New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-17

sounds made by the men trying to open the
doors In fact they did not know that any
thing unusual had happened until some time
later one Of their number sought to leave the
tomb. He soon found that to be impossible. on
realizing that they were locked in they quickly
stopped working and began to make noises to
attract the attention Of the watchmen. Their
shouts were heard by all of the men on guard
and those occupied in the beautifying Of the
grounds and the erection of the big stands.
MEN GATHER QUICKLY.
In a few moments a large number Of working
men, many Of whom were skilled mechanics
were gathered in front of the doors. Several
sightseers also FASTENED TO the entrance TO the
tomb. Every effort was made to open the doors,
but in vain. \ messenger was at once sent TO
get several other keys that supposed TO fit
the lock. These proved TO be as useless as the
other. While efforts were being made to enter
the tomb the imprisoned WOrkingmen continued
TO shout and knock loudly on the doors When
it was found that no one on the grounds was able
10 open the doors d telephone message was sent
TO Borkel d Debevoise, the makers Of the doors
and another key was made for the lock-
1t was nearly two hours after this message was
sent that the new key inserted in the lock.
The doors were then ca silly opened While wait
ing for a workman from Borkel & Dcbcyoise to
reach the place many suggestions as to how to
free the imprisoned men were made. one man
suggested that derrick be erected and that the
men be lowered by means Of it from the top Of
the stairs leading to the dome to the ground
The imprisoned men shouted that the doors
would probably fly open if a large number of per-
sons would press against the south door and
then on the north one. For more than an hour
the doors but they did not even shake under the
great weight. After the doors were reopened
they were not closed again until late last night
THE LOWERING or THE COFFIN.
There was talk yesterday that the coffin con-
taining the body of General Grant would be
lowered INTO the sarcophagus either to-day or
Monday. At an early hour yesterday when
there was only a small number of sghtseers
present closed undertaker's wagon bearing
the name Of Stephen Merritt. who had charge
of the arrangements of the funeral of General
Grant. drove up to the approach to the tomb
In the wagon number of coffin rests
large straps. solder and soldering appliances.
These things carried into the tomb and
placed in one Of the inches on the main floor.
There was rumOr then that the body was TO
be moved at once. This. however. proved
visit the repository, as the measurements OF
the coffin had already been taken, and il
had been found that the cedar would
III easily into the sarcophagus. Several holes
were bored in the glass door Of the repository.
Through these holes were drawn ribbons the
ends of which were wound several times around
a bar of the iron gate and tied in a bow Some
sealing-wax was then applied to the bow. so
that no ore could enter the repository without
II being known. This seal will not be broken
until the time for the removal Of the coffin, when
n member Of the Grant family, 1t Is said, will
undo the bow.
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE FAMILY
A Tribune reporter learned from trustworthy
source that probably all Of the members OF the
Grant family, with the exception OF Jesse Grant
who is not expected 10 reach this city before
April 81 will be present when the removal is
made The informant said that several persons
with whom the General was intimately ac-
ouaInted would probably carry the coffin from
the reposltory 10 the sarcophagus The coffin, II
was added would he carried down the winding
stairs and laid in its last resting place. NO
formal ceremonies will mark the transfer.
When the night watchers at the tomb reported
for duty on Thursday night they received III