An Eyewitness’s Story

Attack on the President Described by a Bystander.

     BUFFALO, Sept. 6.—From a bystander who witnessed the attempt on the President’s life the following description was obtained by the correspondent of the Associated Press:
     “When the man fired the shots President McKinley fell back a step, quivered slightly, but did not fall. Sceretary [sic] Cortelyou, President Milburn and Detective Foster sprang to his aid while Detective Ireland and James B. Parker threw his assailant to the floor, hurled themselves upon him and attempted to disarm him. Their prisoner struggled desperately and wrenching his arm free attempted once more to fire at the President. The revolver was struck from his hand, however, flying several feet away.
     “President McKinley himself plucked from his side the bullet which had struck the breast bone and glanced, lodging in the skin, at the same time saying to the detective: ‘Foster, I believe there is another bullet in there.’
     “Shortly afterwards he said: ‘Do not exaggerate this to Mrs. McKinley.’ The President throughout displayed the greatest fortitude, and all the time until I saw him carried from the building his coolness and courage were wonderful.”
     It was learned to-night from an authoritative source that the greatest precautions had been taken to guard against the possibility of any such occurrence as transpired to-day. Not only were the services of the local police and detective forces employed to the fullest extent, but specially detailed men have accompanied the presidential party in its travels since inauguration day, and, in addition to this, the extra precaution was taken upon the occasion of the President’s visit to the Pan-American of having three United States treasury secret service men of long experience and proven ability. In fact, to such an extent has this matter of the President’s personal safety been carried by those responsible for his welfare that it has given rise to some criticism. Upon his visit to the exposition it was felt by those surrounding him that the President was liable to greater chances of danger than is usual even upon his travels, owing to the great crowds, the diversified character of the people assembled and the necessity for direct contact with the crowds. For these reasons the strictest precautions above mentioned were resorted to. The President himself has always been averse to any such protection and the sight of officers of the law constantly near his person has been distasteful. He has always insisted that in all his visits to various cities there should be at least one public reception where he could be brought face to face with the public and give those who desired it the privilege of a personal meeting.