The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1901-09-21
THE LAST SOLEMN RITES.
On Account of Rain the Parade
was Abandoned.
MEETINGS WERE WELL ATTENDED.
Public Buildings, Business Houses and
Residences Draped in Mourning.

Thursday of this week was day of
sorrow and weeping throughout the
country, and while the last sad rites
over the body of President Mckinley
were being observed at Canton, Ohio,
memorial services we're being con.
Quoted in almost every town and
village in the United States In honor
OF the departed chief
Over Lexington, since the news
came OF Mr. McKinley's death, pail
OF gloom has hovered in keeping with
that sorrow which darkened and
afflicted the entire nation.
Over Lexington, since the news came
OF Mr.. McKinley's death, a pail of
gloom has lowered in keeping with
that sorrow which has darkened and
afflicted the entire nation.
Arrangements had been made here
for street parade, composed of city
officials, colleges, public schools,
secret orders, organizations social and
otherwise and members of the fire de-
partment, but when the shades of
Wednesday night had passed away
dark clouds obscured the skies and
quite heavy ram soon began falling.
The executive committee having the
sorrowful ceremonies IN charge waited
until near noon hoping that the clouds
would roll away, but they fingered on
with seeming determination to p,inyle
their tears with those of the dead
chiefs cOuntrymen until The portals of
the tomb should have been closed.
Under these conditions nothing could
be done but declare the parade off,
winch was done through the instru-
mentality Of II circular which was
scattered Throughout lhe city. At the
same time the committee admonshed
the people to assemble at their respec-
tive lodge rooms, elc, aud match TO
the Presbyterian and Methodist
churches in body to attend the services
at three O'Clock in the afternoon.
Al The hour named, the rain having
ceased 10 fall, The audltoriunls of both
the churches designated were crowded
with citizens of Lexington, notably
large number of ladies. The churches
were beautifully-yet distinctively i'm
prcsslve OF solemnity-decorat with
the national colors, touched here and
there with the somber black that tells
so truly OF death and moui niDg. Flow
ers and palms in profusion were visible,
lending their sweetly sublime influences
to the solemn surroundings. All
seemed Impressed with the fact that
the last mortal debt was being paid to
great nations chief. The only con-
soling evidence visible was the mani
festation of Christian hope with It's
promise OF future reward. The spirit
of Christ worship seemed to lend a
Joyous presence even under the sting of
the visitation ofthe grim reaper.
At the churches named the order of
ceremonies was as announced in the
programmes published IN the daily on
Thursday. The eulogies delivered
were eloquent and the song service ap-
propriate and beautiful.
A most interesting meeting was held
at the opera house and was largely
attended. Glowing tributes to the
memory of the dead were paid by
Judge 1. j. Duling and Harry Blee.
Impressive services were also held
at Zion Baptist church, where large
number of the colored citizens of the
town assembled to bemoan the nations
loss through the death of President
Mckinley.
The city buildings, court house, col
leges, business houses and many of the
residences of the city were draped in
mourning, emphasizing the general
sorrow felt IN Lexington over The great
calamity that has befallen the country.
All business houses were closed during
The afternoon.