The daily gazette., 1880-06-30
Our Paris Letter.
Correspondence OF the Gazette.


PARIS, FRANCE, June 10th, 1880.
The remains of the late Governor
of Paris were to-day conveyed to
their last resting-place with all pos
sible pomp and state. General Ay-
mard was personally much liked.
and the manner of his death secured
for him the respect even of those
who had never seen him in life
Although suffering from an incurable
disease, he remained at his post to
the very last. The very day of his
death he worked as usual at his desk
from nine till eleven O'Clock in the
morning. This punctual perform
ance of his habitual duties was cited
in the afternoon papers as a proof
that his illness had been exaggera-
ted. But indeed his state of health
could not be worse, for at seven
O'Clock in the evening he died. The
official position of the late General
entitled him to the honors of a State
funeral in the Invalides, distinc-
ton to which, under ordinary circm-
stances, only Marshals Of France
can lay claim. The ceremony is the
most imposing that can we'll be ina
gined and familiar as it is to residents
in Paris, it never fails to impress the
spectator with new emotion. Every
thing is ordered in such way as to
lead up to a striking dramatic eli
max. On arriving to-day in front of
the venerable building which has
sheltered so many generations of
Frenchmen who have bled for their
country, 1 found the wide square
that extends to the Seine occupied
by some eight thousand troops Of all
arms, the generals in command and
superior officers being grouped to-
gether opposite the entrance to the
Invalides. Among the Frenchmen
present I observed Marshal Mac
Mahon, for whom as he came late,
room was made among the Minis
ters; the Duke d'Aumale, General
Gallifet, looking wonderously like
his fierce portrait in the Salon; M.
Leon Say, at the head of a deputa-
ton from the Senate number of
judges in their black and scarlet
robes; with many deputies and Mum
cipal Counsellors. Punctually at
twelve, the drums outside beat and
the clergy walked up the aisle to re-
ceive the coffin, which was duly de-
posted on the catafalque. Then the
most impressive of all services be-
gan-two organs, the choir, and the
grand military band, full chorus,
solo singers, and stringed instruments,
all being employed to enhance the
effect of the requiem that is called
'La Messe des Marechaux." When
the Host was elevated one could
hear the muffied drums without an
nouncing the ceremony that was
being enacted within, and as the
last sound ofthe faint notes of the i'm
pressive valediction were played the
coffin was placed on the splendid car
that had been waiting at the door.
Followed by an aide-de-camp bear
ing the Generals decorations cover.
ed with Grape gauze, and by his sa-
ble-clad steed, the car was halted at
the front gates and then the troops
filed slowly past, saluting, as they
marched the warrior who thus SEEM
ed to be holding a last review. On
reaching the place the troops who
had led the procession moved aside
to allow it to pass, and the hearse
was halted on the side nearest the
The officers and friends
who attended the funeral took up a
position by the side of the hearse,
and then the march past of this i'm
mense body of men began. It was a |
splendid sight indeed, and one not |
easily to be forgotten by those who |
it. Regiment after regi-
ment, headed by generals with their
aides-de-camp, bands playing land
,olors displayed, passed before the
;lite of the army and the State, and
,aluted the mortal remains of their
gallant chief AS he approached
5he hearse, each of the superior Off
,ers lowered bis sword, and the col
ors, many of which were draped in
Grape, were lowered as they came
by. The cavalry brought up the
-ear, the Curisassiers following last
IF all. When all was over the |
procession resumed its
walk to the cemetery hard by, es-
,orted only by company of gen.
iarmerie. The coffin was placed in |