’Twas Sad End to Happy Day

President Took Trip to Niagara Falls in Gay Mood and Saw
the Sights with Keenest Pleasure.

     The misfortune to President McKinley came as a sad end to a happy day. In company with Mrs. McKinley and members of the diplomatic corps he visited Niagara Falls, leaving the Terminal Station on a special train at 9 a. m.
     Throughout the morning the President appeared in an unusually happy mood. At the Falls he visited all points of interest and walked from his carriage to various places in company with Mr. Milburn and Mr. Buchanan.
     The trip was made to Lewiston, thence down the Gorge route to the Falls. At the Falls Mrs. McKinley expressed the wish that she be taken to the International Hotel, there to rest while the President went with the party.

EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD HUMOR.

     It was observed by those with him that the President was in an exceptionally good humor. He expressed his thoughts freely on the beauty of the Falls, this being his first visit since the G. A. R. encampment held here.
     At the Niagara Falls Power Company’s plant, where he was greeted by the ringing of bells and the blowing of whistles, the President alighted from his carriage, smoking a cigar. He was deeply interested in the project of utilizing the energy of the cataract. He did not neglect to observe, however, that none of the beauty of the Falls should be lost by the scheme.
     In starting for the Falls President McKinley was up and on his way to the Terminal Station before the crowds had gathered. In company with him were the party which came on the Presidential train from Canton—Secretary Wilson, the local committees, officials of the Exposition and members of the diplomatic corps. The train left the depot promptly at 9 o’clock. It reached Lewiston at 10:05 o’clock. Many country people were at the station to greet him. Three trolley cars were ready to carry the party up the Gorge. The President and Mrs. McKinley occupied the first car. Throughout the trip the President chatted freely, giving evidence that he had determined to enjoy his vacation as much as possible.

MRS. M’KINLEY STOPS AT HOTEL.

     After the party had driven through the streets of Niagara Falls, Mrs. McKinley decided not to continue over Goat Island, and accordingly she was taken to the hotel.
     President McKinley alighted three times on the island in order to obtain a good view of the cataract.
     The start to return to Buffalo in order that the Temple of Music reception might not be delayed was made at 2:45 p. m. The train reached the Terminal Station shortly after 3:30 p. m., when the President alighted and prepared for the reception.