Security Concerns.

On 5 September 1901, Presidents' Day, President William McKinley, who was visiting the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, delivered a speech that clearly set forth his position on the controversial issue of tariffs and trade reciprocity and laid out a new direction for the GOP during his second term. As part of his visit he had also scheduled a public reception at the Temple of Music on the afternoon of 6 September. Although the president was guarded by three members of the Secret Service, four special agents, and several soldiers, his secretary, George Cortelyou, believed that it would be difficult to ensure McKinley's safety at so public a gathering and asked the president to cancel the reception. McKinley brushed aside his secretary's apprehensions.

The Shooting.

Before the reception a crowd gathered under a blazing sun, hoping to see the president and shake his hand. He arrived...