Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-01-05

ent-A beautiful wreath Placed
ON Each Comm.
Washington, Dec. %. - Upon the
windy heights Of Arlington cemetery
the Maine dead, brought from Havana
by the battleship Texas, on Thursday
were laid away i'm their final resting
places with simple religious services
and the impressive honors of war IN
the presence of the president, mem
bers of his cabinet, officers OF the
army and navy and other representa-
tives of the government.
The Burial site.
The site is a commanding one. In
front of the broad bosom of the ice
fettered Potomac; beyond, the shaft
of Washington, the dome of the CAPT
toll and the sprawling city; to the
right the choked embrasures of Old
Fort Mcpherson. and between the
graves of the heroic dead of Santiago;
TO the left the stately mansion of Lee,
and TO the rear through the vistas OF
snow-laden pines and cedars the silent
army Of the patriotic dead of the civil
war, sleeping rank upon rank in their
last bivouac.
The scene Mt the Graves.
The Baskets ranged row on row.
Over each was spread an American
ensign upon which lay a wreath of
galaN leaves Around the inclosure.
shoulder TO shoulder, the yellow Of
their coat Innings forming a band Of
color, were drawn mp the cavalry Of
Fort Myer: to the right was bat
talon of marines from the navy yard
with their spiked helmets and scarlet
capes turned back; 10 the left a de-
tachWtnt Of iaclie- from the T"Vae ~
navy blue; in the fag-draped stand in
the rear the president and his cabinet.
Admiral Dewey. Maj Gen. Miles and n
distinguished group of officers of the
army and navy 100 their snowy dress
uniforms, while all around pressed the
throug OF people who had b.aycd tie
snow and biting cold to pay their last
tribute TO the dead. Among these were
many relatives and friends OF those
who had been lost in the disaster.
Capt Sigsbec in Charge.
There was a tender appropriateness
in the fact that Capt. Sigsbee, who
was in command Of the Maine when
she was blown up, had charge of the
ceremonies in honor Of his men. and
that Father Chadwick, who was chap
lain of the Maine, was there to per-
form the last rites. Three others who
lived through that awful night in Ha-
vana harbor were at the side of the
graves of their comrades-Lieut. Com
mander Wainwright, who was execu-
tive officer of the Maine and who sunk
the Pluton and Furor at Santiago;
Lieut.. T. c. Bowers, who was assistant
engineer of the Maine, and jeremiah
Shea, fireman on the Maine. who was
blown out of the stokehole of the ship
through the debris, escaping unin-
jured most miraculously.
Slowly, solemnly, the full Marine
band broke the deep hush, putting
forth the sad, sweet strains of the
dirge, Safe in the Arms of Jesus"
and there were twitching Of lips and
wet eyes as Chaplain Clark, Of the
naval academy at Annapolis, came for
ward and took his place under a can
vas-coyered shelter in the open space
in front of the dead.
Services Were simple.
The Protestant services were hello
first, and were very simple. Chaplain
Clark read the burial service of the
Episcopal church, and then gave way to
Father Chadwick, who was assisted by
Reys. Holoihd and Brown and two pur-
ple-robed acolytes. With head barred
to the Wintry blast, the Names chap
lain read a memorial service according
to the rites of the Catholic church,
consigned the dead, blessed the ground,
repeated the Lords Prayer, and CON
cluded with fervent appeal for the re-
pose of the souls of the departed. a
detachment of marines, in command of
Captain Kormony, then marched to the
right of the grave and fired three vol
leys over the dead, and in the deep
stiffness that followed the crash. the
clear, silvery notes of a bugle rang out
the soldiers and sailors last good
night.
"Taps" Are Sounded.
With the sounding of taps the cere-
monies ended. The president and his
party and the other distinguished
guests, the military and the crowds
then withdrew. And thus, after two
years, the dead of the Maine have been
brought home and, in ground reserved
for the nations heroes, have been
buried with full military honors and in
the service of their faith.