Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-09-26

Washington, Sept. 10. - The natioon
yesterday officially and with state GER
emony, paid its tribute of respect and
love to the memory Of its stricken chief
magistrate. This was almost the clos
ing act in the awful tragedy which has
drenched the civilized world in tears.
Beneath the great white dome of the
capitol funeral services of state were
held over the remains of the dead pres
ident. 1t was eminently fitting that the
services should be conducted in that
beautiful rotunda hallowed by the his
tory of the last sad rites of two other
martyrs to the cause of the republic.
AS befitted the occasion and the char
acter of the man whose remains were
lying cold and rigid in the narrow en-
brace of the metallic casket the SER
vices We're simple. They were con-
Quoted in accordance with the rites of
the Methodist Episcopal church. of
which President Mckinley was life
long member. Consisting only of two
hymns, a song. a prayer, an address
and a benediction, they We're beautiful
and
SO1cmnly Impressive.
Gathered around the bier were repre-
sentatives of every phase of American
national life, including the president
and the only surviving ex-president of
the United States, together with repre-
sentatives of the capital of almost ev-
cry nation of the earth. Great Britain.
France, Germany, Italy and Spain and
all the republics to the southwark of
the United States mingled their tears
with those of the American people.
Despite the fact that no attempt had
been made to decorate the interior of
the rotunda beyond the arrangements
made about the catafalque, the assem-
blage presented a memorable sight.
The somber black of the attire of the
hundreds of civilians present was
splashed brilliantly with the blue and
gold of the representatives of the army
and the navy and the court costumes
Of the diplomatic corps. AS the sweet
notes of Mr.. McKinley's favorite hymn.
Lead, Kindly Light" foated through
the great rotunda theassemblage rose
to its feet. Barred heads were bowed
and eyes streamed with tears. At the
conclusion of the hymn as Rev. DR..
Naylor, presiding elder of the Wash
tngton district, rose to offer prayer,
The Hush That Fell
upon the people was profound. When,
in conclusion, he repeated the Lords
prayer, the great audience Joined SOL
emily with him. The murmur of their
voices resembled the roll Of far distant
surf. Scarcely had the word amen been
breather when the words Of the song.
''Some time We'll understand went
straight to the heart of every auditor.
The solo was sung by Mrs. Thomas C.
Moves of this city, and the refrain was
echoed and re-echoed by the double
quartet choir.
The venerable bishop, Edwin G. An
drews of Ohio, the Oldest bishop of the
Methodist Episcopal church, then. took
his position at the head of the bier. A
gentle breeze through the rotunda
stirred the delicate blooms which lay
upon the coffin and the peace that
passeth understanding" seemed to rest
upon the venerable mans countenance
as he began his eulogy Of the life and
works of William Mckinley. His words
were simple, but his whole heart was
in every one Of them. His tribute to
the Christian fortitude of the dead
president was impressive. Upon the
conclusion Of the sermon the audience.
Joined the choir in singing Nearer, my
God, to thee" All present seemed to
be imbued with sentiment of hallowed
resignation as the divine blessing was
asked by Rev. w. H. Chapman, acting
pastor of the Metropolitan NJ E.
church, upon both the living and dead.
| Mrs. Mckinley did not attend the SER
vices at the capitol. 1t was deemed
| wise by those now nearest and dearest
| to her that she should not undergo the
ordeal. She remained at the White
| House, comforted by every attention
| that loving thoughtfulness could sug-
| gest.
| Yesterday morning dawned grey and
| dreary. The sky was overcast with
low flying clouds. Nature itself seemed
| to be in mourning for the nations dead.
| AS the hours passed dashes of rain fell
| at intervals, but despite this discom-
fort tens of thousands of Borrowing
| people appeared early upon the streets.
| Both sides of Pennsylvania avenue,
from the White House to the capitol,
were massed with an impenetrable cor
don Of people wishing in this way to
| pay final tribute Of love and respect for
the dead. AS the funeral cortege, es-
corted by troops representing every de-
| partment of the nations martial SER
vice, and by representatives of
Religious and Civic
organizations. passed down the broad
thoroughfare to the solemn notes of
/ Mo-, al a