St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-09-18

spoke of it, and, after the body was
taken to the city hall. the little badge
which he priced through life was
placed again where it had always been.
The body lay in black casket on
black bearskin rug. Over the lower
limbs was flung the Starry Banner he
had loved so well. The flowers were
few, as betitted the simple nature OF the
man.
Two sentrias, one from the sea and
one from the land, guarded the remains.
They stood in the window embrasures
behind the head of the casket A SER
geant of infantry to the north, was
fully ACQUIRED and wore his cap. In
the other window was a sailor, in the
loose blue blouse of the navy.
The family had taken leave of their
loved one before the others arrived.
Mrs Mckinley had been led into the
chamber by DR.. RiXey, and sat awhile
alone with him who had supported and
comforted her through all those years
of welded life. Dry-eyed she gazed
upon him, and fondled his face. She
did not seem to realize that he was dead.
Then she was led away by DR.. Rixey
| and taken up to her position at the
| head of the stairs, where she could hear
| the service.
The friends and public associates of
the dead president all had opportunity
to view the remains before the services
began. The members of the cabinet
| had taken their leave before the others
arrived. They remained seated beside
their dead chief, while the sad process
sion viewed the body. About fOO in all
saw the remains. Some were so over
come with grief at the sight of the thin,
placid countenance that their frames
shook in cOnvulsive sobs. Several
clung to the side of the bier and with
difficulty could be persuaded to leave.
Almost every face was tear-stained.
Hanna Appeared Detected
Senator Hanna entered the room at
this time, but did not approach the cas-
ket His face was set like an iron
willed man, who would not let down the
barriers of his grief. The senator
spoke to no one His eyes were vacant.
He passed through the throng and seat
ed himself behind Governor Odell sink
ing far down into his chair, and resting
his head upon his hand. During all the
service he did not stir.
Just before II o'clock President
Roosevelt entered. Every one arose,
and all eyes were turned toward him.
| He moved forward again with the tide
of the procession to his place at the head
of the line of cabinet officers. He held
himself erect his left hand carrying for
ward his silk hat. Those who were
coming toward him fell back on either
side to let him pass. He paused once
or twice to silently shake hands, but
there was no smile to accompany his
/ greeting He, too, like the man deep
! down in his seat, against the wall and
who had forgotten to rise when the
| President of the United States entered,
seemed to be restrained in a great grief.
When President Roosevelt reached
the head of the line of cabinet officers,
he kept his face away from the casket,
but appeared, to be steeling himself for
a look at thSface of the dead. The ten
sion in the room was great. Perhaps
it might have been 60 seconds, but it
seemed longer Then the president
turned and advanced step. He bowed
his head and looked down at the impas-
sive features of the man whose burden
and responsibility he had taken up
Long he gazed, standing immovable, the
muscles of his face only betraying the
strong emotion under which he labored
At last he stepped back.
The pastor was at the door leadinE
into the hall, a station whence his word
could be heard at the head Of the stairs
; The signal was given, and the beautiful
: words of Lead Kindly Light" Wer
sung by a quartet. 1t was Presiden
McKinley's favorite hymn. Everyon
! within sound of the music knew it, an
j as the voices swelled through the house
= sobs were heard ON every side. Pres
II dent Roosevelt himself swayed to an
fro as if his footing was insecure.
q The Service
When the singing ended the ministe
o read the eloquent lesson from the fl
Il neral service-the 18th chapter of tn
>. First Corinthians, All had risen as b
Il began, and remained standing through
= out the remainder of the service. Th
70 reading over, the quartet sang tn
X hymn. Nearer My God, to Thee" til
ga first line Of which words President NJ
Il. Kinley had repeated at intervals of COZ
III seriousness during the day before /
ri died. AS the music died away, the pa
no tor began his invocation.
H. All present joined in the Lords pray
r. as the minister repeated it. After Il
r. benediction those in the room stepp'
back, and the funeral director W
ho about to place the cover on the cask
tn when Senator Hanna pressed forWa
n. and stood beside the bier. Bendi
tn over. he looked down with intense ga
At for almost two minutes. There was
ro outward evidence of sorrow as he 81
,rs for the last time the features of
ite lifelong friend. Then he turned aw
and the coffin was closed.
Colonel Bingham signalled the boo
bearers. and four sailors, two infan
zoe sergeants and two artillery sergeal
10 bore the casket aloft and ont of
Sc house. The president, cabinet and
as others followed it. Mrs Mckinley a
Die A. of tho family roma in