Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/79

Rh the canvass was marked by the fact that Major McKinley's chief opponent, Mr. Bryan, was the nominee of both the democratic and the populist parties, and by the widespread revolt in the democratic party caused by this alliance. Within ten days after the adoption of the democratic platform more than 100 daily papers that had been accustomed to support the nominees of the democratic party announced their opposition to both ticket and platform, and Major McKinley was vigorously supported by many who disagreed totally with him on the tariff question. The campaign was in some respects more thoroughly one of education than any that had been known, and its closing weeks were filled with activity and excitement, being especially marked by the display of the national flag. Chairman Hanna, of the republican national committee, recommended that on the Saturday preceding election day the flag should be displayed by all friends of sound finance and good government, and the democratic committee, unwilling to seem less patriotic, issued a similar recommendation. Thus a special &ldquo;flag day&rdquo; was generally observed, and political parades of unusual size added to the excitement. The result of the contest was breathlessly awaited and received with unusual demonstrations of joy.

On March 4, 1897, Major McKinley took the oath of office at Washington in the presence of an