Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-03-17
The Floral Decorations over Mr., sum.
ner's Remains.

The floral decorations over Mr.. Summers
Remains az they rested in Doric Hall are
described as follows in the Journal:
"The floral decorations were of the richest
most artistic and elaborate characte1, in
which the professional florist exercised his
cunning to adorR with appropriate emblems
the bier of tho fallen statesman. The sides
and erd of the catafalque were festooned with
smilax, and along the upper edge was fixed
at intervals Gala lilies, the blossms filled
with violets ard surrounded with begonia
leaves and ferns. The top of the dais was
strewn with variety of choice flowers, in
GLIDING roses, violets and carnations. At
the head of the casket and resting upon the
catafalque stood a magnificent cross seven
rect nigh, formed of Gala blossoms and leaves
OF the Gala plants, carnations violets, spiral
Japonicas, azalias and stock gilley. The foot
OF the cross was fixed to a pedestal covered
with begonia rex and calladicus marantas.-
AT the foot OF the casket and rising from the
marble floor stood column Of flowers EN-.
blamatical of an incomplete life. This was
six feet high and was formed of flowers and
leaves similar to those composing the cross.
Upon the top of the broken shaft, which was
thickly studded with roses, rested pail OF
viloets, and the base was covered with col
lection of choice foliage and exotics. At
the foot and ON one side of the casket stood
an upright anchor of roses and violets, the
cable of which formed Of smilax and violets,
extended along theupper edge and formed the
dressing of caske. bThis was shaded with
roses and pinks. On THE other side was a
broken Tyre, the stings of which were formed
Of violets. In the centre of one side of the
casket was placed a mound Of rich blossoms
and on the other basket of flowers, while
at the upper corners of the catafalque stood
two small crosses. Festoons of smilax
caught up at the handles, and sage palms
formed the decoration sides of the casket, en-
the top of which rested a large bouquet of
callas and other choice flowers and also q
large floral heart, the Offering of colored
citizens of Boston, with the following in
scription: "From the coiored citizens OF Bos-
ton. Charles Sumner, you gave US your life
we give you our hearts," A still larger floral
design, the gift club of the friends Of Mr..
Sumner in Brooklin, Was placed on top Of
the dias facing the main entrance to Doric
Hall. and bore the following inscrptio
wrought in violet upon bed of white car
nation: ''Do not let the Civil Rights bill
fall
Above the catafalque was Suspended =
crown of glory, beneath which floa,ed whise
dove in full fight, no ding in its beak an olive
branch. 1t is q singular incident to relate
that the head of the dove when first poised
in air pointed directly to the face of the
dead, in which position it remained until the
opening Of the door when the current of air
changed it. Feestoons of smilax radiating
from the centre of the ceiling and secured to
the pillars formed canopy over all, while
the columns were entwined with cable of
smilax and the pedestal decorated with fes-
toons of the same and Gala lilies filed with
ViolQfa Dlo aod in Rurta q tho
front of the alcove in which stands the statue
Of Washington, were placed three pots of
dutzia graccilis in full bloom. and in front
of the alcove containing the marble bust of
Mr.. Sinner was displayed large design in
carnations, immortelles and violets, with
which latter blossom was wrought the motto
Of the deceased statesman, equal Rights to
ALL" The effect produced by the combira-
ton of the sombre hues Of mourning with
the brilliant colors of the floral decoration,
is deeply impressive.