Evening star., 1885-07-23
MOURNING In WASHINGTON.
HOW THE NEWS OF GRANTS
DEATH WAS RECEIVED.
The Sad Intelligence Announced by
the Ringing Of Bells and Half-mast.
ing OF F1ags-The Presidents Sympa.
thetic Observation-Disclosures Of G Grief
ON Every Side.

The dispatches in last evenings STAR from
Mount McGregor indicated plainly that Gen.
Grant was gradually passing away, and that he
had but a short time to live. The changes in
his condition during his long illness have been
so remarkable that even the hopeless tenor of
the dispatches last night did not cause the
thousands who have daily watched for bulletins
from the old hero's physicians to abandon all
hope. The early readers OF the morning papers
saw that the hoped-for change had not
come, and that General ~, Grant was
nifty, however did not awaken tos
the realiza,on that the fatal nome t had ar
rived and that Gen. Grant was no more, until a
few minutes past eight, when the tolling of the
bells of the fire department carried TO thousands
the sad news. AS the bells rang forth in the
morning air, people were leaving their homes
and starting for their daily labor. There was
no need of asking why the bells were tolling,
death had occurred and then went on. The
chimes in the Metropolitan NJ. Z. church tower
were soon sounding forth dirges and their sad
tones had an impressive effect, it was
remembered that in this church Gen. Grant at
tended divine service during his long residence
in this city. The bells had hardly ceased when
the voices of the newsboys were heard crying
the extra newspapers in the street. The extra
STAR, issued shortly before 10 o'clock, gave the
full particulars OF the last moments OF the diving
hero. 1t was interesting TO note how at once
every mind became interested to learn about
Gen. Grant, and his death was the general topic
of conversation to-day throughout this City,
where the dead soldier and President was so
well known, so much beloved by those who
knew him best and so highly esteemed by all.
The President TO Mrs. Grant.
Shortly after O'Clock this morning the Presi-
dent was informed of the death OF Gen. Grant.
He Immediately directed that the flag on the
White House should be placed at half-mast.
The lowering of the flag the first public
intimatiOn of the death of the distinguished
man. A few minutes after the White House
fig was placed at half-maSt the flags on all the
We're placed in like position.
While the bells of the city were tolling, Presi-
dent Cleveland sent the following di patch to
Mrs. Grant at Mount McGregOr: Accept this
expression OF my heartfelt sympathy in this
hour OF your great affiiction. The people of the
nation mourn with you, and would reach if
tney could with kindly comfort the depths of
tine sorrow which is yours alone, and which
only the pity OF God can heal
Following is the telegram received by the
President this morning from Col. Fred. d.
Grant:
Father died at o'clock this morning
Ed. GRANT"
After sending the message ofsympathy toMrs.
Grant, printed above, the President at OIL ce
called the cabinet to assemble at IL o'clock
instead OF at noon, the usual hour, that suitable
official action might be te.ken In regard to the
sad occurrence.
Shortly after the cabinet meeting the follow
Ing proclamation was issued:
THE PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION.
A Feeling Tribute to the Memory of
the Dead Hero.