Iron County register., 1898-06-02

magnifcence of the building in which
it was solemnized. The coffin rested
on an elevated bier, before the altar,
its plainness hidden beneath 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-
| bled the members of the two houses of
parliament, the mayors of principal
cities, delegates from liberal organiza-
tions and 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 been present at the burial of
several great men of this generation in
England and America and other coun-
tries, but never at such ceremony as
this. 1t was celebration-not a fun
eral. 1t was victorious commemora-
ton of the climax of great career. /
almost said there was no sadness. /
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 emo
tions than grief; it gave, instead, to
everyone under the venerable roof a
new meaning to the words in the burial
service beginning
o death where is thy sting
grave, where is thy victory?
There was certain triumphant note
throughout the service which thrilled
and inspired every imagination. It
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
never was human being laid to rest
amid such glorious music-made 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 a splendid climax of
the latest, greatest century Of Eng1ish'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.
In the center of Westminster hall
plain oak coffin lay on a severely plain
dias. Not a flower or a bit of drap-
ing softened It's 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 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 a group of privV
councillors and after the lord chancel-
lor 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 Pau-Bearers-
On the other side of the coffin were
ranged the pan-bearers, the prince of
Wales, the duke of York, the marquis
of Salisbury, the earl of Rosebery, Mr.
Arthur ]. 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, pm
vate secretaries, physicians and serv-
ants. There were no ladies. Last of
all came a pathetic group of old VIII
layers of Hawarden- When all had
taken their places the duke of Norfolk,
the earl marshal of England, conduct
ed the bishop of London to the coffin,
where he offered brief prayer.
The prayer concluded. there was a
brief moment of silence, and then the
coffin was raised upon the shoulders of
the bearers and the procession moved
slowly from the hall to the abbey.
Outside tremendous throng filed the
whole neighborhood Gnd every roof
and window was crowded with specta-
tors Lines of police standing shoul-
der to shoulder guarded the route.