William McKinley [excerpt]

VERMONT sincerely mourns with her sister states the Nation’s great loss, and her people feel deeply the bereavement caused by the death of President McKinley. The Green Mountain State extends its heartfelt sympathy and offers its sincere condolence to the “Mother of Presidents” in the loss of her noblest and most illustrious son.
     No President of the United States since the Republic was established has been so universally beloved and admired by the people of Vermont as William McKinley. He endeared himself to all Vermonters and the relations which existed between him and our citizens were of a most cordial and friendly character.

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     It was my good fortune to meet Mr. McKinley and speak with him many times during the period from 1890 to 1901. I also enjoyed the privilege of seeing him on all of the occasions mentioned above, and heard him discuss at various places in the State the questions at issue in the campaign of 1892.
     He was the personification of simplicity in his manner and address, withal dignified and commanding respect. He was easily approachable, considerate of all, genial in spirit and of kindly disposition.
     He was no respecter of persons but treated all alike whom he met. There was a genuineness in his character that commanded the confidence, respect and esteem of everyone. He was as ready to commend the successful work of a humble citizen, young or old, as to praise a diplomat for effecting an international agreement.
     To have looked into his serene and noble countenance, to have listened to the words of wisdom that fell from his eloquent lips, to have been greeted by his kindly spirit and to have felt the friendly pressure of his hand, are treasured recollections of thousands of Vermonters. The death of President McKinley is a personal loss to all. And so the tributes paid to the memory of the dead President come from the hearts of the people, and reflect their sense of sorrow and pain at the Nation’s loss, mingled with abiding memories of the life and deeds of the patriotic citizen, gallant soldier, great statesman, illustrious party leader, noble man, devout christian, devoted husband and true friend—William McKinley.