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The President’s Last Speech
THE Pan-American Exposition which was formally opened
at Buffalo May 1, 1901, had, from the first, President McKinley’s
earnest support and enthusiastic encouragement. He truly saw that
this great exposition would weld together more closely the peoples
of North and South America by facilitating trade and commerce and
making known to each the resources of the other. It was fitting,
therefore, that there should be a President’s Day and that he should
honor the Exposition with his presence. Therefore he journeyed from
his beautiful home at Canton to Buffalo accompanied by his wife,
relatives and friends.
President’s Day, September 5, 1901,
at the Pan-American Exposition, dawned bright and clear, with the
temperature sufficiently low to make the day all that could be desired.
Business houses and private residences were gayly decorated with
flags and bunting, and banners were stretched from windows and across
streets, bearing words of welcome to the President and expressive
of the sentiment which the great fair was designed to foster, “Peace
to Pan-America.”
The time announced for the departure
of the President from the house of Mr. Milburn, in Delaware Avenue,
where he made his home and was most hospitably entertained in Buffalo,
was 10 o’clock. Crowds had already begun to assemble in front of
the house as early as 9 o’clock. A detail of police kept the crowd
back from the sidewalk in front of the house; but those most eager
to catch a glimpse of the President and Mrs. McKinley indiscriminately
invaded the beautiful lawns of the adjoining residences, and some
even went so far as to climb upon the verandas. [302][303]
Promptly at 10 o’clock the President
emerged from the home of Mr. Milburn, Mrs. McKinley accompanying
him, walking by his side without assistance. A great burst of cheers
greeted them, which the President acknowledged by bowing and raising
his hat. The President and Mrs. McKinley entered the first carriage,
and Mr. Milburn, President of the Exposition, and Mrs. William Hamlin,
of the Board of Women Managers, the second.
An escort of twenty
mounted police and twenty members of the Signal Corps surrounded
the two carriages, and the cavalcade set out at a brisk trot for
the Lincoln Parkway entrance to the Exposition grounds. The two
carriages were followed by a number of other carriages and tallyhos,
their occupants blowing fanfares and adding animation to the scene.
At the entrance to the Exposition
grounds the President was met by detachments of the United States
Marines and the Sea Coast Artillery, and the 65th and 74th N. G.
S. N. Y. Regiments under General S. M. Welch. A President’s salute
of twenty-one guns was fired. The President was escorted to the
stand erected in the esplanade, where probably the greatest crowd
ever assembled there greeted him with ringing cheers. The vast assemblage
overflowed to the Court of Fountains. In the stands on each side
of the President were seated many distinguished men and women, among
them representatives of most of the South American Republics.
There was a most absolute quiet when
President Milburn arose and introduced the President as follows:
“Ladies and Gentlemen: The President.”
The great audience then
broke out with a mighty cheer, which continued as President McKinley
rose, and it was some minutes before he was able to proceed. When
quiet was restored the President spoke as follows: [303][304]
“President Milburn, Director-General
Buchanan, commissioners, ladies and gentlemen:
“I am glad to be again in the city
of Buffalo and exchange greetings with her people, to whose generous
hospitality I am not a stranger and with whose good will I have
been repeatedly and signally honored. To-day I have additional satisfaction
in meeting and giving welcome to the foreign representatives assembled
here, whose presence and participation in this Exposition have contributed
in so marked a degree to its interest and success.
“To the Commissioners of the Dominion
of Canada and the British Colonies, the French Colonies, the Republics
of Mexico and of Central and South America, and the Commissioners
of Cuba and Porto Rico, who share with us in this undertaking, we
give the hand of fellowship, and felicitate with them upon the triumphs
of art, science, education and manufacture which the old has bequeathed
to the new century.
“Expositions are the
timekeepers of progress. They record the world’s advancement. They
stimulate the energy, enterprise and intellect of the people, and
quicken human genius. They go into the home. They broaden and brighten
the daily life of the people. They open mighty storehouses of information
to the student. Every exposition, great or small, has helped to
some onward step. Comparison of ideas is always educational, and
as such instructs the brain and hand of man. Friendly rivalry follows,
which is the spur to industrial improvement, the inspiration to
useful invention and to high endeavor in all departments of human
activity. It exacts a study of the wants, comforts, and even the
whims of the people, and recognizes the efficacy of high quality
and new prices to win their favor.
“The quest for trade is an incentive
to men of business to devise, invent, improve and economize in the
cost of production. Business life, whether among ourselves, or with
other people, is [304][305] ever a
sharp struggle for success. It will be none the less so in the future.
Without competition we would be clinging to the clumsy and antiquated
processes of farming and manufacture and the methods of business
of long ago, and the twentieth would be no further advanced than
the eighteenth century. But, though commercial competitors we are,
commercial enemies we must not be.
“The Pan-American Exposition
has done its work thoroughly, presenting in its exhibits evidences
of the highest skill and illustrating the progress of the human
family in the Western Hemisphere. This portion of the earth has
no cause for humiliation for the part it has performed in the march
of civilization. It has not accomplished everything; far from it.
It has simply done its best, and without vanity or boastfulness,
and recognizing the manifold achievements of others, it invites
the friendly rivalry of all the powers in the peaceful pursuits
of trade and commerce, and will co-operate with all in advancing
the highest and best interests of humanity. The wisdom and energy
of all the nations are none too great for the world’s work. The
success of art, science, industry and invention is an international
asset and a common glory.
“After all, how near one to the other
is every part of the world. Modern inventions have brought into
close relation widely separated peoples and made them better acquainted.
Geographic and political divisions will continue to exist but distances
have been effaced. Swift ships and fast trains are becoming cosmopolitan.
They invade fields which a few years ago were impenetrable. The
world’s products are exchanged as never before, and with increasing
transportation facilities come increasing knowledge and larger trade.
Prices are fixed with mathematical precision by supply and demand.
The world’s selling prices are regulated by market and crop reports.
We travel greater distances in a shorter space of time, and with
more ease, than was ever dreamed of by the fathers. [305][306]
“Isolation is no longer possible or
desirable. The same important news is read, though in different
languages, the same day in all Christendom. The telegraph keeps
us advised of what is occurring everywhere and the press fore-shadows,
with more or less accuracy, the plans and purposes of the nations.
Market prices of products and of securities are hourly known in
every commercial mart, and the investments of the people extend
beyond their own national boundaries into the remotest parts of
the earth. Vast transactions are conducted and international exchanges
are made by the tick of the cable. Every event of interest is immediately
bulletined.
“The quick gathering and transmission
of news, like rapid transit, are of recent origin, and are only
made possible by the genius of the inventor and the courage of the
investor. It took a special messenger of the Government, with every
facility known at the time for rapid travel, nineteen days to go
from the city of Washington to New Orleans with a message to General
Jackson that the war with England had ceased and a treaty of peace
had been signed. How different now!
“We reached General
Miles in Porto Rico by cable, and he was able through the military
telegraph to stop his army on the firing line with the message that
the United States and Spain had signed a protocol suspending hostilities.
We knew almost instantly of the first shots fired at Santiago, and
the subsequent surrender of the Spanish forces was known at Washington
within less than an hour of its consummation.
“The first ship of Cervera’s fleet
had hardly emerged from that historic harbor when the fact was flashed
to our capital, and the swift destruction that followed was announced
immediately through the wonderful medium of telegraphy.
“So accustomed are we to safe and
easy communication with distant lands that its temporary interruption,
even in ordinary [306][307] times,
results in loss and inconvenience. We shall never forget the days
of anxious waiting and awful suspense when no information was permitted
to be sent from Peking, and the diplomatic representatives of the
nations in China, cut off from all communication, inside and outside
of the walled capital, were surrounded by an angry and misguided
mob that threatened their lives, nor the joy thrilled the world
when a single message from the Government of the United States brought
through our Minister the first news of the safety of the besieged
diplomats.
“At the beginning of
the nineteenth century there was not a mile of steam railroad on
the globe. Now there are enough miles to make its circuit many times.
Then there was not a line of electric telegraph; now we have a vast
mileage traversing all lands and all seas. God and man have linked
the nations together. No nation can longer be indifferent to any
other. And, as we are brought more and more in touch with each other,
the less occasion is there for misunderstanding and the stronger
the disposition when we have differences to adjust them in the court
of arbitration, the noblest form for the settlement of international
disputes.
“My fellow-citizens, trade statistics
indicate that this country is in a state of unexampled prosperity.
The figures are almost appalling. They show that we are utilizing
our fields and forests and mines, and that we are furnishing profitable
employment to the millions of workingmen throughout the United States,
bringing comfort and happiness to their homes and making it possible
to lay by savings for old age and disability.
“That all the people are participating
in this great prosperity is seen in every American community, and
shown by the enormous and unprecedented deposits in our savings
banks. Our duty is the care and security of these deposits, and
their safe investment demands the highest integrity and the best
business capacity of those in charge of these depositories of the
people’s earnings. [307][308]
“We have a vast and intricate business,
built up through years of toil and struggle, in which every part
of the country has its stake, which will not permit of either neglect
or undue selfishness. No narrow, sordid policy will subserve it.
The greatest skill and wisdom on the part of manufacturers and producers
will be required to hold and increase it. Our industrial enterprises,
which have grown to such great proportions, affect the homes and
occupations of the people and the welfare of the country.
“Our capacity to produce has developed
so enormously, and our products have so multiplied, that the problem
of more markets requires our urgent and immediate attention. Only
a broad and enlightened policy will keep what we have. No other
policy will get more. In these times of marvelous business energy
and gain we ought to be looking to the future, strengthening the
weak places in our industrial and commercial systems, that we may
be ready for any storm or strain.
“By sensible trade arrangements
which will not interrupt our home production we shall extend the
outlet for our increasing surplus. A system which provides a mutual
exchange of commodities is manifestly essential to the continued
and healthful growth of our export trade. We must not repose in
fancied security that we can forever sell everything and buy little
or nothing. If such a thing were possible it would not be best for
us, or for those with whom we deal. We should take from our customers
such of their products as we can use without harm to our industries
and labor.
“Reciprocity is the natural outgrowth
of our wonderful industrial development under the domestic policy
now firmly established. What we produce beyond our domestic consumption
must have a vent abroad. The excess must be relieved through a foreign
outlet, and we should sell everywhere we can and buy wherever the
buying will enlarge our sales and productions, and thereby make
a greater demand for home labor. [308][309]
“The period of exclusiveness is past.
The expansion of our trade and commerce is the pressing problem.
Commercial wars are unprofitable. A policy of good will and friendly
trade relations will prevent reprisals. Reciprocity treaties are
in harmony with the spirit of the times measures of retaliation
are not.
“If, perchance, some
of our tariffs are no longer needed for revenue or to encourage
and protect our industries at home, why should they not be employed
to extend and promote our markets abroad? Then, too, we have inadequate
steamship service. New lines of steamers have already been put in
commission between the Pacific Coast ports of the United States
and those on the western coasts of Mexico and Central and South
America. These should be followed up with direct steamship lines
between the eastern coast of the United States and South American
ports.
“One of the needs of the times is
direct commercial lines from our vast fields of production to the
fields of consumption that we have but barely touched. Next in advantage
to having the thing to sell is to have the convenience to carry
it to the buyer. We must encourage our merchant marine. We must
have more ships. They must be under the American flag, built and
manned and owned by Americans. These will not only be profitable
in a commercial sense; they will be messengers of peace and amity
wherever they go.
“We must build the Isthmian Canal,
which will unite the two oceans and give a straight line of water
communication with the western coasts of Central and South America
and Mexico. The construction of a Pacific cable cannot be longer
postponed.
“In the furtherance
of these objects of national interest and concern, you are performing
an important part. This Exposition would have touched the heart
of that American statesman whose [309][310]
mind was ever alert and thought ever constant for a larger commerce
and a truer fraternity of the republics of the New World.
“His broad American spirit is felt
and manifested here. He needs no identification to an assemblage
of Americans anywhere, for the name of Blaine is inseparably associated
with the Pan-American movement which finds this practical and substantial
expression, and which we all hope will be firmly advanced by the
Pan-American Congress that assembles this Autumn in the capital
of Mexico. The good work will go on. It cannot be stopped. These
buildings will disappear; this creation of art and beauty and industry
will perish from sight, but their influence will remain to
“Who can tell the new
thoughts that have been awakened, the ambitions fired and the high
achievements that will be wrought through this Exposition? Gentlemen,
let us ever remember that our interest is in accord, not conflict,
and that our real eminence rests in the victories of peace, not
those of war. We hope that all who are represented here may be moved
to higher and nobler effort for their own and the world’s good,
and that out of this city may come, not only greater commerce and
trade for us all, but, more essential than these, relations of mutual
respect, confidence and friendship which will deepen and endure.
“Our earnest prayer is that God will
graciously vouchsafe prosperity, happiness and peace to all our
neighbors, and like blessings to all the peoples and powers of earth.”
President McKinley’s
speech was frequently interrupted with applause, his words referring
to the establishment of reciprocal treaties with other countries,
the necessity of the American people building an isthmian canal
and a Pacific cable, and his reference to [310][311]
the work of Blaine in developing the Pan-American idea bringing
forth especially enthusiastic cheers. Upon the conclusion of his
address a large number of persons broke through the lines around
the stand and the President held an impromptu reception for fifteen
minutes, shaking hands with thousands.
Throughout the country papers of all
parties editorially commented most favorably upon the speech, many
predicting that it would become to the present generation what Washington’s
Farewell Address was to his. It is fitting to record here a few
of the many expressions which appeared immediately after the speech—as
showing the tenor of all of them.
The Philadelphia Ledger (Rep.)
says:
“Among the many able addresses the
President has delivered in recent years, none will take higher rank
than the one spoken yesterday at the Pan-American Exposition. The
theme was inspiring and the President in a happy mood to make use
of the lessons taught.
“As ‘timekeepers of progress’ the
President bore high and deserving tribute to the value of such expositions.
Past experience leaves no room for doubt on that point. The friendly
rivalry they bring about and the unexampled prosperity of the nation,
with the increasing necessity for wider markets, led the President
into some expressions of opinion that will unquestionably be the
keynote of the policy of the nation for the immediate future. Above
all things, he wants peace and good will—competition, but not enmity.
The struggle for success will, in his opinion, be no less sharp
in the future than in the past, and he hopes to see it conducted
on friendly lines.
“Our great problem is that of securing
more markets for our increasing surplus of products. One way to
accomplish that is by reciprocity treaties, ‘sensible trade arrangements
which will not interrupt our home production.’ Reciprocity on the
President’s lines should meet with no opposition in the Republican
party or from any friend of the protective tariff. It would be highly
[311][312] advantageous to the nation,
and the sooner it can be carried into effect the better.
“In connection with reciprocity treaties,
proper encouragement to the merchant marine in the foreign trade
and a broad policy of peace and amity toward all nations, the President
outlines a policy under which the United States will be certain
to go forward with the same unexampled prosperity and contentment
that have been the distinguishing characteristics of the McKinley
Administration from the beginning.”
New York World (Dem.):
“These are the words of a statesman
and a wise party leader. They are economically sound as applied
to a palpable trade condition. They are politically sagacious in
responding to and leading a popular demand which is certain to extend
and grow more insistent with the passing of time. They are logically
and effectively supplemented by the President’s argument for more
ships, for an Isthmian canal and for a Pacific cable. Mr. McKinley,
always felicitous in his public addresses, has never appeared to
better advantage either as an orator or a leader than he does in
this admirable speech at the Pan-American Exposition.”
C
Philadelphia Times
(Dem.):
“There will be some dispute as to
what were the exact words last spoken by the President who yesterday
morning answered to the final roll-call and was summoned from the
midst of a sorrowing nation. But it may be taken to be a small matter
so long as we remember the hopeful, prophetic message which he delivered
to the American people only the day before he was stricken down
by the assassin’s bullet. This speech has become a dying message.
It should linger with us to guide our future policy.
“Mr. McKinley earlier did not hold
the liberal economic views of which he had come to be a representative
just before his death. The industrial potentiality of the country
has increased rapidly [312][313] within
a few years. From his conning-tower at the head of the government
he gained a broader outlook. With experience and greater opportunities
he surveyed a wider field and was honest and manly enough to change
his opinions when he was convinced that those which he had formerly
held were no longer for his country’s highest good. We honor him
for the truth of his character, no less than for the clearness of
his sight in regard to questions upon whose correct solution depends
the future prosperity of the United States.
“Mr. McKinley has left his message
to those who shall come after him. It is to cultivate friendship
with all the peoples of the earth, to recognize the changes which
modern invention have introduced into modern international relationships,
to cast aside ancient sentiments of selfishness and sordidness,
and pass out into the sunshine where the nations may buy and sell
to each other much more freely. Mr. McKinley was a true friend and
advocate of commercial expansion. Some sententious maxims in this
farewell address must be remembered:
“‘Our capacity to produce has developed
so enormously and our products have so multiplied that the problem
of more markets requires our urgent and immediate attention. Only
a broad and enlightened policy will keep what we have. No other
policy will get more.’
“‘We must not repose in fancied security
that we can forever sell everything and buy little or nothing.’
“‘What we produce beyond our domestic
consumption must have a vent abroad.’
“‘The period of exclusiveness is past.’
“‘Commercial wars are unprofitable.’
“‘If, perchance, some of our tariffs
are no longer needed for revenue or to encourage and protect our
industries at home, why should they not be employed to extend and
promote our markets abroad?’” [313][314]
It is useful to recall these words
in connection with President Roosevelt’s promise “to continue absolutely
unbroken the policy of President McKinley for the peace and prosperity
and honor of our beloved country.” We can now but echo the late
President’s own words in his last speech, when he did not yet foresee
the interruption of his earthly term: “The good work will go on.
It cannot be stopped.” It is for us now to remember his influence
as we remember his words and—
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