Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-09-24
THE FUNERAL SERVICES
In the ROtunda...Prayer by Rev. DIR.
Erret...A Vast Multitude in Attend.
ance...Over 10000 Persons Witness
the Procession.

WAsHINGToN, Sept. %. Although the
funeral ceremonies were not to commence
until 3 o'clock, long before that hour and all
the morning. with the exception of one hour
while Mrs. Garfield passed into the rotunda
to view the remains of her husband, the
corridors of the building were thronged with
visitors. At few minutes before o'clock
the Beauseant Commandery of Knights
Templar from Baltimore, filed in and depos-
tied a handsome floral tribute to the dead
President. A few minutes later a number
of the members of the Diplomatic Corps
entered and took the Sc ats assigned them in
the rear of the sofas placed for the
Supreme Court, the members of
of which soon after entered, headed by Chief
Justice Waite. At g 40 Col. Rockwell, DIR.
Boynton. Private Secretary Brown, Messrs.
Judd Pruden. Warren Young, Hendey and
Duke, Mr.. and Mrs. Balney, Col. and Mrs
Montgomery and Mrs. Dean, representing
the household of the late President, entered
and took the seats reserved for them. The
members of the House filled in through the
south door, preceded by the officers of that
body and by ex-Speaker Randall and Banks
They were followed by the Senators, Senator
Anthony leading. who entered by the north
door. Ats o'clock the Cabinet and dis
tinguished guests entered in the following
order President Arthur and Secretary Blaine
ex-Presidents Grant and Hayes, Secretary
and Mrs. Window, Secretary and Mra. Lin.
coin, Secretary and Mrs. Hunt. Attorney Gen.
McVeagh. Secretary Kirkwood, Postmaster
General James, and Gems. Drum and Beale.
The vast assemblage, as of one accord
arose to honor the new President, and when
they had regained their seats the ceremonies
were opened with the hymn, "Asleep in
Jesus" beautifully rendered by the volun.
teer choir. Rev. DIR. Rankin then ascended
the raised platform at the head of the cata-
fatigue. and in clear and distinct voice read
scriptural selections. Rev. Isaac Erret then
offered prayer. He spoke in a clear but low
tone of voice and with much evidence of
deep feeling. at. fE
Our President is dead he said.
raised by the people to the Chief Magistracv
of this great nation, he was stricken down
by numerous hand. cut off in his glorions
promise and all the high hopes and expecta-
tons connected with his administration If
the public affairs, sunk into disappointment
and nothinRness. Oh, Lord. as We stand in
the presence of this fearful calamity NAV we
be exceedingly humbled before thee. and as
we are short sighted, we pray that thy hand
may be reached down and that we NAV be
taken through this darkness out iuto the
light, and enable us to realize that even in
be merciful. He appealed to God to have
pity on the dear old mother over the noun |
tains, waiting for the dead body o: her
darling son, now that she was old and grew
haired. Amen"
Afser the close Of the ceremonies the cas-
ket containing the remains of President Gar |
field were slowly borne from the building |
from which he had gained so many laure,s
and triumphs- The casket was followed hy
President Arthur leaning on the arm of Sec.
Rotary Blaine and by members of the Cabi. /
net, and in quarter of an hour the rotunda
vas nearly deserted.
As the procession moved guns we're fired
nom the military posts and forts Surrounding
the city. and church bells tolled. AT Ieast
10000 people gathered about the Capitol 10
witness the start of the procession. while ali
along the line of march to 9th street the
crowd vas ever greater than on the 9Th OF I
March Everywhere it was most orderly and
gust, and a. the hearse containing the re-
mans moved along the avenue, from the yervl
door Of the Capitol to the depot, al heads
we're uncovered