CHAPTER X. THE MEN AND THE ISSUE IN 1896 Free Silver Coinage Issue in the Campaign.—Republican Convention in St. Louis.—The Money Plank in the Platform.—Withdrawal of Senator Teller and Free Silver Delegates.—William McKinley and Garret A. Hobart Nominated for President and Vice-President.—Sketch of Life of William McKinley.—Democratic Convention Held in Chicago.—Demand for Free and Unlimited Coinage of Silver.—William J. Bryan Makes “Cross of Gold” Speech.—Delegates Refuse to Vote.—W. J. Bryan and Arthur Sewall Nominated.—Sketch of William J. Bryan.—Thomas Watson Nominated for Vice-President by Populist Convention.—National or Gold Democratic Ticket.—Speeches Made by Candidates.—Result of the Election. CHAPTER XI. MR. MCKINLEY'S ADMINISTRATION John Sherman, William R. Day, and John Hay as Secretary of State.—Other Members of Cabinet.—Revival of Business in 1897.—Gold Discovery in Yukon, Klondike, and Cape Nome.—Alaskan Boundary Controversy Between United States and Great Britain.—Joint High Commission Canvasses Boundary and Sealing Question.—Estimate of Loss to Seal Herd.—Sealskins Ordered Confiscated and Destroyed at United States Ports.—Hawaiian Islands Annexed.—Special Envoys to the Powers Appointed to Consider International Bi-Metallism.—President Withdraws Positions from the Classified Service.—Extra Session of Congress.—Passes Dingley Tariff Act.—Reciprocity Clauses.—Grant Mausoleum Completed.—Presentation Ceremonies at New York. CHAPTER XII. THE WAR WITH SPAIN Cuban Discontent with Spanish Rule.—United States’ Neutral Attitude Toward Spain and Cuba.—Red Cross Society Aids Reconcentrados.—Spanish Minister Writes Letter that Leads to Resignation.—United States Battleship Maine Sunk in Havana Harbor.—Congress Declares the People of Cuba Free and Independent.—Minister Woodford Receives his Passports at Madrid.—Increase of the Regular Army.—Spain Prepares for War.—Army Equipment Insufficient.—Strength of Navy.—The Oregon Makes Unprecedented Run.—Admiral Cervera’s Fleet in Santiago Harbor.—Navy at Santiago Harbor Entrance.—Army Lands near Santiago.—The Darkest Day of the War.—Sinking of the Collier Merrimac to Block Harbor Entrance.—Spanish Ships Leave.—General Toral Surrenders.—Expedition of General Miles to Porto Rico.—Commodore George Dewey Enters Manila Bay.—Destroys Spanish Fleet.—Manila Capitulates.—Treaty of Paris Signed. CHAPTER XIII. "CUBA LIBRE" Admiral Sampson and Admiral Schley in Santiago Naval Battle.—Court of Inquiry Appointed.—Paris Treaty of Peace Ratified.—Foreign Criticism.—The Samoan Islands.—Civil Government Established in Porto Rico.—Foreign Commerce of Porto Rico.—Congressional Pledge about Cuba.—Census of Cuba.—General Leonard Wood, Governor of Cuba.—Cuban Constitutional Convention.—“Platt Amendment.”—Cuban Constitution Adopted.—First President of Cuba.—Reciprocity with Cuba.