Doing Good to the Enemy [excerpt]

     It is in supreme moments that the real test of character appears. When President McKinley was struck to death his first thought was of pity and kindness towards his assassin. Forgetting his own agony, he exclaimed: “Let no one hurt him.” That was the crowning utterance of McKinley’s life. It struck a note so high that no angel ever reached higher. Its power was instantly felt; angry men unfolded their clenched fists and turned with mute admiration towards the man who, in a moment of supreme trial, was first considerate for his murderer. It resounded throughout the nation and its echoes reached the uttermost parts of the earth. No act of all the martyred President’s life has projected so great an influence upon the world. No word he ever uttered is so valuable as an asset for time and immortality.