The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-01
FUNERAL OF A SENATOR
IMPRESSIVE SERVICES OVER THE
REMAINS OF JUSTIN 5. MORRILL,.
Obseguies i'm the Senate Chamber At
tended by the President and Many
other Prominent Men.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31.-Funeral services
over the late Senator Justin S. Morrill,, of
Vermont. were held in the United States
Senate chamber at noon to-day They were
conducted with impressive dignity in the
presence of distinguished assemblage, in
Guiding the President and Vice President of
the United States, members of the Cabinet,
justices of the Supreme Court, senators and
representatives in Congress, the speaker OF
the House, and representatives of the army,
navy and of the diplomatic corps, as well as
a concourse of private citizens who took this
means of testifying the affectionate regard
in which Mr. Morrill, was universally held.
Early in the day the remains were borne
from the family residence on Massachusetts
avenue to the Capitol. There were no serv-
ices at the house, and the funeral cortege to
the Capitol was simple and formal. Arriv-
ing there the casket was carried direct TO
the Senate chamber and deposited IN the
semi-circe area Immediately in front OF the
presiding officers desk. The casket was CT
rich but simple design, with black broad
cloth covering and heavy oxidized silver
handles. A silver plate on top bore the in
scription: Justin Smith Morrill,. 1SiO-1S9S.'
After the willing hands of Senate en-
ployes, who had so longed served the senator
in life, had arranged the multitude of flow
ers which had been sent the lid Of the
casket was removed, disclosing the calm and
peaceful face of the dead statesman. In the
repose of death the features still showed
rugged strength and firmness. Jh2 al ms
were folded across the breast and the eyes
looked upward vacantly. BANKED high on
the lower part of the casket, all ahcut ii and
covering the desks up to the presiding Off
GERS desk was a profuson of plants, flow
ers, floral emblems, palms and garlands of
galaxy leaves. From the White House con-
servatory came an exquisite wreath from
President and Mrs. Mckinley OF pale pink
and purple orchids. dark brown galaxy
leaves of North Carolina and long WiSpS or
palm. Altogether there was such an out
pouring of flowers as is seldom seen even
in the Senate. The chamber itself bore eio-
Quent testimony in its crepe and floral deco
rations to the lifelong service Of the YER
mont senator within its walls.
BY IL o'clock the public galleries were
filled to overlooking with crowds who had
braved a driving rain. Exactly at noon the
ceremony began. Vice President Hobart,
accompanied by Speaker Reed, taking seats
at the presiding officers desk, while the
President, Cabinet, supreme justices, sena-
tors and representatives entered unan-
nounced. The scene was one OF profound
solemnity as the President and distln-
guiShed officials entered the chamber, with
bowed heads and eyes turned toward the
pallid upturned face of the dead senator
proceeding UP the aisle to large leather
chair facing the casket. and Immediately
floor and in the galleries rose and remained
standing until the presidential party was
seated. Ranged back of the President and
his Cabinet were the honorary committee
OF senators and representatives, most of
them white-halred and venerable associates
of Mr. Morrill,. They wore wide white
mourning bands from shoulders to hip.
Chief Justice Fuller and Justices Brown and
McKenna were with the large representa-
ton OF senator's and representatives filling
the body of the chamber. Former Senator
John Sherman who became a member of
the House with Mr.. Morrill, in 1855 was pres
ent. Directly across the aisle from the Pres
family group Mr. James Swan Morrill,, son
DR.. and Mrs. Swami, brother-in-law and
sister-in-law of the deceased. Aside from
the officials present number Of ladies were
admitted to the floor.
The honorary committee of senators con-
sisted of Messrs. Proctor, Hoar,. Cullom,
WOlcott, Jones of Arkansas, Chandler, Cor
man, Tillman Jones of Nevada, Morgan
Fairbanks. Faulkner, Mitchell and Nelson
That of the House was Representatives
Dingley, Grant, Powers, Hit, Foss, Nc
Call, Bankhead, Lewis, Wheeler and Catch
ings. Messrs. Dingley and Wheeler were not
able to reach the city in time for the cere-
mony.
A hush fell on the assemblage as the last
of the officials were escorted to their seats
the presiding officer in subdued tones, sang;
Lead, Kindly Light Rev. E. Bradford
Leavitt, of All Souls Church. began the
burial service with selections from the
psalms. His tribute to the memory Of the
deceased, to his long and notable public
service and beautiful home life was heart
felt. In closing, Dr. Leavitt said Proud
Vermont; how idle to attempt TO eulogize
thy son. Here lies a grand old man: one of
Americas grand old men; an example of
civil virtue and integrity; a pattern for our
young men. vision of the best and noblest
citizenship in the onward and upward sweep
of this great Republic" Again the voices of
the choir floatsd in tones through the Sem
ate chamber, singing Nearer, my God, to
Thee" Then with uplifted hands the blind
chaplain of the Senate, Rev. DR.. Milburn,
delivered the closing invocation, his voice
trembling with emotion as he extolled this
sweet, gracious and noble character.
1t was l o'clock when the ceremony con-
cluded and the President and Cabinet led
the way past the casket, taking a final look
at the calm. silent face, and the other off,
Gals retired. The casket remained in the
Senate chamber, where it will be left until
borne to the train tomorrow morning, en-
route to Montpelier, VT.