New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-09-23
LYING IN STATE.

LYING IN STATE.
VAST CROWDS OF PEOPLE VISITING THE ROTUNDA-
AWFUL sOLEMNTTY OF THE sCENE-FLoRAL
TRIBUTEs-THE FACE AT LAST CONCEALED FROM
VIEW.
IBY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE.i
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22.-Washngton has neverbe-
fore witnessed such that which pre-
sented at the Capitol to-day BY o'clock this morn
ing the crowds had assembled and fling in
through the east door in streams AS the day adj
yanced the crowds increased, and 1t was absolute
Unnecessary that each person should have his turn in
the solemn procession, the latest comers were obliged
to take up their stations at the end of this line
BY 10 o'clock this was found to reach to the
crossing of Second-st. and the avenue south
west considerably more than quarter of
a mile away. All along this line police
men walked and ran, shouting and gesticulating
to prevent stragglers from the outside coming into
the line out of turn. The people forming this pro-
cession were of the highest and lowest among the
number thousands of women and children.
The time required to pass from this extreme
limit of the line to the catafaque was, at the most
crowded period just three hours and half. and
this under a bToiing and upon broad asphalt
pavement, which almost scorched the feet which
pressed it. There were no incidents to-day worthy
Of mention in the rotunda. Beyond the ceaseess
tramp of the people who poured through in a
continuous stream, there was no sound the de-
sire for conversation being swallowed up in the awe
which the presence of the dead President inspired
Some of the people passed the coffin without lifting
their eyes from the floor, unwilling to trust them
selves to gaze upon the awful sight. Others more
curious looked as long they could, and reluctantly
made way for others. There great many col
ored people in the throng, of both and of all
ages and conditions. Common laborers in tattered
clothing crowded upon sumptuously dressed ladies
and gentlemen, all inspired by common motive
At one time to-day it was ascertained by actual
count that sixty persons passed the coffin in one
minute at the rate of 600 an hour, ,cr than
10000 during the day. This is probably not above
the actual number which passed through the ro-
tunda.
At the further end of the catafalque were some
beautiful floral decorations. There was broken
column of white roses of the Marshal Neil variety
about three feet high, surmounted by a white dove
with wings outspread, as if in the act Of aghting
Next came lovely design representing "The Gates
Ajar" The columns were of the same white roses,
and the bars of the gate were Of variegated white
and green. The gate-posts were surmounted by
globes OF immorteles. Next to this was a crown of
white rosebuds, the points being tipped with fern
which gave it pretty and fresh effect. Beyond
this was bank of white flowers from which sprang
column. on which perched white dove.
Upon the bank of white was worked in green the
words " Our Martyr President" AT each end Of the
floral display wreath of ivy leaves
from the British Legation massive wreath, one Of
the most beautiful ever seen in Washington. 1t
came in obedience to orders telegraphed from the
Queen and the accompanying card bore the follow
ing touching and significant inscription:
Queen Victoria TO the memory Of the late Presi-
dent Garfield. An expression of ber and
sympathy with Mrs. Garfield and the American
Nation.
September %, 1881.
The interior of the rotunda was hung in black
though not so heavily to produce marked effect.
In all other respects this portion of the Capitol was
OF usual appearance.
After passing the catafalquo most of the visitors
left the building by the west staircase and went
home; but many mounted to the dome and viewed
9he crowds assembled at the east front from that
point of vantage. All day the streets have been
thronged with people. The street cars which have
been appropriately draped, have boon filed to
overlooking both to and from the Capl-
tol, and all thu, conveyances in the
The trains have brought many visitors to the city,
and many country people from Maryland and Vir-
the city 1t is understood that business in the citv
will be entirely suspended tomorrow.
During this afternoon there were signs that the
body of President Garfield had commenced to de
compose and it being understood that in such event
II the wish of Mrs. Garfield that the features of
her husband should be free from the public gaze
the lid of the casket was closed, by order of Secre
tary Blaine, at about G:30 this evening.
A short time previous TO the issuing of the order
e. close the coffin lid Mrs. Secretary Blaine and
Mrs Secretary Window entered the rotunda and
viewed the remains. Both shocked at the
change and suggested 10 the gentlemen composing
once. Tins, they replied could not be done without
an order from the Cabinet. In short time the or
der came.
THE FUNERAL PROGRAMME.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES TO BE HELD TO-DAY AT THE
CApITOI-AN INfPRTSSIyF PROCFSsION To pF