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Newspaper
Bessemer Herald
Location
Bessemer, Michigan, United States of America
Date
Jan 18, 1902
Page
8
Telegraph offices nationwide are overwhelmed as messages of sympathy flood in for the President and his wife. Dispatches from Friday night reveal widespread dismay and a shared wish for McKinley’s life to be spared, with public figures from all ranks praying for recovery. News bureaus issue late extras across large centers as details of the tragedy are awaited.
Leon Czolgosz, accused assassin, signs a confession declaring himself an anarchist. He says he bought the revolver in Buffalo three days before the act, denies allies, and cites Emma Goldman as his influence for attacking the President. He is unmarried and from Cleveland with seven siblings.
A discussion notes there is no special law for attempting to take the President’s life beyond general criminal statutes. It explains potential penalties if McKinley’s attacker is tried in New York or the District of Columbia, with up to ten years in New York and up to twenty years in Washington.
London received news of the attack on Mr. McKinley with incredulity as newspapers and hotels swarmed with anxious Americans seeking updates. The Lord Mayor led condolences, praying for the life to be spared and expressing sincerest sympathy with American citizens.
Dr Rixey informs Mrs McKinley of the president’s injury and she reacts with notable courage. Director General Buchanan blocks news at the Milburn residence while physicians safeguard the First Lady and prepare for the worst. Mrs McKinley sees the president briefly then retires to her room as doctors stay vigilant.
President McKinley’s official family reacted with grief as news of the assassination attempt reached the White House. Postmaster General Smith and Secretaries Root and Hitchcock hurried to Buffalo, while others planned to join the president at the hospital after Col. Montgomery routed a hospital wire.
The act fixes presidential succession in case of removal or inability of both President and Vice President. The Secretary of State acts as President until disability ends or a President is elected. If no Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury acts, followed by the Secretary of War, Attorney General, Postmaster General, Secretary of the Navy, and Secretary of the Interior. The act notes the Agriculture Secretary’s creation after passage.
The document outlines steps to taking office and convening Congress, including extraordinary sessions with twenty days' notice. It applies to cabinet officers appointed with Senate advice and consent and eligible for the presidency. The present line of succession lists Vice President Roosevelt, Hay, Gage, Root, Knox, Smith, Long, and Hitchcock.
The Secret Service and city detectives maintain close watch on President McKinley during travels and public receptions. Despite layered protection, attackers can blend in with crowds, as hands-on handshakes at receptions create risk. McKinley did not alter his open approach to the public despite security concerns.
Cantonians faced a night of shock and sorrow after reports of the President being shot. Crowds gathered at telegraph offices seeking confirmation while relatives and friends expressed grief and disbelief. The incident temporarily halted the county fair outside the city as people awaited official word.
A Buffalo dispatch reports doctors saw no complications in the early critical period. President McKinley’s condition improved with rest and nourishment after the shooting. Surgeons warned against over-optimism and noted peritonitis and septic danger as possible threats. The White House duty resumption remained a cautious expectation.
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