Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/315

282 was quite remarkable, in the face of her invalidism. The whole world was deeply touched by her sufferings when she was informed of the tragic death of her husband, and no one expected that she would survive as long as she did her husband's loss. Mrs. McKinley died in 1907, and her remains were placed beside those of her illustrious husband in the magnificent monument built by the Nation to perpetuate his memory.

The fearful tragedy which made Vice-President Roosevelt President of the United States was so overwhelming in its effect that no one thought of the consequences on society of such a sudden change in the administration, or seemed to give any thought as to Mrs. Roosevelt's fitness for the position of Mistress of the White House.

Fortunately there was no need of anxiety, as Mrs. Roosevelt was reared amidst the luxuries of life and had received every advantage for the cultivation of her superior mind. With a heart full of tenderness and absolutely without guile, Mrs. Roosevelt had little to learn when she assumed the duties of presiding over the White House. She was so well informed on all subjects of which many women are ignorant that she was well equipped to meet the most learned and cultured people of the land. She was so gracious and natural in her manner that she inspired the confidence and admiration of all who met her. She was a devoted wife and mother. She disliked notoriety and was so simple and refined in her tastes that critics had little ground for discussion as to what she did or what she wore. Her aversion to gossip and her reticence more than once silenced would-be detractors. Her influence was ever exerted for true loyalty, freedom and humanity and it