Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1901-09-18
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IN the room as the president ap
preached. The procession was still
passing from the south side around the
head of the casket and back between
II and the members of the cabinet seat
ed at its side. Everyone rose and
all eyes were turned toward the presi
dent. He moved forward again with
the tide of the procession to his place
at the head of the line of cabinet Off
GERS, He held himself erect. his left
hand carrying his silk hat. Those
who were coming toward him fell back
on either side to let him pass. H
paused once or twice to shake hands
silently, but there was no smile t.
accompany his greetings. He, too
like the man deep down in his seal
against the wall, who had forgotten
to rise when the president of the Unit
ed States entered, seemed to be re
straining great grief. When Presi
dent Roosevelt reached the head OF
the line of cabinet officers he kept his
face away from the casket.
The president appeared to be steel
ing himself for look into the face
of him whose death had made him the
first ruler of the nation.
The tension in the room was great
everyone seemed to be waiting The
minister Of the gospel stood with the
holy book in his hand ready to begin.
Perhaps 1t might have been go sec
onds, it seemed longer. Then the
president turned and at the same time
advanced one step. He bowed his
head and looked down upon the man
whose burden and responsibility he
had taken upon himself. Long he
gaZed, standing immovable save for
a twitching of the muscles of the chin
as he labored with heavy breath to re-
press his emotion. At last he step
ped back. Colonel Bingham, the aide
to the president standing 10 feet be-
low the foot of the casket at the side
of the loyal Cortelyou, glanced in the
direction of the Rev. Charles Edward
Locke of the Delaware Avenue Metho.
dist church, who was to conduct the
service.
The pastor was at the door leading
into the hall, station whence his
words could be heard at the head Of
the stairs. The signal was given and
there welled out from the hall the
beautiful words of Lead Kindly
Light" sung by quartet. 1t was
President McKinley's favorite hymn.
Everyone within sound of the music
knew it and half of those in the room
put their faces in their hands to hide
their tears. Comptroller Dawes leaned
against a bookcase and wept Presi-
dent Roosevelt seemed to be swaying
to and fro as il his footing were inse-
cure.
Then followed the sermon and
prayer.
All present Joined in the Lords
prayer as the minister repeated ii,
President Roosevelt's voice being audi
BILE at the back OF the room. The
service concluded with n simple beae-
diction.
The funeral director was about to
step forward to place the cover on
the casket, when suddenly there was
a movement behind Governor Odell.
Senator Hanna, who had risen, saw
that the last opportunity to look into
the face OF his dead friend had come.
Pressing forward. in an instant he was
at the side of the casket and bending
over looked down into It, Almost two
passed and then he turned
away and the coffin was closed.
bearers. Four sailors, two infantry
sergeants and two artillery sergeants
bore the casket aloft and out of the
house. The president cabinet and
others followed II. Mrs. Mckinley and
the members Of the family remained
The widow had passed through the
ordeal bravely and without breaking
down. The trained nurses and the
personal attendants of the president
gathered on the side porch to see the
body taken away.
In the Carriage.
President Roosevelt came from the
house almost Immediately following
the casket. and, arm in arm with Sec.
retary Root, moved through the aisle
Of people.
After these four carriages there was
a clear space of 100 feet and then
came the hearse bearing the dead
president. AT the head OF each of the
leading horses a police officer walked
with hand at the bride.
On each side of the hearse walked
a detachment Of soldiers and sailors.
four men from the army and marine
corps on the right and as many more
blue jackets under Lieutenant Eberly
on the left. Immediately back of the
hearse marched score OF q. A. r.
veterans. who had been assigned To
this position Of honor.
The casket was lifted from the
bearse to the shoulders OF the sailors
and marines and was borne into Buf.
falos official home. Outside there
was not man, so far as could be seen,
who did not stand, and. defying the
elements with hat removed, respected
his dead president. Inside, with steps
impressively slow and measured, the
bearers made their way to the cata'
falque. A moment later and the body
of President Mckinley was lying in
state.
The scheme OF the interior drapings
was unique and most artistically car
ried out.
Later superb set pieces from the
Milburn house reached the city hal
and were given places in the system
OF decorations. or striking beauty
was white wreath, bearing In i'm
mortelles the name Chile"
Circled about the bier was a distiH
guished company. To the left stoot
President Roosevelt, at his left Attor
ney General Knox. Then came Secre
tary Long and Secretary Wilson