Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-09-29
The Late President Garfield.
Memorial Services ut BellefOnte.


Monday last was day that will long
be remembered by the people of Belle
fonte. In commemoration of the death
of James A. Garfield. late President of
the United States, and in accordance
with the proclamatious of President
Arthur, Governor Hoyt and Chief Bur.
gess Powers, the day was appropriately
and solennly observed by all the citi'
zens of our town. Business was entirely
suspended and our streets wore the
quiet air of Sabbath day. The EN-.
blems of mourning were everywhere to
be seen and betokened the sincere and
heartfelt grief which filled every heart
for the untimely and sorrowful death Of
the president. There were crowds upon
the streets. but there was not even that
Joyous freedom which characterizes the
relaxation of the Sabbath in their de
meanor. Every one appeared to fully
appreciate the dire calamity which had
befallen the nation when the asshssin's
bullet had done its fatal work. There
was a grateful absence OF holiday max.
ing upon the part Of the large number
OF people who had gathered in town.
The multitude was actuated by but a
single purpose, and that to show what
fragrant memory James A. Garfield had
bequeathed to his country. 1t is rich
legacy aud one that will always be
cherished. There were religious services
in the churches in the morning. A
union meeting was held in the N. +.
church, where an able and eloquent
sermon, very appropriate TO the oeca-
sion, was delivered by Rev. J. /. Delong,
pastor of the Reformed congregation.
Services were also held in the Lutheran
church, Rev. Samuel Z. Furst, pastor Of
the congregation, preaching an inter.
estitg and impressive sermon in com
memoration of the sad event that
brought his hearers together. At tho
Catholic church there was an impressive
service. In addition 10 the usual morn.
ing mass, Rev. Father MoArdle offered
a special prayer for the rePoss Of the
dead Presidents soul. But the greatest
interest was manifested in the memorial
meeting in the Court House at o'clock
In the afternoon. The Court House.
bell was solemnly tolled from halls past
until .. and by that time the Court
House was literally packed with a
seelhing aud perspiriug mace Of men
and women. Standing room, as the
hour for calling the meeting to order
approached, was out Of the question.
The heat was intense, but the vast au.
dience which filed every space in the
Court room was orderly, quiet and dec.
orous. Although under ordinary cir.
cumstanees the sentiments of the
speakers would have elected unbound.
ed applause, the solemnity Of the occa-
sion had 30 impressed the people that
there was no demonstration Of any kind
with the single exception of the close Of
Governor Curtin's eloquent address.
His peroration was go brilliant and
effective that for single moment the
audience was betrayed into unmistaka.
BILE signs Of appreciation. In the en-.
forced absence Of Judge John fl. Orvis,
Z. G. Humes, Esq. was called TO the
chair. Mr.. Humes, on assuming his
duties, spoke as follows:
Cdsens and Friends, Ladies and Gentle.
men:-As we have assembled this after
noon in pursuance Of, and in obedience
10 the several procltmations OF the
President of the United States, the
Governor OF Pennsylvania and the
Chief Burgess Of this Borough, TO give
expression TO our views and feelings
with reference TO the sad and melan'
choiy death OF james A. Garfield, late
President Of the United States, who, on
the second day OF July last, was ruth.
lessiy stricken down by the hand OF an
assassin, which stroke. though averted
by many earnest prayers for time,
during which the national heart was
alternating between hope and fear, has
finally terminated in death.
The occasion is truly a sad and sol.
emn one, and peculiarly so in view of
the fact that this whole nation Is at this
hour engaged in similar services. It Is
eminently proper and becoming that
We, as citizens Of republic so highly
favored, should in this formal manner
come together. and while We drop the
tear af sympathy over the open grave
of our beloved President. give utterance
to the sentiments We entertain with ref.
ereRce to this sorrowful event.
Never IN our history has any occur
renee 20 stirred with horror the hearts
Of the people Of this country, and in.
deed might add of the whole civilized
szorfd aa haa thta ella asaaasfoaffon and