The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-08-19
james HI. HOruer.

In connection with the recent death of Mr.
| Homer, late q. S. Vice Consul at Sagua la
| Grande, Cuba, who was so we'll and favorably
known to Portland merchants and ship mas
ters, the following translation FURNISHED us by
Capt j. B. MeDonald,) from leading Sagua
papers, expressive of the great esteem in which
he was held by the citizens and officers of that
city, will be of interest to our Portland read
erS.
From the Sagua la Grande GEL Comercio," July 8,
When any people erect monuments to the
honor OF those who are truly great, and who
have so exalted themselves by their own vir-
tues and good deeds, when there exists in the
hearts OF all the single impulse, to fulfil duty,
to pay sacred debt by rendering the homage
of sorrowing gratitude to those who by their
virtues, their love of humanity and their con-
slant wish to do good, are remembered with
tears and universal mourning, we may assert
without fear of contradiction, that such peo-
pie also honor themselves and have taken one
more step upward and onward
Sagua la Grande has fulfilled such a duty to-
day: has performed worthy mission: has rem
dered the last homage of love and respect to
the worthy benefactOr of the poor to the hon
orable neighbor, to the lllustrous Consul of the
United States Mr. James 81. Horner, who, in
his long residence 10 this town has made him
self so respected and loved.
All classes of people accompanied his re-
mains along the principal streets of our city
previous to transporting them to Boston, his
birthplace, where 80 many await them with
fearful eyes, reciptocating the great sympathy
and love our people felt toward kind gentle
man.
The band of our volunteer corps played a
magnificent funeral march, and in the coun-
tenances of all spectators were shown the grief
and sense Of loss of one of those beings who
are so rare in this world.
At o'clock in the morning the coffin was
taken to the Boca (the fort of the ciGy) in a
special express train, which the Administrator
OF the railway, as an expression of his esteem
for the deceased, kindly furnished without
charge.
Three cars were net found sufficient to con-
tain the mourning attendants, who comprised
the entire city government, the municipal Judi.
ciary and many other distinguished persons.
Thanks are due to the generosity of MIR Man
uel Garcia, who placed at the disposal of the
managers grand cenotaph and hearse, decor
ated with much proiusion and good taste. Sew
eral other gentlemen wishing to show their re-
spect and love for MIR. HoDer, who in life had
been their dear FRIEND betrayed the charges of
embalming and other costs.
Hearty thanks are due in the name of our
people, for whom we speak, to Mr. Francisco
Rasco, Manuel Garcia, to John Wander Kieft,
ESQ.,, and numerous other gentlemen for great
generosity and kindness on the occasion, and
for tender and exquisite attentions rendered to
Jne lamented deceased in his last momeuts.
And to Mr.. Jose Vlllar, pro tempore command
er OF the battalion of volunteers, in generously
furnishing band of music and a guard Of
honor from the pioneers of his corps.
We lack the necessary data for giving biog-
raphy, or abstract of the life of our departed
friend, we therefore confne ourselves to this
brief notice of the last honors we can pay him.
But before closing, we will say that the name
and memory of Mr.. Horner cannot die; they
are impressed deeply in the hearts of our whole
people, who will cherish them forever.
The Ell Sagua of July LIST, also gives an ex-
tended notice Of Mr. Horners long residence at
the port of Sagua la Grande as Vice Consul of
the United Stanes, of his great charity and un-
firing benefcence, giving unsparingly of his
time and means to the sick and needy, foremost
on every subscription list for benevolent pur-
poses, yet modest man, shrinking from motto.
riety and prominence. During the cholera,
yellow fever and small pox epidemics which
have visited that town, risking his life con-
stantly day and night ministering to the suffer-
ing sick, and caring for those who were left dy-
ing and deserted by their panic-stricken fami-
lies. His many noble qualities as the repre-
sentative of his nation, as merchant, philan.
thropist, as nsighbor and friend, are dwelt
upon with tender and loving hand, and we
regret that space will not permit our giving the
translation in full