Mr. Williams Was There

Lights Were Put Out While President Was Taken from Pan-Am Grounds.

     F. F. Williams of this city witnessed the exciting scene at the Pan-American at the time of the shooting of the President. A great crowd was on the grounds and not near all were able to enter the Temple of Music where the reception was being held. Part waited without until their turn came to enter the building. Mr. Williams was among those waiting when suddenly a shot was heard. The people on the outside of the building were not startled as such noises coming from where the midway shows were frequent [sic].
     Suddenly it was whispered about that the President had been shot. While this was being denied by people who could not imagine such a deed the police were soon to rush forward and the awful truth was made certain.
     Mr. Williams said that at 8 o’clock the illumination began as usual. The light slowly grew brighter and when it had reached about one-third its usual brilliancy the lights went out entirely and then within a minute the ambulance with President McKinley and physicians came down the driveway guarded by mounted police. Mr. Williams thought it rather a coincidence that President McKinley should be conveyed out through the gateway named after an assassinated President Lincoln. That night the illumination was not as complete as on other nights and many of the buildings were closed.