The morning times., 1896-02-09
The
Nations
Day of Grief


Mournful dignity was never lent in a
greater degree than to the funeral OF the
slain Chief Executive. Vivid contrast was
never more noticeable than the charac-
ters of the ushering in and out Of the
world of Abraham Lincoln. Born In the
throes of what would seem almost mex
tricabIe poverty, the ceremonies Of con-
signing his remains were linked with the
ma jestic greatness OF nations military
compliment and civic tribute.
1t was on the cIoudless Easter Sunday
OF 1865 that the services were held at the
White House. Probably this was the only
Easter in America that was not given TO
giadness commemorating the rise of the
Redeemer. Throughout the broad expanse
OF the land churches and societies had
special services of mourning. while In Wash
ington this function was observed as no
other event OF the kind ever had been.
Guns from the forts at sunrise announced
the beginning of the sad ceremonies. Tue
Executive Mansion was draped in Grape,
together with nearly all the buildings, pub
lie and private, in the city. The remains re-
posed on cataralque in the East Room.
The room was draped and festOoned with
the insignia OF mourning befitting the
occasion.
DID THE MARTYR HOMAGE.
President Johnson, the Chief Justice ant
associates OF the Supreme Court, Senators,
Members OF Congress. Cabinet ministers,
generals of the army. admirals OF the navy
the clergy and multitude OF citizens from
far and near came to pay the last sad rites
10 one whose taking a way had come after
he had accomplished one OF the greatesi
achievements in American history
Rev. DR.. Han OF the Church OF the
Epiphany began the ceremony. He read
part OF the church service for the burial
of the dead. Prayer was Offered by BishOr
Simpson. The funeral GRAFTON was de-
Iivered by Rev DIR. Gurley.
1t was O'Clock when tOlling bells and
minute guns announced that the funeral
route was along Pennsylvania avenue to
the Capitol.
The avenue was cleared specially for the
event, but along the pavement were two
mbroken lines OF silent and subdued citi
booming of guns, first military escort
mile in length The soldiers had arms rs
versed and draped in black.
CoLoRED TROOPS HIS GUARD.
After the military came Marshal La
mon. Surg. Gen. Barnes and the physicians
who had attended the deceased. at the head
of the civic procession Behind the gentle
| men named was the funeral car. with the
pallbearers, three each from the Senate,
| the House, tue army, the navy, aud from
| civiflife.
The family of the President followed
Robert and Thad Lincoln and their reIa,
| tives. Mrs Lincoln found it impossible. on
account OF serious illness. to attend. Then
| came President Johnson, Chief Justice
| Chase and other members of the Supreme
| Court. Senators. Representatives, the dip
| lomatic corps. public officers, societies,
| delegations of citizens. and another body
! of military, forming a rear guard. The pro-
| cession was three miles long. requiring
more than two hours to pass a given
point.
When the funeral car reached the Capt.
| toI the body was placed in the center of the
rotunda. under the great dome. draped
| especially for the occasion. The exercises
| of the day We're concluded by the reading
| of the burial service by Rev. DIR. Gurley.
LYING IN STATE.
The remains lay in state at the Capitol
two days, being viewed by thousands OF
| people in that time. It had been determined
that the last resting place should be at
| Springfield. H.. and the journey thence
| was begun, generals of the army, admirals
| of the navy and deputatiOns from the Sen
| ate and House forming a guard OF honor.
/ The roLte selected was the one Mr.. Lin
| coin had taken when coming TO Washing
| ton to assume the Presidential chair.
| Services were held in every large city
| along the rOute-BaItimore, Philadelphia,
/ New York. Cleveland and others. In many
| of them their public buildings were made
| quate TO hold the mulutudes attending
The coffin lid was closed at Springfield
May Ii, 1865. The real burial services were
/ OF the simplest character-a hymn, a prayer,
a brief address and the reading of the
second inaugural of the deceased, and all
| that was mortal Of Abraham Lincoln was
laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery, while
| all the world sent wreaths as loving tokens