Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/200

170 measures, and others contending that it was the worst. It was altered several times, and then changed again by the Senate, before it became a law. What the result of this law might have been had it stood for a long time, it is impossible to surmise. It lasted two years, and was then superseded by the Wilson-Gorman measure, commonly called the Wilson Bill.

We have seen how McKinley, when a lawyer, could treat his opponent with every consideration. While he was in Congress he showed a depth of feeling that stirred even his bitterest enemies.

There was a debate in progress over a measure known as the Mills Bill, and among the speakers was Samuel J. Randall, who had been Speaker of the House when McKinley first entered Congress. Randall had prepared an elaborate address, but he was now old and feeble, and he was not yet through when the Speaker announced that his time to talk was up.

"Go on! Go on!" cried several.

"I object!" came the cry from another representative.