Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1885-08-13

NEW 1Ohh, aug.
day of the funeral services over the
remains of the late Gen. Grant
dawned with clear sky, bright sun and
cooling breeza. A more beautiful day for
the solemn services which are to mark the
commitment to the tomb of all that is NOR
tai of him whom the nation mourns could
not be wished for. From the firing of the
sunrise gun, the boom of the minute gun
fired at stated intervals to pay tribute to the
nations dead is heard proclaiming to the
people that the last sad rites are under way,
and before the day closes the hero of the
Union will have been committed to the
tomb
The church bells began tolling, ringing in
mournful canience, and their pealing added
to the general feeling of sorrow and gloom
everywhere displayed. Not the history of
the metropolis or of the nation has there
been such universal mourning as on this oc-
casion, nor has there been exhibited such
widespread sympathy for the family of
which the nations hero was the late head.
The streets along the route laid out for
the passage of the funeral cortege are
packed with people since early mourning,
many of whom have, remained up all night
for the purposs of securing or holding an
advantageous position, from which to view
the solemn pageant, military and civic
bodies marching to the beat Of the mufled
drum are moving to and fro hastily taking
up positions in side streets leading to Broad
way, and preparing to fall in in their places
at the sign for starting. Every
where is hustle. The crowds are well be-
haved, and police arrangements so perfect
that of the military, Grand Army posts and
other societies experience but little incon-
venience in going to place assigned them.
The funeral cortege will undoubtedly be
the grandest and most imposing of its kind
ever witnessed in this or any other city of
the globe Fully one hundred thousand men
will follow the body to the grave at River
side park.
At precisely o'clock in the morning the
gates leading to the vestibule of the City
Hall were closed, and the crowds which had
been pouring in a steady stream of twos
into the yes tibule and passing the catafalque
received a sudden check. The line ceased
moving and therein looked askance at their
neighbors when word was passed by the po-
lice detail to keep those in line in order, that
no more would be admitted. Thousands
were disappointed, and their countenances
plainly expressed their chagrin. The lines
at the time extended clear around the park
and for some distance along Broadway and
adjacent streets. 1t is estimated fully three
hundred thousand people viewed the remains
of the dead general while lying in state here.
So hurriedly had they to pass through that
only mere glance at the calm face was
allowed.
Immediately after the close of the gates
the plaza was cleared and in few minutes
the police were in full possession guarding
every approach and allowing no one but the
privileged to come within stones throw of
the building in which the nations dead lay.
The undertaken at once took charge. None
but the police and guards and all night re-
porters were present at the time.
"Any here who desire to view the re-
mains will step forward at once" said the
undertaken, and his voice echoed in the dark
still corridors. All present passed by the
casket and the lying in state of the ex-presi-
dent had ended.
Undertaken Merritt then brushed the glass
plates above the body and drew from their
places the two lids which cover the casket
The four screws in each were turned down
and the face of the dead had been closed for
ever from view, unless there shall in the
future come request to remove the lids
In the final examination Of the burial ease
the undertaken found stain of tobacco
joice on the velvet coverings. With indig-
nant CALCULATIONS it was removed. Then the
dead was left in care Of the guards who
stood erect and silent within the closed iron
gates and beneath the black drapings
The night wore on and the gray of day
light was creeping up the east The still
air Of the tomb-like corridors became heavy
with the perfume Of whitening flowers