"In time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest."
William McKinley, 25th President, 1897-1901
McKinley contended that the only way to reach free trade was through the operation of the policy of protection, or tariffs, to reach the point where we could fully supply our own demands. Under his leadership, the "McKinley Law" was passed in 1890, an election year. The results were not immediately perceived and the act was denounced as increasing the burdens of taxation. As a result, along with a congressional gerrymandering , McKinley and others in his party were defeated for election. It seemed to be a dark time for him and the Republican party. McKinley, however, did not waver in his beliefs and the law took effect and U.S. manufacturing began, starting with tin plates. Thus McKinley's policy and law was vindicated and subsequently he was elected governor of Ohio in the following election. The rest, as they say, is history, as he eventually ascended to the Presidency several years later. Notes of a Busy Life; Foraker, Joseph Benson; Stewart & Kidd Company; Cincinnati, Ohio; 1917; p 99
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