William McKinley actually said...

"Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as this."

"The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief dura..."

"We never enter upon a war until every effort for peace without it has been exhausted."

"Who will dim the splendor of their achievements!"