The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-08-15

humanity filed through the venerable
structure. The line entered through
the Chestnut street entrance and passed
on, alter viewing the casket, to Inds-
pendence square.
Every man, woman and child stopped
for moment to read the tablet bearing
the inscription, "All men are created
equal" and to gaze at the rich trim
mings of the catafalque and the decora-
tions that were distributed about the
corridor.
The G. A. II. Well Represented.
The Grand Army of the Republic
was well represented in the crowd that
viewed the casket, and not few battle
SCARED veterans hobbled along to pay
final tlibnte 10 the sailor who met death
while protecting fellow sailor from
ne fury of Chilean mob.
4 The decorations were both elaborate
hnd appropriate. From the tongue of
the old Liberty bell was suspended a
flowing purple cloth which reached to
the floor, forming unique canopy. The
walls were hung alternately with ma
tional flags and purple curtains On
the stairways leading to the council
chambers were banks of flowers that
frightened appreciably the somber ef-
feet produced by heavy drapings,
The window overlooking Independence
square was tastefully decorated with
blossoms and smilax artistically inter-
wined.
The casket was Chilean fu style, the
outside being covered with rich black
broadcloth and was mounted with
oxidized sectional handles.
The Funeral Pr essioD.
Shortly after o'clock terday after
noon the procession escort..ig the body
a%the cemetery passed through densely
ctOwded streets to Woodland cemetery.
There were 5000 men iu the line, which
was composed of the following organi-
Eations:
Ohief marshal and stan, military band; mill
itary escort N. G. of Pa. N. g of N. J. and
Hartranft Light battery; q. A. R. division; di-
vision of Sons of Veterans; division of P. o. 3.
OF A.; Junior o. U. A. NJ; division of fraternal
organizations; Naval Veterans on foot; Admi-
raj John A. Dalghren Garrison; Naval Post aO0
Q. A. r.; Farragut association, N. v; United
states marine gunrdi hearse and guard of
honor; United States sailors and ex- sailors and
former shipmates of Riggn, all nnder tho
command of United States naval officers: car.
ragcs containing clorgymen, orators and dis
tinguished guests; Naval Veteran legion; mem.
bers of joint committee and civic socioties car
fiages containing floral offerings.
Services Mt tho Graves.
Woodland cemetery was crowded long
before the procession reached it, a. 4
o'clock, and it was with difficulty that
passage to the grave was made. The
services began with prayer by Rev.
Samuel H. Boyer, after which Captain
n W. w. Ker delivered the oration of the
day.
1t was fervid, eloquent and patriotic
speech, and Captain ker deeply moved
his immense audience. When he reached
the point where he declared that mo
one shall dare insult nor slight the
American flag with impunity." and that
"Philadelphians in thus honoring the
fallen Riggin demonstrate their feelings
toward those would assault an Ameri-
can and indicate their eagerness to rush
TO the defense of the honor of the flag"
the people could not refrain from burst
ing into cheers.
D Then Row DR.. Duncan Macgregor
followed after the band had played
dirge. DR.. Macgregor delivered an i'm
passioned and beautiful sermon. Hun
dreds Of voices were then raised in the
strain of a familiar hymn, and the
casket was brought to the grave side,
and as the clergymen pronounced the
words "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust"
was reverently lowered to its last rest
ing place.
Then the firing party Of marines from
League Island was drawn up, the Gus
tomary yolleys fired, and the various
organizati dishanded.