at public questions
underwent change. One of his altered attitudes, much remarked upon, that
concerning silver, involved, as pointed out in the last chapter, no
change of essential principle. In regard to protection he at last swung
to Blaine's position favoring reciprocity, which, as author of the
McKinley Bill, he had been understood to oppose; but it should be
remembered that his final utterances on the subject contemplated an
industrial situation very different from that prevalent during his early
years in politics. The United States had become a mighty exporter of
manufactured products, competing effectively with England, Germany, and
France in the sale of such everywhere in the world.

American material supplied in large part the Russian Trans-Siberian
Railroad. American food-stuffs and meats wakened agrarian frenzy in
Germany. The island-hive of England buzzed loudly with jealous
foreboding lest America capture her world-markets. From an average of
close to $163,000,000 annually from 1887 to 1897 United States exports
of manufactured products reached in 1898 over $290.000,000, in 1899 over
$339,000,000, in 1900 nearly $434,000,000, and in 1901, $412,000,000. As
coal-producer the United States at last led Britain, American tin-plate
reached Wales itself, American locomotives the English colonies and even
the mother-country, while boots and shoes from our factories ruled the
markets of West Australia and South Africa. For bridge and viaduct
construction in British domains American bids heavily undercut British
bids both in price and in time limit.

His progressive insight into the tariff question betrayed Mr. McKinley's
mental activity and hospitality, as his final deliverances thereupon
exhibited fearlessness. None knew better than he that what he said at
Buffalo would be challenged by many in the name of party orthodoxy. Even
greater firmness was manifest when, at an earlier date, speaking at
Savannah, he ranked Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson as among
America's "great" sons. With this brave tribute should be mentioned his
commendable nomination of the ex-Confederate Generals Fitz-Hugh Lee and
Joseph Wheeler as Major-Generals in the United States Army. Such words
and deeds showed skilled leadership also. Each was fittingly timed so as
best to escape or fend criticism and so as to impress the public deeply.

[Illustration: Funeral parade.]
President McKinley's Remains Passing the United States Treasury,
W