THE assassination of US President William McKinley a century ago this week was news that "shocked the civilized world", according to the Malvern Gazette.

"On every hand, there was a feeling of keen regret and an expression of detestation for the cowardly crime," thundered the paper.

"Here in Malvern we are not keenly interested in American politics but, both now and in the past, visitors from the States have been welcomed and we have a fair number of them staying here at present, to whom our heartiest sympathies are accorded.

"The first flag floating at half-mast was at Hardwicke House, where a former member of Mr McKinley's Cabinet, Mr C Volney King of Fifth Avenue, New York City, is at present staying.

"This was quickly followed by similar tokens at the Council Office, the Priory Tower, the Club, the Imperial Hotel, the Belle Vue Terrace, St Mungho's and other places.

"On Sunday, eloquent tribute was paid to the deceased statesman in the majority of the places or worship. . . and, though he was a Methodist of the most thorough-going type, no more generous recognition of his sterling merit was accorded him than from members of the Church of England."

At Malvern Link, the Rev A Day said: "We might spend our lawful feelings of indignation in violent outcry and vindictive revenge upon the Anarchist assassin, but we may do better, like Hezekiah, in laying the matter before God."

The Rev Walter Lee, at Holly Mount, commended President McKinley's Christian character to his congregation and said he did not doubt that good would come out of evil.