McKinley Memorial

     An imposing statue of William McKinley occupies a commanding position at the western entrance to the State House grounds, Columbus, O. The entire cost of this work of art was $50,000, one-half of which was contributed by the citizens of the capital city, and one-half by the State through an appropriation by the General Assembbly [sic].
     The statue was unveiled September 14, 1906, in the presence of 50,000 people. Mrs. Nicholas Longworth, daughter of President Roosevelt, drew the silken cord that released the draping flags from the statue of bronze. In the evening eloquent addresses were delivered by Judge William R. Day, of the United States Supreme Court, and Hon. John W. Daniel, United States senator from Virginia.
     The memorial is in the form of an arc of a circle. In the center is the pedestal surmounted by a figure of heroic size representing President McKinley, as he delivered his last address at the Pan-American Exposition. At each end and connected with the central pedestal by a granite bench are bronze groups of allegorical figures, “intended to typify American ideas and sentiments that underlie good government.”
     “On the right is the type of physical force and human energy in repose—beside whom is seated the youth of the coming generation in the attitude of intense study—counseled by the practical wisdom of maturity. Together they typify prosperity through progress.
     “On the left is a beautiful figure of a woman, typical of those noble attributes of heart and home for which this country stands and which were exemplified in the man toward whom she looks. Her left hand, protectingly encircling the maiden at her side, places above the emblems of war (sword and helmet) the palm of peace. The maiden holds in her hand a wreath. This group is intended to symbolize the tribute of the people to McKinley.” [27][28]
     On the stone work on either side of the statue of McKinley are quotations from his last address. On the left:
     “Let us ever remember that our interest is in concord, not conflict; and that our real eminence rests in the victories of peace, not those of war.”
     On the right:
     “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 all the powers of earth.”
     The statue is the work of the well known sculptor, Hermon A. MacNeil.