome order, my head swelled with pride and I got a California strut on me, as we marched by so many waiting diplomats into the East Room, to shake hands with our highly honoured comrade.”

Major McKinley participated in the final act of the great war drama, the grand review in Washington. On his return to Poland, a complimentary dinner was given him by the citizens. He entered the office of Judge Charles E. Glidden, at Youngstown, Ohio. After one year’s study under the preceptorship of Judge Glidden, he went to law school in Albany, N. Y., and in March, 1867, was admitted to the bar at Warren, Ohio.

On the advice of his sister Anna, he decided to settle at Canton, and was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark County in 1869. He was renominated, but missed reëlection by forty-five votes. Resuming his private practice, he soon built up a profitable business. But in all political campaigns he was in constant demand as a speaker.

Mr. McKinley was married to Miss Ida Saxton on January 25, 1871. Miss Saxton’s grandparents were among the founders of Canton nearly a century ago. She was the daughter of a prominent banker, James A. Saxton, and granddaughter of John Saxton, who established a well-known publication, the Canton Repository, during the War of 1812.

Miss Ida Saxton was born in June of 1847. As a girl she was extremely pretty, lively, and popular. While completing her education she also participated in the various activities of her time for soldier relief. Her father undertook the supervision of her training and education, and as soon as her graduation closed her studies at a seminary in Media, he resolved she should be properly trained in practical business, especially as she would have a little property left her. Consequently, she served as his assistant in the bank with which he was associated.

When about nineteen, and when she had been in the bank about three years, her father died. His loss was such a shock that she was threatened with serious illness, and her older sister, with whom she lived, persuaded her to travel abroad.

After her return to Canton came the romance of her life with the young lawyer who had just been elected prosecuting attorney of Stark County. Like the Harrisons, they started their married life in a boarding house, but only until their own little home was ready. Here their first child, Katie, was born, late in December of 1871. This little one lived to be three years old. Another little daughter, named Ida for the young mother, also died in infancy. Added to the grief of losing her children, she had the additional sorrow of her mother’s death. Altogether, the shock proved too much for her reserve force. From the time she was sixteen, ill health had threatened, and the poignant grief for her loved ones made her an invalid.

Mr. McKinley was first nominated for Congress in 1876, and elected. During the progress of this canvass, he visited the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia and was introduced by James G. Blaine to a great audience which he completely captivated.

He entered Congress while his old colonel, Hayes, was President, and the friendship gave him at the start an influence which might have taken a much longer time to win under other circumstances. His power as a speaker brought him distinction, and his ability as a worker in committees was soon recognized. He was reëlected to the Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, and Fifty-first Congresses. During his whole career in Congress, Mr. McKinley was a consistent advocate of a protective tariff.

It was in the Fifty-first Congress that McKinley’s great political opportunity came. He was a leading candidate for the speakership with Thomas B. Reed. Reed was elected. The chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means Committee fell to McKinley. On April 6, 1890, he introduced the tariff measure which has since borne his name. The bill became a law on October 6, 1890. During all of the struggle while the bill was pending, McKinley displayed qualities of leadership of the highest order. Before the next election came around, his district had been gerrymandered against him, the adverse majority being fully 3,000. McKinley was defeated by 300 votes. His defeat really made him Governor of Ohio. His victory over Governor Campbell, the Democratic candidate for reëlection, was decisive.

He was the presiding officer of the Republican National Convention at Minneapolis in 1892, when the attempt was made to stampede the delegates for him. It was a most trying situation, but he bore himself with coolness and decision. When Ohio recorded two votes for him, he challenged the vote so as to put himself on record for Harrison. When the roll call was complete, Harrison received 535 votes, Blaine 182, McKinley 182, and Reed 4. Leaving the chair, Mr. McKinley mounted a seat in the Ohio delegation and moved to make the nomination of Harrison unanimous. Governor McKinley’s campaign tour through the West for Harrison was one of the marvels of the time. He made 325 speeches in 300 different towns. For more than eight weeks he averaged more than seven speeches a day. He travelled over sixteen thousand miles and addressed more than two million people.

Toward the latter part of Mr. Cleveland’s administration, it became clear that the free silver faction of the Democratic party would control the Democratic Convention, but the Republican Convention assembled first. One of Ohio’s wealthy manufacturers, Marcus A. Hanna, became convinced that the Republican party needed William McKinley for its leader, and he set about bringing this to pass with his own business methods. At the convention, Governor McKinley was nominated on the first ballot, with Garret A. Hobart, of New Jersey, for Vice President. The Republican platform declared for protection.

In the Democratic Convention, events had been more spectacular. Old leaders were superseded by more radical ones, and the West became a factor in politics with William Jennings Bryan making his first appearance. He attended the convention merely as a reporter, and when he seized the opportunity during a long debate to launch his Cross of Gold and Crown of Thorns speech, he electrified the assembly, and in the wild enthusiasm which it aroused, he was nominated. While John R. McLean, of Ohio, had the lead for the Vice Presidency until the fourth ballot, he lost to Sewall, of Maine.

Bryan made a meteoric speech-making dash over the country that played havoc with party allegiance, for many Democrats swung to the support of the Republican candidate, and many Republicans preferred to trail with the following of the silver-tongued orator. From this time on, William Jennings Bryan was a factor to be considered in the politics of the land.

The platform of free silver faction of the Democratic party called for the free coinage of silver at the ratio of sixteen to one and turned against the administration of Cleveland.

The silver Republicans also had a convention, endorsing Bryan for President and Thomas E. Watson of Georgia for Vice President.

The gold Democrats nominated John M. Palmer, Union veteran of Illinois, for President and Simeon B. Buckner, a Confederate veteran for Vice President.

The Prohibition party also split on the silver question.

The Republicans made their fight on the money stringency and the tariff.

When the confusion subsided and the electoral votes were counted, they gave the election to McKinley with a vote of 271; Bryan received 176. A Republican majority prevailed in both Houses of Congress, and “free silver” was thus proved not so alluring as a national measure.

Where McKinley went, Mrs. McKinley usually accompanied him, and from the time he was nominated she had little peace of mind. At his home, when the news of his election was read, she was greatly distressed. “Oh, Major, they will kill you, they will kill you!” she exclaimed. He put his arm about her and turned to his guests and, smiling, remarked, “This little woman is always afraid someone is going to harm her husband.” His calm, loving touch reassured her in a measure, but some of her friends have declared that she never really knew peace of mind when he was out of her sight, for they were satisfied she had a premonition of his fate.

Immediately upon his induction into office, President McKinley called an extra session of Congress to revise the tariff. The passage of the Dingley bill, levying higher taxes on some exports, bade fare to cover the revenue situation.

The trouble with Spain became the centre of attention and soon reached a point where action was necessary, as the island of Cuba was in a chronic state of revolt, and rebellion had broken forth over the failure of Spain to redeem her promises of self-government. President McKinley strove to keep out of participation, but the hostility of the Spanish on the island was so intense that all his advisers urged the dispatch of a warship as a protective measure for American citizens. He demanded that:

“In the name of humanity, in the name of civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests, which give us the right and duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop.”

Endeavouring to give every opportunity to Spain in her promises of reform, the President held Congress in temporary control, while reams of diplomatic correspondence were interchanged. In the midst of these communications—characterized on the part of the President by insistence upon new conditions and on the part of Spain by plausible evasions and constant seeking for delay—the American battleship Maine was blown up in Havana Harbour and 266 men were murdered. From that moment, a war with Spain was certain. The President found the country unprepared for a conflict. He temporized Congress and dallied with Spain, while the armouries worked day and night and warships were gathered in American waters from all parts of the world. Meanwhile, a month and seventeen days before war was declared, Congress placed in the hands of the President, without restriction or condition, the sum of $50,000,000. It was voted to him unanimously by both Houses, a mark of personal confidence and an evidence of the patriotic extinction of party lines in the face of a great emergency.

The war cloud burst, and in less than ninety days the skies were cleared again. Cuba had been liberated, Porto Rico had been gathered under the American flag, and, as an indirect but necessary result, Hawaii had been annexed. All of these things were not to be compared in importance, however, with the fact that the defeat of the Spanish fleet in Manila Harbour by Commodore Dewey’s squadron had ousted the Spanish from their possession of the Philippine Islands, a possession which they had enjoyed for three centuries. The United States at once became a world power in the Orient. All the other remarkable events of McKinley’s administration—any one of which would have made it memorable—pale into insignificance before this acquisition of a vast archipelago, with 1,200 islands and 10,000,000 people, situated 7,000 miles from our shores.

President McKinley, overwhelmed with problems which would have crushed a man of smaller calibre and less experience with national affairs, met his new responsibilities with admirable courage. He did not act hastily. On the contrary, one of the features of his administration was the deliberation with which he developed his important policies, and for which he was most bitterly criticized.

The Philippines presented from the first the most serious problem. Situated on the other side of the world, populated largely by savage races who maintained slaves and recognized polygamy, the Islands nevertheless possessed large commercial value and were considered important because of their situation on the threshold of the Orient. The military administration which the President at once established was not altogether satisfactory, and he sought the assistance of distinguished civilians, appointed by him as commissioners, in devising another form of government. The military transferred to the commission, of which Hon. William H. Taft was president, all duties of a purely legislative nature. To this commission the President outlined in great detail a policy which promised much benefit to the Filipinos, assuring them of the enjoyment of the privileges contained in the American Constitution and promising them better educational facilities, the development of their commerce, and all the blessings which are the heritage of the American citizen.

The war with Spain and all of its brilliant exploits, brief as it proved to be, has been ably and fully covered by historians and war correspondents. The most interesting figure in the light of later events was Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, with his picturesque Rough Riders, in the assault and victory of San Juan Hill. The achievements of Richmond P. Hobson, of Schley, of Sampson are all brilliant pages in an epochal era of United States expansion.

Admiral Dewey’s victory at Manila Bay was celebrated on his return with a remarkable ovation. Once again historic Pennsylvania Avenue resounded to jubilation. Among the many functions given to the distinguished naval officer was the one at the Metropolitan Club.

The story of the dinner, unique in many respects, is given herewith:

“Two years ago, when club man George Dewey, then a commodore in the navy, was on the point of leaving Washington to assume command of the Asiatic Squadron, some of his club mates at the Metropolitan Club gave him a farewell dinner. Wines were drunk, toasts were made, the best fellowship prevailed, and the memory of the jolly, happy faces of his friends lingered in the mind of Dewey all through the stirring events of the two years that elapsed before his return to his country.

“Last night at the Metropolitan Club the same coterie of friends gave to Admiral Dewey a dinner of greeting. Upon the menu card was the menu of the dinner held on the evening of November 27, 1897. On another page of the card was identically the same menu, but underneath was yesterday’s date. Five of those who were present at the farewell dinner were absent last night. These were Mr. William H. Emory, Mr. E. A. Garlington, Mr. Thomas Hyde, Mr. Nathan Sargent, and Mr. L. Vogel.

“The feature of the farewell dinner given at the Metropolitan Club late in November, 1897, was a poem by Hon. Archibald Hopkins. The poem was such an excellent one and proved so prophetic that it has been quoted from one end of the country to the other.

“Very naturally, Mr. Hopkins was asked to contribute something for the dinner of last evening, as well as to recite the original poem. Immediately after the victory of Manila Bay, Mr. Hopkins wrote several stanzas as a sequel to his effort of November, 1897. All these were read and received with much enthusiasm by the company last evening. A few of the stanzas are quoted:

‘What mean the crowds, the marching men,

The flags when he appears?

First, welcome to the Admiral; then

There rings through all the cheers

‘Not only praise for victory won;

There is an undertone

Exultant in new life, begun

Not for ourselves alone.

‘He left us but an outside power

’Mongst those that rule the world;

He made us, with the greatest, tower,

Where’er the flag’s unfurled.

‘Paul Jones a fighter unsurpassed,

Our Farragut beyond all praise,

And Dewey, from Manila last,

To share with them undying bays.

‘No heroes ever trod a deck,

Or sailed the rolling seas,

Through stress of battle, storm and wreck

More glorious than are these.

‘An epoch struck on Time’s great clock,

The day he won his fight;

Henceforth our Anglo-Saxon stock

Keep step for law and right.

‘Henceforth with kin beyond the sea,

We bid oppression die,

And pledge the better days to be

Where’er our standards fly.

‘The laurel with the vine is twined;

Give freest rain to cheer,

For fate is kind, we’ve dined and wined,

And got George Dewey here.

‘And now to make our toast complete,

It leaps to all your lips

Here’s to the captain of the fleet,

The men who fought the ships.

‘And fill us up one bumper more,

Till every glass o’erruns;

Drink, if you never drank before;

The men behind the guns.’

“The dinner last night was held in the upstairs banqueting hall of the club, the same room in which the first dinner was given, and the diners occupied the same relative places that had been assigned to them two years ago around the same board. The table was a big round one. It was decorated with myriads of fragrant blossoms, banked in the centre of the table and strewn over the cloth. There were no other decorations excepting on one wall of the room hung the wheel of the Spanish ship the Reina Christina, which was lately sent to the club as a memento of the May morning in Manila Bay.”

Although Clara Barton had been the “Angel of the Battlefield” through the Civil War, when she started her great humanitarian career with the care of the forty wounded soldiers of the Sixth Massachusetts after the Baltimore fracas, and the good angel of Europe through the Franco-Prussian War and the Commune, for which she was decorated by the governments engaged, it was in the Spanish War that American soldiers knew her best and where for the first time the Red Cross symbol and service made its value known. Through her persistent efforts, the famous “American Amendment” was added to the Geneva Treaty of the Red Cross which was signed by President Arthur. The American Association of Red Cross was organized in 1881 with Miss Barton as president, a position she held until 1904. It was at President McKinley’s personal request that she carried relief to Cuba and did personal field work through the war. In his message of December 6, 1898, he expressed his own appreciation and that of the American people for her service during the Spanish-American War.

After peace was declared, the unfortunate controversy between Admirals Schley and Sampson as to the credit for the victory of Santiago led to a long investigation, the matter having been referred to a Court of Inquiry, of which Admiral Dewey was the president. This Court held daily sessions in a large building in the Navy Yard, and after forty days of investigation and thorough consideration of all the points of criticism, Admiral Dewey rendered the following opinion of the Court as a summary of all the testimony taken:

“Commodore Schley, in command of the Flying Squadron, should have proceeded with utmost dispatch off Cienfuegos and should have maintained a close blockade of that port.

“He should have endeavoured on May 23, at Cienfuegos, to obtain information regarding the Spanish squadron by communicating with the insurgents at the place designated in the memorandum delivered to him at 8:15 A. M. of that date.

“He should have proceeded from Cienfuegos to Santiago de Cuba with all dispatch and should have disposed his vessels with a view to intercepting the enemy in any attempt to pass the Flying Squadron.

“He should not have delayed the squadron for the Eagle.

“He should not have made the retrograde turn westward with his squadron.

“He should have promptly obeyed the Navy Department’s order of May 25.

“He should have endeavoured to capture or destroy the Spanish vessels at anchor near the entrance of Santiago Harbour on May 29 and 30.

“He did not do his utmost with the force under his command to capture or destroy the Colón and other vessels of the enemy which he attacked on May 31.

“By commencing the engagement on July 3 with the port battery and turning the Brooklyn around with port helm Commodore Schley caused her to lose distance and position with the Spanish vessels, especially with the Vizcaya and Colón.

“The turn of the Brooklyn to starboard was made to avoid getting her into dangerous proximity to the Spanish vessels. The turn was made toward the Texas and caused that vessel to stop and to back her engines to avoid possible collision.

“Admiral Schley did injustice to Lieut. Commander A. C. Hodgson in publishing only a portion of the correspondence which passed between them.

“Commodore Schley’s conduct in connection with the events of the Santiago campaign prior to June 1, 1898, was characterized by vacillation, dilatoriness, and lack of enterprise.

“His official reports regarding the coal supply and the coaling facilities of the Flying Squadron were inaccurate and misleading.

“His conduct during the battle of July 3 was self-possessed, and he encouraged in his own person, his subordinate officers and men to fight courageously.

“George Dewey,
Admiral, U. S. N., President.
“Sam. C. Lemly,
Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. N., Judge-Advocate.

“In the opinion of the undersigned, the passage from Key West to Cienfuegos was made by the Flying Squadron with all possible dispatch, Commodore Schley having in view the importance of arriving off Cienfuegos with as much coal as possible in the ships’ bunkers.

“The blockade of Cienfuegos was effective.

“Commodore Schley in permitting the steamer Adula to enter the port of Cienfuegos expected to obtain information concerning the Spanish Squadron from her when she came out.

“The passage from Cienfuegos to a point about 22 miles south of Santiago was made with as much dispatch as was possible while keeping the squadron a unit.

“The blockade of Santiago was effective.

“Commodore Schley was the senior officer of our squadron off Santiago when the Spanish Squadron attempted to escape on the morning of July 3, 1898. He was in absolute command, and is entitled to the credit due to such commanding officer for the glorious victory which resulted in the total destruction of the Spanish ships.

“George Dewey,
Admiral, U. S. N., President.
“Sam. C. Lemly,
Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. N., Judge-Advocate.

“Recommendation

“In view of the length of time which has elapsed since the occurrence of the events of the Santiago campaign, the Court recommends no further proceedings be had in the premises.

“George Dewey,
Admiral, U. S. N., President.
“Sam C. Lemly,
Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. N., Judge Advocate.”

Garret A. Hobart, the genial Vice President, died on November 21, 1899. With the approach of the election in 1900 the successful war President had no opposition in the Republican Convention and was renominated, with the Governor of New York, Theodore Roosevelt, as his reluctant team mate. The Convention endorsed the administration.

Once more the Democratic Convention pinned its faith to William Jennings Bryan by nominating him for President, with Adlai Stevenson, Grover Cleveland’s Vice President, chosen for his former office. The free coinage of silver was presented as part of the platform, but the opposition to the expansion of United States territory was the policy emphasized. McKinley and Roosevelt received 292 electoral votes to the 155 cast for Bryan and Stevenson. Thus, after four years crowded with stirring events of national interest and vital importance, buffeted between public sentiment and private conviction, President McKinley, the triumphant war President, found himself again installed as the people’s choice.