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McKinley prepares for his second inaugural address

Editor’s note: This is part of a weekly series marking the 120th anniversary of Niles native William McKinley’s U.S. presidency.

As I study McKinley’s presidency as well as his speeches, I have learned that he related historical facts and events to showcase what our future could be. McKinley’s second inaugural address of March 4, 1901 would also be an example of this style.

As the McKinley team and the President himself prepared for this speech in late February of 1901, theyall probably realized that so much had changed in America during his first four years in office. The country would move from a recession after the deep financial panic or what we call a depression four years earlier, to rebuilding manufacturing and creating jobs for the masses. After a short moratorium on immigration, large ships would again be filled by individuals and families seeking freedom and work in America. We would also enter into a war with Spain that would change the foreign boundaries of the globe and make America strong and respected by the other nations of our world.

Here is a small part of McKinley’s second inaugural address of March 4, 1901:

“When we assembled here four years ago, there was great anxiety with regard to our currency and credit. None exists now. Then, our Treasury receipts were inadequate to meet the obligations of the Government. Now they are sufficient for all public needs, and we have a surplus instead of a deficit. Now I have the satisfaction to announce that the Congress just closed has reduced taxation in the sum of 41 million dollars. Now every means of production is crowded with activity, labor is well employed, and American products find good markets at home and abroad.”

“The national verdict of 1896 has for the most part been executed. Whatever remains is a continuing obligation. But fortunate as our condition, is, its permanence can only be assured by sound business methods and strict economy if administration and legislation. Honesty, capacity and industry are nowhere more indispensable than in public employment. These should be fundamental requisites to original appointment and the surest guaranties against removal.”

“Four years ago, we stood on the brink of war without the people knowing it and without any preparation for the impending peril. I did all I could to avert the war, but without avail. It became inevitable; and the Congress at its first regular session, without party division, provided money for it. The war came and it was signally favorable to American arms and government. It imposed upon us obligations from which we cannot seek escape and from which it would be dishonorable to seek escape. We are now at peace with the world, and it is my fervent prayer that if differences arise between us and other powers they may be settled by peaceful arbitration and that hereafter be spared the horrors of war.”

“Entrusted by the people for a second time with the office of President, I enter upon its administration appreciating the great responsibilities which attach to this renewed honor and commission, promising unreserved devotion on my part to their faithful discharge and invoking for my guidance the direction and favor of Almighty God.”

As McKinley would often say during this time, the 1900’s would be America’s Century. He was so correct.

Mike Wilson is the director of SCOPE Senior Services of Trumbull County and has traveled around the nation performing as William McKinley for 30 years.

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