The times., 1898-05-29
RepOSes in The Treasure House
OF Earth's IIluStriOuS Dead.
CELEBRATION NOT A FUNERAL
The Thrilling and Inspiring Cere-
Inony Was without Tears and
without Flowers - solemn Gram
deur of the Music - Victorious
CemmemorHtion of the Climax of
N Great Career.
Especial cablegram-copyrightcd)


rounded the bier Of great man, but
there is certain sublimity of the last
honors paid William Ewart Gladstone
which left a deeper impression than the
most elaborate panoply grief could pro-
duce.
have been present at the burial of sew
eral great men Of this generation in Eng
land. America and other countries but
never at such ceremony as this. 1t was
celebration, not a funeral. IT was
victorious commemoTation of the climax
of a great career. I almost said there
was no sadness. I saw no tear shed at
Gladstone's grave, yet there was no man
more tenderly loved by all who had the
privilege of his friendship. The moment
appealed to other emotions than grief. 1t
gave instead to everyone under the ven
erabie roof a new meaning to the words
in the burial service beginning, 20 death,
where is thy sting: o grave, where is thy
victory?"
There was certain triumphant note
throughout the service which thrilled and
inspired every Imagination II seemed
singularly appropriate. but for what rea-
son il would be difficult 10 explain, that
this funeral without tears should be also
without flowers. The grandeur and
wealth Of harmony-for never was hui
man being laid 10 rest amid such gior-
ious music-made a more fitting accom-
paniment to the inspiring ceremony than
even the most beautiful Of fading bios
SONS. Today's enrichment Of the great
est treasure house Of the earth's Illus
trious dead was withal a splendid climax
of the latest greatest century Of English
history.
The simple ceremonies were all the more
impressive because they We're devoid of
imposing pomp.
In the center Of Westminster Hall
plain oak coffin lay upon a severely plain
dais. Not a flower or a bit Of drapery
softened its rigid outlines. Huge wax
candles hickered at each corner and a
brass cross stood at the head. A folded
pan lay at the foot Of the coffin.
shortly after 20 O'clock the procession
began to form. There was no insignia Of
woe but simply long file of Great Brit
aims foremost men clad in ordinary
mourning costume.
First came the speaker Of the House of
Commons in robe and wig. he was pre-
ceded by a mace bearer and followed by
some 400 members of Parliament. Then
came group Of privy councillors and af-
ter these the lord chancellor. In flowing
robes. preceded by a mace bearer and fol-
lowed by a number Of peers and bishops,
the latter wearing robes. Next were the
members Of the late liberal ministry. and
representatives Of royalty.
Immediately in front Of the coffin stood
the Duke of Connaught, the Duke of
Cambridge, and the Earl OF Pembroke.
representing the queen. Here and there
were heralds with quaint feudal titles,
such as red dragon, blue mantle. -
etc, but their short white wands alone
distinguished them from the others
On either side Of the coffin were ranged
The pallbearers, the Prince OF Wales. the
Duke Of York, the Marquis Of Salisbury.
the Earl of Rosebery. Mr.. Arthur J.
Balfour. Sir William Harcourt. the Duke
OF Rutland, the Earl Of Kimberley. Lord
Rendel and Mr.. Armistead.
Behind the coffin were the Gladstone
family. the sons. young grandsons. pri-
-.
There were no ladies Last Of all came
a pathetic group of old villagers Of Ha-
warden. When all had taken their
places the Duke Of Norfolk. the earl mar
shal of England. conducted the Bishop Of
London 10 the coffin. where he offered q
brief prayer.
There was brief moment Of silence
and then the coffin was raised upon the
shoulders Of the bearers and the process
ion moved slowly from the hau TO the
Abbey. Outside a vast thronE filed the
whole neighborhood ana every roof and
window was crowded with spectators.
Lines Of police standing shoulder to
shoulder. guarded the route
As the coffin emerged from the hall ev-
cry hat was doffed and silence fell upon
the bareheaded gathering. More than an
hour before the services every place in
the Abbey except those assigned 20 the
processionists, was taken.
The entire congregation rose at 10:15 a.
m, when Mrs. Gladstone, supported by
two Of her sons. entered. and the same
compliment was paid to the Princess of
Wales few minutes later. II was 10y no
means a weary wait for the arrival Of the
procession. For nearly an hour the great
organ, supplemented by large orchestra.
flled the grand old cloisters with Schu-
berts and Beethoven's funeral Ecuale.
-Four trombones played far up in the tri-
forum added a sad wall TO the notes OF
The organ with an effect that was almost
weird. Then followed Schubert's and
Beethoven's familiar funeral march. By
this time the head OF the procession ar
rived and those forming il slowly fled
10 their places.
A great surpliced choir. comprising the
wonderful boys voices. from 81. Paul and
St Margaret's. as wei as those OF West
minister, entered singing: Il Am the Re-
suuection and the Life
The coffin was placed upon a high cata-
falque under the lantern in the center of
the church, the paubearers remainfng. on
each side. The lords, members Of the
last Gladstone cabinet. and other high
dignitaries occupied the north transept
Immediately overlooking the open grave.
The members Of the House of Commons
went to the opposite side and the per-
soaal mourners, including the family. sat
in the center.
Soon after II o'clock when the church
was hushed TO silence that was almost
oppressive. the choir began to sing: Lord
Thou Hast Been Our Refuge" and never
was cathedral music more sweetly or
more impressively sung. As the Amen"
died family away, Dean Bradley, his
spare, thin form almost spiritual in his