Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-02-28
IN MEMORIAM.
Memorial Services in Honor Of the Late
President Garfield-EulOgy by Hon.
James G.. Blaine.
Large Number Of Distinguished Visitors
in acknowledgements and
Imposing Ceremonies.

WASHINGTON, February 27.-Prior to 10
o'clock this morning admission to the capt.
tol was refused to all save members of the
two houses of Congress and their employees,
but at that hour the doors were thrown open
to persons holding tickets to the memorial
services OF the late James A. Garfield, and
soon the galleries Of the House were filled to
their utmost capacity. A large majority of
the spectators were ladies, who, out of re-
spect TO 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 por-
trait of the late president was hung just back
OF the chairs of the presiding officers, being
itself undraped The members of the House
were early in attendance, all being arrayed
in black. In the lobby back of the Speakers
desk the marine band was stationed, and
at intervals from 10 o'clock until noon dis
coursed solemn music.
Among the distinguished guests first to
arrive were Judge Bancroft, Cyrus w. Field
and Admiral Warden, who took seats direct
ly in front of the clerks desk. Among the
guests who occupied seats on the floor we're
General Schenck and Governors Porter, of
Indiana; Hoyt, Pennsylvania; Foster, Ohio
Hamilton, Maryland, and Bigelow, Connec-
ticut. At ii 80 o'clock Generals Sherman,
Sheridan, Hancock, Howard and Meigs, and
Admirals AmmoD, Rogers and Rodgers en-
tered and were assigned seats to the left of
the Speakers desk, and few minutes later
the ministers of the diplomatic 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 the
members of Congress. who sat Immediately
behind them. The Supreme Court of the
District, headed by Marshal Henry, were
II
tendance. Mrs. Blaine occupied front seat
in the gallery reserved for friends OF the
President.
At precisely II o'clock the House was
called to order by Speaker Keifer and prayer
offered by the chaplain. The Speaker then
said: This day has been dedicated by
action OF the two houses of Congress to SER
vices in commemoration of the life and death
of James Abram Garfield, late president of
the United States. This House is now assem-
He'd and ready to perform its part"
The resolution setting apart the day for
memorial services was read by Clerk Nc
Pherson.
At1210 O'Clock the Senate was announced
and all rose as the senators, headed by the
officers OF that body, entered and took as
signed seats. They were followed by the
chief Justice and associate justices of the
Supreme Court, dressed in their robes of
office Again the assembled multitude arose
as the President of the United States and his
cabinet we're announced. They were accom-
panied by Senator Sherman and Representa-
tive Mckinley, chairmen of the committees
of arrangements. The President took front
seat on the right of the presiding officers
chair.
At 1880 O'Clock the orator of the day,
James G. Blaine, was announced.
The ceremonies were then opened with
short prayer by Chaplain Power, of the
House, after which President Davis said:
''This day is dedicated by Congress for the
memorial services OF the late President of
the United States, james A. Garfield. /
present the Hon. James g. Blaine, who has
been fifty chosen as orator fer this historical
occasion"
Mr.. Blaine then rose, and standing at the
clerks desk, Immediately in front of the two
presiding officers, proceeded with an i'm
pressiveness of manner and clearness of tone
to deliver his eulogy from manuscript. For
synopsis see editorial columns.
The eulogy was concluded at l: so pm,
having taken lust an hour and half in its
delivery. AS Mr.. Blaine uttered the last
solemn words the spectators broke forth into
storm of applause which was not hushed for
some minutes The address was listened to
with great interest and in solemn silence, I'M
broken by any sound except a sigh of relief,
such as arises from large audience when a
strong tension is removed from their minds
The benediction was then offered by the
Rev. DR.. Bullock.
The marine band played "The Garfield
Dead March" as the invited guests filed out
OF the chamber in the same order which they
entered.
The House was then called to order, when
the following concurrent resolution was
adopted: "That the thanks of Congress are
hereby presented to the Hon. james G.
Blaine for the appropriate memorial address
by him, and that he furnish it for
publication" and on motion of Mr.. McKin-
ley the House, as further mark of respect,
adjourned.
The Senate, upon its return from the me-
mortal exercises, adjourned.