The Washington times., 1901-09-18
THE FUNERAL PROCESSION
Amid SOmbre Pomp the Dead EX-
ecutive Is Borne TO the Capitol.

Countless Thousands stand Bare
headed i'm the Rain n the Cortcge
PASSES Through the St-ects-Army
and Navy Represented in Line
President Roosevelt and EN-Presi-
dent Cleveland Among Mourners.
One of the most remarkable pageants
in the history of the American Republic
was that which passed along Pennsyl-
vania Avenue from the White House to
the Capitol yesterday as an escort to the
remains of William Mckinley. twenty
sixth President of the United States.
Most unusual was this great procession
because it was an expression of sorrow
from a grief-stricken nation. sorrow
that was universal, embracing all condi-
tions of men
The cortege was unlike any other that
this country has eve. seen because of the
unique place the martyred Executive held
In the hearts of his fellow citizens. AS
the sombre procession journeyed toward
the great white building where the dis
tinguished dead had achieved fame and
where the last mark of respect was to be
paid to his memory by a people who
loved and honored him. the solemnity of
the occasion was manifested with an i'm
pressiveness never to be forgotten.
Through unbroken lines of humanity,
composed of men with barred heads and
with evidences of mourning on their
sleeves or lapels and women and children
whose faces reflected the tender depths
of their sorrow, the hearse bearing all
that was mortal of William Mckinley,
the soldier, the statesman. the friend,
moved slowly from the White House to-
ward the Capitol. To those who realized
that as the great column proceeded down
the broad Avenue the life and character
of one so intimately associated with the
American people and their institutions
was passing into history. the scene was
most affecting.
A Day of Mourning.
1t was day of mourning, and stalwart
men were not ashamed to brush aside the
tears that welled into their eyes. Vet
Grams. who, with their dead chief, had
faced the bullets of the enemy upon the
field of battle, could not restrain their
grief they saw the starry field beneath
which reposed the remains of their de-
parted comrade. Women gave vent to
their deep emotion. Occasionally above
the clash of sabres, the rattle of artil-
lery trappings and the tramp of horses
and men in the column, the strains of
that familiar hymn which the martyred
President repeated just before he passed
from Garth could be heard.
1t seemed as If the elements were in attune
with the solemn ceremonies of the day.
Light clouds scurried over the National
Capital before a stiff east wind, and pc
nodical showers fell during the progress of
the march. The great crowds upon the
streets were in no holiday mood. While
gaily caparisoned steeds bore officers of
high rank clad in uniforms that glistened
in gilt and lace their riders sat mute and
badges of Grape adorned their sleeves.
An atmosphere of sadness permeated
everything Where streamers and flags
and miles of colored bunting would have
lent brilliancy to a state occasion, the
starry emblem was at half-mast and
draperies of mourning were to be seen.
Marvellous Crowd.
There was something subdued about the
great long lines of people that stretched
solidly along the sidewalks on both sides
of the streets over which the parade pass
ed for mile and a half. No loud talk was
to be heard and no such scenes were to
be witnessed as are common to great pop
ular outpourings. Throughout the length
and breadth of that marvellous crowd
marvellous for its numbers and its de-
meanor-there seemed to be the idea and
the desire to show reverence to the man
in whose honor they had gathered to-
gether. light rain fell while the funeral
escort was forming in the vicinity of the
White House. Then there was a let-up
but a steady drizzle that at times changed
to downpour. began as the parade
started. As the head of the column swung
around Pennsylvania Avenue into Fiji
teenth Street, a short square from the
official residence of the President, every
body who had an umbrella had raised it.
but those who had not held their places
and remained there until the mournful
procession had passed.
only the executive branches of the Gov
ernment, but the army and navy. the citi-
zen soldiery. the Diplomatic Corps, the
judiciary. countless civilian organizations,
and. finally, the whole American people
There was no martial music; bands dis
coursed soul-touching dirges; muffied
drums marked the time for the silent
marchers. and tolling bells contributed to
the mournful occasion.
The route was from the White House
TO Fifteenth Street, then southwark along
that narrow thoroughfare for two blocks
to where il merges into Pennsylvania
Avenue again. then eastward along that
great roadway, l20 feet wide, to the Cap
itol Grounds. The procession then turned
along First Street north ana marched up
Capitol Hill by way of North b Street,
to where II meets Delaware Avenue. then
turning to the south. entered the Capitol
Grounds and came upon the broad plaza
in front of the historic building where
William Mckinley had served for so many
wears as a member of Congress. Along
the sidewalks for the entire length of his
route on both sides of every street trav-
ersed, strong ropes had been stretched
and no spectator was permitted to go
beyond these. Fortunately the sidewalks
of Washington ar4 particularly along
Pennsylvania Avenue are very broad. and
there were accommodations for the thou
sands who crowded them.
The Details of the Cortege.
Mounted upon a superb black horse.
Major Richard Sylvester, Superintendent
of Police of the District Of Columbia, rode
NJ the head of the procession. Directly
behind him was Sergeant Matthews and
aetail of mounted police. Following came