The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-09-17
FunereaI Grandeur Reaches SubIim-
est Heights at Obsequies Of
President Mckinley.
Military, Naval and Civic Pomp At
tends the Rites WherebyNation
AtteSts Bitter Sorrow.

o'clock accompanied by his wife and his
sister and went immediately to the blue
parlor where they were joined by the
members of the cabinet The president
wore a frock coat with band Of crane on
the left arm
Mrs. Mckinley arose earlier than usual
to prepare for the ordeal. She had rested
quite well during the night. but her pale
face told plainly Of her sufferings. She
gave no sign of collapse, however. and
her physician confidently believes that she
will keep up her strength and courage to
the end.
Senator Hanna reached the White House
only short time before the procession
was to move. His face looked drawn and
ne leaned heavily on his cane; it was
painfully evident that he was suffering.
Floral EmbIems.
During the night and morning a portion
of the many beautiful floral tributes sent
to the White House were placed about the
funeral casket Conspicuous among them
was massive cushion floral tribute in the
form of an army badge from the GAR.
and offerings from the Loyal Legion and
other soldier organizations. General Cor
bin now en- route home from Manila; Cen
eral Adna r. Chaffee, and the commits
sioners of Porto Rico had floral offerings
laid about the bier. A design Of over six
feet in diameter composed Of gaIax leaves
and American beauty roses about which
ha Aaoo
from the mayor and council of Richmond.
Va.
F. Other tributes came from Mrs. James A.
Garfield, widow of another martyred pres
I ldent; Mrs. Garrett A. Hobart, Secreta-
ries Hay and Hitchcock; General and Mrs.
Miles; Ambassador Porter at Paris; the
Argentine, Guatemalan, Costa Rican and
other legations and the municipality OF
Havana
Funeral Escort.
While the men of note were arriving at
the White House. the funeral escort under
command of Major General John R.
Brooke, was forming Immediately in front
Of the White House
Besides regular soldiers, sailors and ma
! rines, the escort was made up of a de-
tachment of the national guard, members
of the G.. A. R., Loyal Legion and kindred
bodies and civic organizations and repre-
sentatives of all branches of the national.
government and the governors Of states
and their stats.
The public had been astir early and the
streets were crowded with people Wire
cables strung along the entire route OF
march from the White House to the cap
| itol kept it clear for the funeral process
sion.
Moving the Precious Dust.
| At precisely o'clock silent command
! was given and the body bearers silently
/! and reverently raised to their stalwart
| shoulders the casket containing all that
/ was mortal OF the illustrious dead They
walked with slow cadenced steps and as
| they appeared at the main door Of the
! White House the Marine band, stationed
| on the avenue opposite the mansion,
| struck up the hymn the dead president
loved so well, Nearer, My God, to Thee
There was perfect silence through the
big mansion and as the last sad strain OF
music died away the throng in the build
ing lifted their heads and their eyes were
wet
AS the hearse moved away the mourn-
ers from the White House entered car
riages and followed the body on its march
to the capitol, where the funeral services
were to be held
Mrs. Mckinley Unequal to the Task.
1t was thought early in the morning
that Mrs. Mckinley might feel strong
enough to attend the services there. but
it was finally decided that it would be
imprudent to tax her vitality more than
was absolutely necessary and so she con-
cluded to remain in her room under the
immediate care Of Dr. Rixey, Mrs. Barber.
her sister, and her niece, Miss Barber
March to the Capitol.
Slowly down the White House driveway
through fine drizzling rain, the solemn
eortege wound its way to the gate leading
to the avenue and halted. Then with a
grand, solemn swing, the artillery band
began the Dead March from SAUL" q
blast from bugle sounded March" and
the head of the procession was moving on
its way to the capitol.
The casket. in black. carved hearss
and drawn by six coal black horses. ca
paraisoned in black net with trailing tas.
sells and stalwart' groom at the head OF
each, moved down through the gateway
and came to stand alongside of the NOV
ing procession. Major General John r
Brooke was at the head Of the line, mount,
ed on a splendid charger. Behind hin
came his aides, the relocated artillerl
band, squadron of cavalry with red anc
white guidons limp in the damp air, g
(, battery Of field artillery, the men sitting
straight and stiff as statues A compan,
Of engineers, two battalions Of coast a.