President McKinley

     It would be conspicuous at this time, not to refer in brief to the tragic death of our martyr president. The press reports have been clear and full, giving in detail all that pertains to this national calamity. Suffice it for us then to comment upon the medical and surgical experience of the men, who unfortunately were chosen but so skilfully [sic] discharged their duties in the attempt of saving the President’s life. The promptness in decision which characterized the surgeons in attendance immediately following the crime is the strongest evidence of mature judgment coupled with courage and tact, that could possibly be expected in such an emergency as this.
     There is no question that operations more delicate or requiring greater surgical skill, than in the one performed on this illustrious patient, have been undertaken before and carried to a successful termination, but this case was somewhat extraordinary. The entire nation was watching with a critical eye, every move, every step, of the surgeons, and the American people built its hopes on their technical skill, and the efficacy of modern surgical methods. And well knowing this and fully realizing the responsibility of the trying ordeal so suddenly thrust upon them, the physicians were not baffled but did their duty and did it well, deserving of approbation and gratitude of the nation. The condition of the patient at the time of and immeditaely [sic] following the operation was most promising and apparently the science of surgery would in this case be able to successfully cope with the emergency. But the final outcome proved different, not because of the lack or limitation of knowledge of those in attendance, but because of pathological complications which no man could anticipate, discover or prevent. With the facts before us, as far as we know them, we must agree that the President had the best medical and surgical services that the world produces and that no stigma of criticism should be reflected on those heroic men. The medical profession should sustain their actions and by word and pen denounce their malicous [sic] critics.
     Meanwhile we will in heartfelt sorrow lament over his [61][62] untimely death and by reverence for his character and admiration for his deeds cherish the memory of President William McKinley.