The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1899-03-10
Thousands View he Remains Of
Princess Kaillani.
KAHN Bearers and Guard OF Honor
Sad and Solemn Hours-Mu.
sic for sunday.
(From Thursdays Daily)

the dead Princess lay in state at Alma
hau. All day long the beautiful ave-
nue. leading to the residence was
crowded with people who came to pay
their last respects to the memory of
one who was beloved by all
Throughout the spacious grounds
were scattered groups of the Hawaiian
race. mourning for their dead ALI.
Through the shrubbery. under the
magnificent banyan tree which lifts IT.
self into the air in front of the house
they moved with trembling lips and
tear-dimmed eye. True, spontaneous
grief reigned in every heart.
Out upon the air. striking strangely
upon the ears of stranger, rose the
wailing here and there of some of the
older natives just as In years gone by
they mourned for their departed dead.
Mingling with the wailing Of the old
natives and the chanting of the meles
foated up the mournful dirges Of the
band. Seated in front of the home,
nnder the branches of the spreading
banyan, the members OF the band
poured out their melody.
Grouped about the entrance to the
room, where reposed the remains OF
Princess Kaiulani, were men with the
rank of petty chiefs. About their
necks they wore the cape of vari-col-
ored feathers, the insignia Of their
rank. With them stood two officers
of the National Guard, Capt. Chas. Will
cox and Lieut.. G. Rose, who directed
the people into the proper apartments.
In the front room of the house, lead
ing from the veranda and facing the
sea, was the bier on which lay the re-
mains. Spread upon the bier, which
was raised about three feet above the
polished floor, was pail of thick vel
vet, royal purple. On the sides of this
pail, worked in gold, were the coat Of
arms OF the dead Princess. Over this
pail was spread shroud of white
satin. Upon this shroud in a robe of
whitest satin and chiffon, reposed in
peace the dead Kaiulani. Calm and
peaceful, as natural as one may be
with the touch of death upon her, she
lay. Scattered about her upon the dais
were orchid and orange blossoms Of
pure white.
On each side OF the catafalque stood
four retainers. Every two hours they
were replaced by others. Slowly and
regularly, with perfect rhythmic uni
son, they waved above their dead mis-
tress the royal kahilis. Dressed in
somber black, with their insignias
about them, they stood mutely and
steadfastly.
At the head stood Col. Soper, Maj
Potter, Maj. Pratt and Capt. Garten-
berg, in full regalia of the military OF
the country, the Guard Of Honor.
At the head and cot of the bier were
feather capes, one of the marks of
rank amongst the Hawaiians. These
capes are made of small golden-colored
feathers. The feathers are each less
than half an inch in length and are
fastened to a groundwork of fine net
so as to resemble the richest of yellow
satin.
In the room of the dead were placed
in artistic arrangement eight large
regal kahilis. These are large feather
cylinders, about three feet in length
and one foot in diameter. They are
made OF most beautiful and costly
feathers OF all shades, black, white
scarlet, gray, yellow and others. These
are peculiarly royal insignia. They
top poles several feet in length.
The decorations of the room were
draped with black. Near the entrance
was placed large portrait in colOrs OF
Kaiulani, which was crowned with q
2 lei OF royal yellow and draped with
crepe.
Two crowns of flowers stood on cush.
ions, which were placed on two tables
mt the head OF the bier. These crowns
are of white carnations and MALE and
lima, the royal flower.
Out from the darkened room OF death
the silent ushers Lead. The adjoining
room is also darkened and heavy with
the scent OF flowers. Here, piled in
lavish profusion, Is a wealth OF flowers
The piano was covered with wilder.
ness of ferns and MALE. Floral pieces
of every shape and blossom were
grouped about.
Right here might be mentioned the
names of the ladies who performed eff.
ficient service In taking care of the
flowers. Mrs. Berger, Mrs. Irene
Brown, Mrs. Geo. G. Beckley, Mrs. =
ID. Tenney, Mrs. Noonan, Mrs. Creigh
Ton, Mrs. Christian Conradt, Mrs. Hast
ings, Mrs. Geo. Herbert, Mrs. Geo
Smithies.
Seated around this room were Ha'
waiians of the older generation. In
silence they sat throughout the after
noon. a silence that was broken only
by the low-toned salutation OF friends
or the sudden wall of some old native
The darkened rooms, the silenI
watchers waving their kahilis ovel
the dead, the many flowers, the heavy
scent-lader air. the silent groups oil
black-garbed natives, the sound OF the
dropping rain and rustling vino
mingled with the wailing ard chanting
of the natives and the funeral music
of the band, all combined to make the
scene one Of strange sadness.
During the day thousands of people
passed through the doors. No station
nor rank, no color nor race within the
confines Of this city was unrepresented
The executive department, the judici.
airy department, the consular corps, civ.
ic, religious and military diguitaries
were all represented. At $50 In the