As to Brave “Jim” Parker

IT WAS not brave “Jim” Parker’s fault that his good right arm—or was it his left?—failed to connect with the assassin’s solar plexus in time to prevent the fatal shot. He landed in time to prevent the third shot from being fired, and was on top of the wretch, whom he quickly overpowered, in spite of his frantic struggle to get another aim at the distinguished victim of the foul plot. Under all the circumstances of unexpectedness and unpreparedness, of the moment of hesitancy and surprise that come to any one at such a time, Parker acted with a promptness, celerity and skill which proved him to be a man with his wits about him and fully equal to an emergency of that kind which calls for quick and courageous action. There is little doubt that had he been one of the President’s guards there would have been a different termination of the dreadful affair, and William McKinley would have been alive today, with the assassin in durance on a charge of assault with attempt to murder. But, though he failed to save the precious life, Jim Parker has earned the thanks of the Nation, and there is nothing in reason that he does not deserve. He seems to have all the requisites of a first-class Presidential attendant, one whom it would be well to have near our Chief Magistrates when public duties enhance the danger of assassination. If such a position could be created, Jim Parker would have the unanimous indoresement [sic] of 75,000,000 people for the position for life.
     But a grateful people will take care of Parker whether he gets an appointment or not, and the work is under way already, although “a season of great sorrow and mourning” may postpone its fruition for a time. It will not be necessary for him to sell quite all the clothes he wore on that fatal Friday as souvenirs, although everything he had about him, from vest buttons to the shoes he wore, were in eager demand and went off like hot cakes. There will be something better in store for Jim than the uncertain and limited usufruct from the sale of his clothing.