The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1898-06-04
grief could produce,

that of Lord Palmerstone, was rem
dered an imposing spectacle by the
magnificence of the building in which
it was solemnized. The coffin rested
on an elevated bier. before the altar,
its plainness hidden beneath a pail of
white and gold, embroidered with the
text "Requiescat in pace"
In tiers of temporary seat in the
north and south transepts were assem-
bied the members of the two houses of
parliament, the mayors of principal
cities, delegates from liberal organiza-
lions aid representatives of other civic
and political organizations, while the
long nave was crowded with thousands
of men and women, among them being
most of the celebrities in all branches
of English life.
/ have beer present at the burial of
several great men of this generation in
England and America and other coun-
tries, but never at such a ceremony as
this. 1t was a celebration-not a fun
eral. 1t was a victorious commemora-
ton of the climax of a great career. l
almost said there was no sadness. l
SdW DO IGdT Siltu dJ NIduSlOlC > grave,
yet there was no man more tenderly
loved by all who had the privilege of
his friendship.
The moment appealed to other emo
tions han grief; it gave, instead, to
everyone under the venerable roof a
new meaning to the words in the burial
service beginning
n1,o.L, ,rbaro 70 tbr- et;p-
grave, where is thy victory?
There was a certain triumphant note
throughout the service which thrilled
and inspired every imagination. 1t
seemed %singularly appropriate, though
for what reason it would be difficult to
explain, that this funeral without tears
should also be without flowers. The
grandeur and wealth of harmOny-fOr
Fever was human being laid to rest
amid such glorious music-made a more
fitting accompaniment to the inspiring
ceremony than ever the most beautiful
of blossoms.
Yesterdays enrichment of the great
est treasure house of the earth's Illus
trious dead was n splendid climax of
the latest, greatest century of English's
history.
The simple ceremonies were all the
more impressive because they were
devoid of imposing pOmp, and all the
more appropriate to the transformations
old man whose memory is hOnOred.
II the center of Westminster hall a
plain oak coffin lay on a severely plain
dias. Not a flower or a bit of drap-
ing softened Its rigid outlines. Huge
wax candles fickered at each corner,
and a brass cross stood at the head.
A folded pail lay at the foot of the
coffin.
Shortly after ten o'clock the pro-
cession began to form. There was no
insignia of woe, but simply a long file
of Great Britain's foremost men, clad
in ordinary mourning costumes.
First came the speaker of the house
of commons in robes and wig. He was
preceded by a mace bearer, and fol-
lowed by some 400 members of parlia-
ment. Then came Il group of privv
councillors and after the lord chancel-
Tor in flowing robes, proceeded by a
mace bearer, and followed by a num-
Der of peers and bishops, the latter
wearing robes.
Next were the members of the late
liberal ministry and representatives of
royalties. 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 drag
on ''blue mantle" etc, but their
short. white wands alone distinguished
them from the others.
The PAIL Bearers.
On the other side of the coffin were
ranged the pall-bearers, the prince of
Wales, the duke of York, the marquis
of Salisbury, the earl of R~osebery, Mr..
Arthur j. Balfour, Sir William Vernon
Harcourt, the duke of Rutland, the
earl of Kimberly, Lord Rendel and Mr..
Aimstead.
Behind the coffin were the Gladstone
family, the sons. young grandsons, pri-
vate secretaries, physicians and serv-
ants. There were no ladies. Last of
all came a pathetic group of old vii