Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-09-16

made the bell was solemnly tOlled in
the quiet hours Of the early morning
and the people Who We're aroused from
their slumbers knew at once what it
sisnified.
Little knots of men could be seen
along Main street discussing the news.
The people had been in no pleasant
temper, Friday evening, as the bulle-
tins announcing the rapid failure Of
the President Were received. The sus-
pense had worked ON the nerves of
every one until the mob spirit was
evident. A trifie would have brought
this to the surface very quickly out
fortunately there was nothing to
arouse the spirit and the evening
passed very quietly. When the an
nouncement OF the Presidents death
was received the spirit was intensified
by the great grief and the slightest
whisper against the dead chief would
have been summarily punished
\ few copies Of the first edition of
the Journal found their way down
onto the street and We're read by the
light of the store windows But there
We're few out at this early hour and
the full force of the blow was not Ieft
until little later. The supply of the
first edition of the Journal went rapid-
ly. although this went to press TOO
early for the announcement of the
Presidents death. BY o'clock the
news had spread all over the city and
the rising sun shone on bags already
at half mase. Friday had been 4
gloomy day but Saturday was wen
more gloomy. The suspense had end
ed in the worst and no one could be
reconCiled tn the terrible situation.
The other morning papers quickly
followed the Journal and were as
quickly devoured. The second edition
of the Journal followed with the iull
story Of the eventful night and even
these could not satisfy tn. thirst for
news. No detail was too small to be-
eagerly read and every point was
seized upon. '.
There was a strong demand for large
pictures Of the martyred chief during
the forenoon and they soon began To
appear on every side heavily draped
in black. Every flag that was raised
in the city was half masted and there
were few flags that We're not out. F,v-
sign Of respect.
The window decorations began to ap-
pear in the faternoon. Redington Il
Co. have the honor of having the .irst
entire window devoted to this. This
was very beautiful and appropriate.
A large portrait of the President is
placed well back in the window and
around ii black and the American
flag is very artistically draped. In the
foreground is heavy black oak chair
with a bit of crepe upon the arm
The Vacant Chair" The floor of the
window is covered with heavy black
fur rugs. The whole Of the east win
dow Of the store is devoted to this and
/ it has received hearty commentator
from all who have seen it.
l.. II. Soper d co. We're not far be-
hind Redington & co. and devoted the
entire south window to the decoration
This vas done almost wholly in black,
two large palms on either side being
the only color to relieve the somber
color. A large picture of the Presi-
! dent, resting on an easel covered with
black CLOTH occupied the center of the
window and was surrounded with very
Z
Alden & Deehan We're among the
! first 20 decorate and have very
pleasing window. White was used in
| this in addition to the black and flags
and is very prettily arranged, large
| picture of the President occupying the
/ center.
| Dinsmore also has his entire window
draped in black with large portrait
in the center. In addition to these
more elaborate decorations almost ev-
, cry store had something. Many had
a portrait of the President draped in
black. 1t has been extremely difficult
/ to get the large pictures of the Presi-
dent in the city, thus far. Black ma
terial of the kind required is also
scarce. More windows will be deco
rated, today.
In addition to the stores many 'esi-
dences We're draped in black. Every
flag has remained at half mast since
the announcement of the death and
hundreds of them are out.
President Mckinley was the princi-
pal theme in nearly all of the churches
Sunday a week ago. but was even
more so, yesterday. Several Of the
pastors devoted their entire time tC
this, while all devoted a part. All the
churches had appropriate decorations
ana the services We're nearly all in the
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