Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/231

Rh this day many have not gotten over the heat of that campaign, in which personalities were indulged in which were far from creditable to either side, and which did not aid in the least in the solution of the problem which confronted the country. The "gold plank" caused a split in the Republican party by the withdrawal of those who favored silver, and the "silver plank" likewise caused a split in the Democratic party by those leaving who favored gold. Independent candidates were put in the field besides the regular nominees, and for several months the whole country was in a state of keen agitation and suspense.

But though full of bitterness, the canvass was not without its humor. No matter how carefully plans are laid, the unexpected often happens, causing some dismay.

Once McKinley was speaking in a country town in which he was well known and where a great many of his old army comrades lived. The people of the place had made all preparations to do the handsome thing by him and a large crowd assembled to hear his address.

It did not take the speaker long to get