Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-08-15


NEW York, Aug. S-The closing
lay OF the funeral services over the
emains of the late Gen. Grant
iawned with clear sky, bright sun and
cooling breeze A more beautiful day for
he solemn services which are to mark the
commitment to the tomb Of all that is NOR
al of him whom the nation mourns could
lot be wished for From the firing of the
mnrise gun, Che boom Of the minute gun
fred 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
omb.
The church bells began toll ling, ringing in
nournful candence, and their pealing added
20 the general feeling Of sorrow and gloom
everywhere displayed. Not in the history of
:he9 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
he passage of the fune raj cortege are
packed with people since early mourning,
many Of whom have remained up all night
Tor the purpose Of securing or holding an
advantageous position, from which to view
the solemn pageant, military and civic
bodies marching to the beat Of the Inufiled
irum are moving to and fro hastily taking
up positions in side streets leading to Broad
way, and preparing to fall in in their places
1T the sign for starting. Every
where is hustle The crowds are well be-
aaved, 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
aver witnessed in this or any other city Of
the globe Fully one hundred thousand men
will follow the body to tho grave at River
aide 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 sudden check. The line ceased
moving and therein looked askance at their
neighbors when word was passed by tho 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
70 hurriedly had they to pass thr ough that
only a 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 q 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 viii step forward at once" said the
undertaken, and bis 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 tho 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 Ida
In the final examination Of the burial case
the undertaken found stain Of tobacco
joics on the velvet coverings With indi&
nant CALCULATIONS it was removed. Then the