The herald., 1893-01-31
NOT A PRIVATE FUNERAL.
Blaine's 0bsequies Made a
Public Event.
Personal Desires Overwhelmed
by Popular Will.
The Tears Of the Nation Shed Over
the Great Mans Bier.
His Mortal Remains Tenderly Laid to
Rest-Hc Needs No Epitaph but
His Name-Mrs. Blaine
Frustrated.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.-Blaine could |
not have private funeral the surging
waves of public interest swept over the
barriers, and made of his obsaquies one
OF the most impressive public demon
strations ever witnessed in this country.
The most eminent men in the nation
stood around his bier. All business in
the national capital was suspended dur
ing the services. The presence of the
president, the cabinet, supreme judges,
the high officials Of congress and the
diplomatic corps was not more signif-
cant than the homage of the waiting
crowds, who, in respectful silence, lined
the streets through which the funeral
cortege passed.
The parlor on the second floor, where
the body lay, was fairly em powered in
flowers, tributes from prominent people
from all parts of the country, from
President Harrison down. The presi-
dents tribute, wreath of orchids and
roses, was placed on the co fin.
CROWDS OF DISTINGUISHED ATTENDANTS.
the presid ent entered first accom-
panied by Mrs. Mckee, and following
them came the officials of the executive,
legislative and judicial departments, the
diplomatic corps and others. who by
ties of kindred, friendship or associa-
tion were entitled to the privilege of
being present at the final rites of the
distinguished statesman. The parlors
were not able to contain all who re-
ceived invitations. Even the house was
too small many per force remained in
their carriages, which filled the adjacent
streets, extending along Penns ylvania
avenue in front of the treasury, war,
state and navy buildings. A concourse
of several thousand people occupied La
fayette square, opposite the Blaine man.
sion. and the doors and windows of the
adjacent houses were thronged with
spectators. A marked air of decorous
solemnity attended even the outside
demonstration.
TIE SERVICES AT THE HOUSE.
AS the hour for the services arrived
the mourners, including the members
OF the family, grouped around the cas-.
ket, the remainder of those present
standing, as there was not roo for
chairs. A simple service of prayer con-
stituted the rites. Rev. DR.. Hamlin,
standing beside the casket, delivered ia
low tone the Presbyterian service for
the dead, Walter Damrosch, meantime,
touch ng the keys of the piano to the
notes of a slow dirge. DR.. Hamlin
thanked God that life was ended only
that immortality might begin, and be-
sought the Almighty for comfort to the
members OF the stricken household.
THE CoRTEGE MOVES TO THE CHURCH.
This ended the brief, impressive SER
vice; the casket was closed and tenderly
borne to the hearse and the procession
wended its way slowly to the church OF
the Covenant. The street outside was
thronged with spectators who reverently
doffed their hats as the cortege passed.
Following the hearse were the pail
bearers, as heretofore given; then came
the members of the family and attend
ing physicians. then the distinguished
guests in due order.
At the church ropes were stretched to
exclude all not especially invited.
THE WIDOW ALONE WITH HER DEAD.
Mrs. Blaine was not among the
|
the starting of the funeral procession
from Lafayette square Mrs. Blaine re.
quested to be left alone for a few min
utes with her dead The parlor was
cleared for this purpose, and when
Mrs. Blaine emerged che made her way,
supported on the arms Of her son and
daughter, to the room where her hus-
band had died, and there gave way to
- -. n.1o
and other svmpahzing friends followed
her to the death chamber, but their
friendly ministrations were of no avail,
and Mrs. Blaine was compelled to re-
main behind.
MAGNIFICENT FLORAL DECORATIONS.
The decorations at the church were
very rich and Elective. The terrace
formed by the pulpit and the rail sepa.
rating the organ gallery from the plat
form afforded background for striking
massing of plants and cut flowers. On
the ledge OF the pulp cut flowers were
ranged in ribbon ten or twelve incher
in width. Below this ribbon and sus-
pended from across the front and curved
sides of the pulpt. were short festoons
of smilax. The Wtismal font at the
right OF the pulpit was twined with a
smilax robe, and bore in it's bowl q
bunch OF Harrissi lilies. Over the cut
flowers were foliage plants. At
either end of the rail, against
the wall, stood an immense rubber
tree, and towering over all, Immediately
behind the reading desk were two
Kentias palms. The front of the organ
was covered with curtains Of smilax.
Ropes dropped from the apex of the in
strument to the candelabra on the side
walls of the organ loft. This decoration
was made under the direction of the
public gardener and has never been SUR
passed here in either profusion or per-
feet ensemble.
The space in front of the pulpit in
which the coffin lay was entirely COW
cred with the floral eniblems which ac-
companied the remains from the house.
These we're disposed in such way ss TO