Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/226

This page has been validated.
190
AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE

"The boys will be looking for me," was the quiet reply. "I shall not disappoint them on such a day as this, when they are having so much trouble to dispose of their stock," and the Governor went to the boys and made them as happy as usual despite the storm.

During Governor McKinley's terms in office the state was much disturbed by conflicts between capital and labor, and on a number of occasions the militia had to be called out to protect property and restore order, especially along the lines of the principal railroads carrying the mails. Twice the mobs tried to resort to lynching, but through the firm stand taken by the governor these riotous acts were prevented and the fair name of the state saved from such disgrace.

The great vote cast for McKinley as governor the second time brought him to the attention of the whole United States, and made of him a possible candidate for the Presidency. Twice before had he been spoken of for that high and honorable position, but on each occasion he had thrust it aside, the first time in favor of Sher-