The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1882-03-09
MEMORIAL SERVICES.

In Com mem orafion of the Life and Death
of james a. Garfield, late PreAident Of
the United states.
Memorial services Of the late President James
A. Garfield were held in the House of Repre-
sentatives, at Washington, February 27.
large majority of the spectators we're ladies,
who, out of respect for the occasion, had for
the most part discarded bright colors, and
somber black was the prevailing hue. There
were no signs of mourning in the hall. A full
length portrait of the late President was hung
just back of the chairs of the presiding officers,
being itself undraped, members Of the House,
early in attendance, all being arrayed in black.
in the lobby, back of the Speakers desk, the
Marine band was stationed, and ut intervals
from 10 O'Clock until noon discoursed solemn
music.
Among distinguished guests the first to ar
rive were Judge Bancroft, Cyrus W. Field and
Admiral Worden, who took seats directly in
front of the Clerks desk.
Among guests who, at an early hour, occu-
pied seats upon the floor, were Gen. Schenck,
Governors Hoyt, of Pennsylvania; Foster. of
Ohio; Hamilton, of Maryland; Porter of In
diana, and Bigelow, of Connecticut.
At 11:30 Gems. Sherman, Sheridan, Hancock,
Howard and Meigs, and Admirals Ammen,
Worden and Rodgers, entered and were as
signed seats to the left of the Speakers desk,
and a few moments later members of the dIplo-
matte corps, in full regalia, were ushered in,
headed by the Hawaiian Minister. as Dean OF
the corps. Their brilliant costumes only served
to throw into stronger relief the dark attire of
members Of Congress. who sat Immediately be-
hind them. The Supreme Court of the Dis
trict, headed by Marshal Henry, were the next
arrivals. DR.. Bliss was also in attendance.
Mrs. Blaine occupied front seat in the gallery,
for do of ba
At precisely IL o'clock the House was called
to order by Speaker Keifer, and prayer was
offered by the Chaplain.
The Speaker then said:
"This day has been dedicated by action of
the two Houses of Congress to services in COM
memoration of the life and death Of James
Abram Garfield, late President of the United
States. This House is now assembled and ready
to perform its part"
The resolutions setting apart the day for
memorial services were then read by Clerk
Mcpherson.
At 1910 the Senate was announced, and all
rose as the Senators, headed by the officers of
that body, entered and took their assigned
seats They were followed by the Chief Justice
and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court,
semb!ed multitude arose as the President of the
United States and his Cabinet were announced.
They were accompanied by Senator Sherman
and Representative Mckinley, Chairman of the
COmmltt6e OF Arrangements.
The President took front seat on the right
of the presiding officers chair.
At 1890 the orator of the day, James G..
Blaine, was announced. The ceremonies were
then opened by short prayer by Chaplain
Power, of the House, after which President
Davis said:
"This day is dedicated by Congress for me-
mortal services of the late President Of the
United States, James A. Garfield. present to
you Hon. James G. Blaine, who has been fifty
chosen as orator for this historical occasion"
Mr.. Blaine then rose, and standing at the
Clerks desk, Immediately in front of the two
presiding officers, proceeded with impressive.
ness of manner and clearness of tone to deliver
his eulogy.
The eulogy was concluded at so p. m, hay
| ing taken just one hour ami half in its deliv
cry. When Mr.. Blaine uttered the lRst solemn
| words the spectators broke into storm of ap
| plause which was not hushed for some minutes
| The address was listened to with great interest
| and in solemn silence, unbroken bv any SOUND
| except sigh of relief, such as arises from
large audience when strong tension is removed
from their minds, when the orator passed from
his allusion to the differences which existed il
the Republican party last spring.
A benediction WAS then offered by Rev. DIR
| Bullock.
March, as the invited guests filed out of tn
| Chamber in the same order in which they en-
| tered.
The House was then called to order, and
| concurrent resolution adopted, that the thank
of Congress are hereby presented to Hon
James g. Blaine for the appropriate memoria
| address delivered by him that he furnish
ley, the House as q further mark Of respec
adjourned.
The Senate, upon its return from the Memo
rial services, adjourned.