Striking Likeness in Wooden Floor Where M’Kinley Was Shot

Remarkable Phenomenon Discovered by Ohio Men in Temple of Music
Within Inclosure Marking the Spot Where the Late President Fell.

     A remarkable discovery was made in the Temple of Music yesterday which almost startled those who made it. In the grain of the wood flooring, almost in the exact spot where President McKinley stood when stricken down by the bullet of an assassin, was found to be portrayed a splendid likeness of the martyred President.
     The profile is by no means perfect, but when once seen it seems to develop, and if the observer looks carefully all of the prominent features of William McKinley are discernible. The likeness was at first thought to be the trick of someone, but repeated study of the grain of the wood has convinced those who have seen it that it is genuine.
     The likeness lies within the railing placed around the spot where the President fell. It is the size of an ordinary cabinet photograph and is located about two feet west of the nail driven in the floor to designate the exact place where he stood when shot.
     In the likeness the high forehead and Napoleonic nose of President McKinley are the most prominent features. The lights and shadows of the building have something to do with the picture and these tend to bring out in relief the strong, determined chin. The President’s heavy, overhanging eyebrows are also plainly visible to the observer.
     The casual visitor in the Temple, perhaps, would not notice the likeness. In fact, it is really hard to find. It is necessary to stand in a certain position in order to obtain the advantage of the light and shadows.

DISCOVERED BY ACCIDENT.

     The finding of the likeness was an accident. The discovery was made by a man from Massillion [sic], O., who had been a major in the Civil War, and who on various occasions had visited the President at Canton. The discovery was made known to Jerome Bayliss, also of Massillion [sic]. Mr. Bayliss made an investigation and called several bystanders’ attention to the phenomenon.
     “If the discovery had been made under similar circumstances in the middle ages,” said Mr. Bayliss, “it would have led to superstitious beliefs. The Temple would have immediately been made a shrine. I have seen several likenesses in the natural grain of wood, but never have I seen anything so perfect as this.”