Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-08-22
THE LATE SPEAKER KERR.
ARRIVAL OF HIS REMAINS


ING IcuidlHs VI Spce keI h6rr, VINO died on
Saturday night at Roekoridge Alum Springs,
Virginia, arrived at the Baltimore aud Po-
tomac depot this morning at 6:iO O'Clock on
the Virginia Midland train, and were met by
Sergeant alarms Thompson, OF the House,
and detail Of six OF the Capitol police. The
body was In charge Of DR.. Sch afnirt, who
embaImed IL. The remains were accompa
MED from the Springs by Hon. Milton say
Ter and 8. 8. Cox and Mr.. Adams. Clerk of
the House, with Mrs. Kerr and her sou, nd
on the arrival OF the train here they went TO
Wlliard's. DR.. Pope also came On the train.
VIEWING THE REMAINS AT THE DEPOT
Mrs. Kerr being averse to any display, tas
remains were lot laid in state ct tie Capi-
toll, as had been contemplate
MT. Spear. or Harvey's undertaking es-
adjustment, Immediately on the arrival
OF the train here commenced the erection OF
catafalque In the rear vesubule OF Pull
man Palace Car Nc IS, and by Ok O'Clock
the body was laid there, so that the friends
OF the deceased could take last look al his
duty IN the car.
THE STATE BURIAL cAsKer.
The casket is what Is known as a state
burial casket (simiiar to the one in which
the remains OF Vice President Wilson were
placed), with foil plate glass top, the other
parts covered with black cloth. II has full
molding around the top and bottom. On the
top 10 massive silver plate with the IN
scIlpuon, N. C. Kerr. Born March 18Th,
was wreath, q small cross and q bouquet of
flowers.
APPEARANCE OF THE BODY.
The body was much emaciated--almost be-
yond recognition. 1t was attired In black
suit and v bite shirt, In the bosom of which
were small gold studs, and q small drab silk
neck tie. The left hand was placed partially
VI urh fk,n rHrxt.N
at the side OF the bc1y. Among those who
CARED tOHlew the remains were Mr.. Ferry,
in OF the Senate, M. Springer. OF III
mos, Gen. Sargent, and Mr.. Morrison.
DEPARTURE OF THE TRAIN.
As the time for the departure of the train
approached, those who were TO accompany
the remains arrived. Mrs. Kerr and Mr..
sam. Kerr were among the first to arrive at
me oepot, and they TOOK seats abou midway
OF the car. Sergeant at arms Thompson
Adams, the Clerk of the House, and soon af-
rewards they we're joined by Senator Ferry
Nj Morrison. Gen. c. Sargent, and Mr.. BENZ
Spindler, House officer, VINO, with Mr.
W. p. Speare, as under taker, made no The
nuns raj party. The train left on time-1t5O
o,eioSk a. M: At Harrisburg the car will be
Sttacned TO the western train, reaching Co
iurnbus at 9:a5 O'Clock to- morrow morning;
Inclanapons To- morrow afternoon, where a
short stop Will De made; Jeffersonville a.
1l;45 to- morrow night. From that place a
eaDy, where
THE FUNERAL
will take place on Thursday.
Sergeant at arms Thompson received tale.
grams last evening and this murning from
Gov. Hendricks, OF Indiana, inc uiriug as TO
lne arrangements, and 10 is expected that
representation OF Indianians will meet the
remains al Columbus, and accompany them
10 their final resting place.
o4DER OF THE PRESIDENT.
Eisewbere VIII be found the order of the
Pre- stdept ANNOUNCING the death OF the
Speaker.
ME- KERR A "LIBERAL THINKER
correspondent of the New York Sna
writes that in religious matters Mr.. Kerr
was o liberal thinker. He might be said to
have been q nationalist, accepting nothing
which did not bear the impress OF proba0ii
ity. Without admitting the divinity Of Jesus
Christ, ne was an advocate OF His code OF
morals; 70 be honest and true and just was
one afternoon he was visited by the Rev
Mr.. Harris, president OF the femaae seminary
at Staup ton, who, with view to sounding
him as 70 his religious views, asked, 81 hope
you are prepared for better life hereafter,
The reply Was prompt inclination Of the
head in the Affirmative. ...
have irm faith in the merits OF Our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christi"
After moments heeltatlOn, In which he
seemed to be carefully Weighing the ques-
ton, Mr.. Kerr shook his head slowly. Ii was
. nne distinction to make, and one wo thy
Of the nne analytical mind, which main
tanned It's suprema cy to the last.
Finding that Speaker Kerr could not carry
on conversation, Mr.. Harris promised To
pray for him, 70 which Mr.. Kerr whispered,
81 thank you" sF
To Mr.. Cox's inquiry, whether he was con-
tent to die, he nodded q tranquil assent.
A few days before his death Mr.. Kerr had
which he said 81 have nothing to leave
you, my SOD, except my good name. Guard
Ii and your mothers honor, and live a.
lived" He leaves very little OF this worlds
a living. In the same conversation he fur.
ther sand :-"Pay ali my debts, II my estate
will warrant 1t without leaving your mother
penniless; otherwise, pay what you can, aud
then 60 to my creditors and tell them the
truth, and pledge your honor to wipe out TIE
inde btedness."