One Consolation
In opening his noble address at the
Exposition on last Thursday morning, President McKinley said: “I
am glad to be again in the city of Buffalo and exchange greetings
with her people, to whose generous hospitality I am not a stranger
and with whose good will I have been repeatedly and signally honored.”
No Buffalonian who heard that ringing
voice, and who was within sight of the illustrious speaker can ever
forget the cordial tone of these words and the smile of perfect
sincerity that lighted up the kindly face, as he bowed in acknowledging
the responsive acclamations of the multitude. He was speaking as
our guest, the guest of all the people of Buffalo, who were proud
and happy to do him honor. It was a most inspiring moment.
And yet, somewhere in that cheering,
enthusiastic crowd, the black-hearted anarchist also lurked, even
then seeking a chance to do his bloody work. There is at least one
consolation in the fact that the wretch who committed the murderous
deed does not belong to Buffalo, and never made his home here. There
is sorrow enough, but thank Heaven we are not called upon to endure
the additional bitterness of realizing that the blow was struck
by one who was ever in any sense a Buffalonian. The man is a stranger
here.
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