The Maryland Bankers’ Association [excerpt]

The address of the President, Mr. Robert Shriver, President First National Bank of Cumberland, was an important utterance in many respects, in that it voiced the sentiment of the Association in his eloquent tribute to the memory of the late President, as well as upon the subject of asset banking.

REMARKS OF MR. SHRIVER.

     Among the events of the past year that go to make up the history of our nation is that one which took from us our chosen ruler, our well-beloved President, William McKinley. I refer to it for the purpose of adding to the many expressions of respect that have already been made; an expression, on the part of this Association, of the affectionate esteem and admiration in which he is held by all its members. There has, perhaps, never lived any person whose death has evoked encomiums so spontaneous, so general, so world-wide, so sincerely felt and so beautifully worded as those written for him, and it is not surprising that he has been given the exalted title “Well-beloved.” [348][349]
     Were we to attempt to foresee the results of such an occurrence as the striking down suddenly of the chief magistrate of the nation, I take it that financial flurries and disaster would be the first thing we would predict. But here we have the remarkable instance of just such an occurrence, the country at large changed from its usual quiet routine into a state of intense excitement and anxiety, and again restored to its equanimity with scarcely a ripple to disturb the regular flow of its business and commercial affairs. It is hardly conceivable that such an event, so widespread in its effects, could transpire so tranquilly.
     It is a remarkable event in many ways, and in none greater than in the display of patriotism by the whole people, their esteem for their President as a ruler and as a man, their sympathy with his bereaved widow, and their complete confidence in President Roosevelt in his accession to the high office so suddenly vacated.
     It is fitting, therefore, to express our respect and affection for ex-President McKinley, and also to assert our intention to uphold President Roosevelt in all his efforts for good government. Thus far the new President has shown himself well worthy of our encouragement and support, and these, I feel sure, will be freely and earnestly accorded him.