The President's Mother

The report tliat Presideni MeKinley's tnotlier had been stricken witti paralysis tooched Washington, as would the serioua illness oí a member of the family in the White House. "Mother" McKinFey came to the capital with the Presidentinl party. She reiuained oniy a few days, bnt alie was one of tUO most inten sting peraoiiiilitiea ho attended the iuauguratiou, nol sinipty because she was the tnotlier of the president, bnt also becanse of her youthfnl oíd age and lier quuhit :ind riiritiiiiic gooii liumor. She had 11 the simplieity and faitli of a Pur i tan mother, and witli it the suiiny good nature of one wlio trusted a higher power in making plain the path lier son ahould walk in lus greatand responsible position. She liad lioped to see Williani sonie day become a bishop in the Methodist ohurch, but she accepted the ways of providence, which led liim to the White House as only a change froui her plans for the general good. Thousands of people saw "Mother" McKinley at Cantón duriug the presidential cainpaign, because she watched the course of events with interest and was often at her son's cottage, assisting hiswifein receiving and entertaining guests. Her eighty-eight years had not triade her an old and infirm vvoman. She was energetic and alert, keen sighted and keen witted, and full of sweet good nature. Slie walked wliere others rode in earriages. She preferred a straightbacked wooden chair to one witli cushons or rockers. The President inherited his good nature and patience as well as bis strong constitution from liis rnother. When "Mother" McKinley came to Washington on the inaugural train it was lier flrst visit to the capital. She caine to Httend her son's inauguration, and also to see the capital. She was a good sightseer while here. She visited many of the points of interest, and was interested in them all. Slie eould endure as inuch as the younger members of the party. Everybody wanted to see ''Mother" McKinley, but she wanted to see Washington. When the president's party ware ushered into the private gallery of the Senate to see the Vice President inaugiirated, half a dozen men wanted to help "Mother" McKinley down the steep steps of the gallery to her seat in the front row. But she had never before needed help in reaching her pew in the church, and this waslike a section of a church. She walked alone to her seat, as did the the others, and she at once became interested in the proceedings. At the White House she charmed all who met her. She was the opposite of all that makes up the glitter of Washington society. There was in her mamier that frank simplicity which pretended to nothing, the sense of humor which saw the ridiculous as well as the grand, and the wit to make her conversation as entertaining as that of the accomplished diplomat. The President wanted his mother to remain in Washington for some weeks after the inauguration, butsheremained only a short time. She said she must set home. The president and his brother Abner rallied lier, assuring lier that it was not time to ninke garden at home, and she would liave notliint; to do. "But boys, don't you know that I have two houses that will be vacant the first of April, and I can't afford to lose the rent. I must go home and flnd tenants for them," replied "Mother" McKinley, with a twinkle in her eyes. Her sense of business responsibility silenced her boys, though one of them was President of the United States, with the task of revivingthe business of the whole country by a wise policy on bis hands. "Mother" McKinley went home.