The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-09-20

deepest mourning. Beneath the heavy
black veil she held her handkerchief
to her eyes and her slight figure shook
convulsively. Gently n was lifted
from the car and, supported by DR..
Rixey and Abner Mckinley, was prac-
tically carried to a carriage in waiting
at the cas-: end of the station. The
door of the carriage was closed n
Mrs. Mckinley was driven hurriedly to
her forlorn home on north Market
street. which she had left only we
weeks ago, with her distinguished hus-
band in the full .vigor Of manhood.
Colonel Bingham, the presidents
aide. then gave directions for the re-
moval OF the casket from the car. The
coffin was too large to be taken through
the door AND a broad window at the
side was uncrewed and removed. While
this was going on the floral pieces in
side were carefully lifted out and plac-
ed upon the ground at the side OF the
track. -
When all was ready the soldiers n
sailors who had accompanied the re-
mains all the way from Buffalo emery
ed from the car and took up their
places. The soldiers trailed their arms
at their sides and the sailors held their
drawn cutlasses at their sides. Only
the body bearers were bareheaded and
unarmed.
Meantime President Roosevelt, with
his brother-in-law, Captain Cowles, OF
the navy. in full uniform, at his side.
had descended from the car ahead OF
that occupied by Mrs Mckinley.
The president was met by Judge
Grant of the reception committee and
the official party then moved to the
west of the station, where they formed
in line with the president at the head.
All were uncovered.
The casket was then lifted through
the window and taken upon the Draw
ney shoulders of the body bearers. Only
the flag was there now. At sight of it,
tears came unbidden and flowed freely.
The sad procession was then formed.
1t was headed by Colonel Bingham, in
full uniform. a bow of crepe at the hilt
of his sheathed sword.
Following, and Immediately preced-
ing the casket, was the local committee
headed by Judge Day. Then came the
soldiers and sailors. Slowly they NOV
ed down the platform to the turn at the
western end of the station where the
president and cabinet stood. AS they
reached the head of this line a clear
drawn bugle call sounded a silvery re-
QUEEN.
Before the president and cabinet and
h Ohio officials the coffin was tr-n
borne to the hearse. When it had Deen
placed inside. the president anG the Of
fetal party entered carriages.
Meantime Admiral Dewey, Lieuten-
ant General Miles ara the other high
officers of the army n navy who
compose the guard Of honor had moved
around the east side of the station.
They ! entered carriages and tool
their pace in the large procession that
was now forming. All were attired in
the full uniform of their ranks. They
were fairly ablaze with gold lace.
The shrillneSS of the bugles a given
tho fret CiOn RI tho u-oifinp roI11fifr11n
outside the station that the casket was
approaching. Instantly the long lines
of soldiers became rigid, standing at
present arms. The black horses of the
Cleveland troop, Immediately facing the
station, stood motionless, their riders
with sabers lowered.
Slowly through the entrance came the
stalwart soldiers and sailors with SOL
emn tread bearing aloft the flag cover
ed coffin of the man they loved so we'll.
AS it came into view q great sigh went
up from the dense throng. After the
first glance many of the men and Wo-
men turned away to hide their emo
tionS, which they could not restrain.
When the caSket had been consigned
to the hearse. three mount trumpet
ers gave signals for the melancholy
process to move.
A moment later the Dun of Nearer
My God, to Thee came through the
air. as the Grand Army veterans with
their band swung into line and took up
the march toward the court house.
A majestically solemn spectacle was
presented as the procession neared the
public square in the center of the city.
After the grand army men came the
Cleveland troops, in their brilliant uni
forms of Austrian H~usSars, with tall
bear skin shakos topped by pompoms
of white. At the hilt of every sword
ctraan mod a 1nnO ho nd of Prano n md tho
tiny silk guidon flag was topped with
q long black streamer
Immediately following the mounted
troops came the hearse bearing it's flag
covered burden. The sight set a hush
along the dense long lines of humanity
stretching for a mile away to the court
house. AS the casket passed every bead
was bowed n every face evidenced
the great personal grief which had
come upon the community.
Immediately following the hearse
came the carriage of President
Roosevelt. who rode with his brother
in-law, Captain Cowless of the navy,
and Secretary Gage. The carriages of
the other members of h cabinet and
those who had been near to the late
president in public life were lined out
for half a mile. Back of them marched
the national, guard of Ohio, regiment
after regiment, in platoon front forma-
ton and filling the broad t~horoughfare
from side to side.
AS the head of the procession reach
ed the great square of the city. the mil |
itary ranks swung about, forming solid
fronts facing the approaching hearSe. |
AS it was driven to the curb, the bear
ers stepped from their places along |
side. and again took up their burden.
Before the eyes of the vast concourse
filling the square, the casket was ten
derby raised n borne up the wide
stone steps leading to the entrance of
the court house. The strains of Near
er. My God, to Thee were still sound
ing as the f1agdraped coffin disappear
ed within the building. Moving slowly
with short steps the coffin was borne
to it's support. The bearers u
slowly around SO that the head lay to
the east. The silk banner that was
flung over the casket was drawn back,
the wreaths which rested upon it's head
were removed and the coffin lid taken
off.
Word was quickly passed to President
R0oSeyelt and followed by the