The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1901-09-17

physician present.
The actual death probably occurred
about 2 o'clock. it being understood that
DR.. RiXey delayed the announcement mo-
mentartly to assure himself.
Inc announcement of the news to those
waiting below was postponed until the
members OF the family had withdrawn.
Through Secretary COrtelyou the waiting
newspaper men received the notification
In trtce there was the keenest excite
ment on the broad avenue but there was
no Semblance of disorder.
Vice President Roosevelt had been no.
tined early in the day of the critical state
OF affairs. There was no longer a doubt
that in the approaching death of the
president complete change in the execu-
tive administration OF the government
would ensue.
Milburn House. Buffalo, Sept 16.-Long
before the hour set for the funeral SER
vices over the remains of the late Presi-
dent Mckinley, the vicinity of the Mil
Durn house was aStir with preparations
AT nine o'clock long platoOns of police
omcerS, mounted and on foot, arrived az
the ground and were posted in details
along the streets approaching the house
MAJ. Gen. John 4. Brooke, department
commander or the east, who was per-
sonally in Command of ali the forces par
Ilclpatlng in the escort, arrived at 10
o clock. He was in fatigue uniform with
service sword at his side Around his
crepe
At 1890 o'clock the military and naval
attachments took temporary station on
West Ferry street immediately around
the corner from the ~Milburn house. The
national guard of the state of New York
was represented by picked companies
from the i4th and 10Th regiments, under
command of Cap. Rowland. Then the
trapping of the military arm of the SER
wee gave way to those of the United
States navy as 50. men from the United
states SunbOat Michigan, under command
of Col. l.. Z. Minnix, swung into position
along side their military brethren in
arms. After them came the blue Jackets
with open throated shirts, their loose
black neck scarfs in sailor knots, with
yellow leSginS and sailor hats. The en-
tire military and naval force formed in
company on West Ferry street, and there
awaited the time for the services to be-
gin.
Meantime the members Of the cabinet.
officials high in the government service
and near friends of the martyred presi-
uent, began to I'LL the walks leading up
10 the entrance of the Milburn residence
They came separately and in groups,
some walking, while those in carriages
were admitted within the roped enclos-
ure UP to the curb.
Two and two, q long line Of men of dig
mined bearing marched up to see the
house, the foreign commissioners sent to
the exposition, and after them the state
commissioners. With the foreigners was
colonel of the Mexican army in his full
uniform of black with scarlet stripes and
peaked gold braided cap.
1t was just eight minutes before the
opening OF the service when a covered
DarOuche drove up to the house bringing
President Roosevelt and Mr.. and Mrs
wilcox at whose home he is a guest
As the president passed within the
house, and the services were about to
begin, the long line of soldiers and sail
ors swung in columns of tours into Della
ware avenue and formed in battalion
front along the beautiful thOroughfare
opposite the house and Immediately fac
ing it. They stood at parade rest, with
lTlNrrEAr nrh ffenrr oh.
its staff and bound with crepe The front
of the house and the lawns had been
cleared by this time, and the sweep of
avenue was now deserted, save for the
rigid, motionless ranks across from the
house.
The service had already begun when
there was a clatter of hOOfs down the
avenue, and four high stepping black
horses came into view drawing the hearse
which was to bear the casket of the dead
president. 1t was heavy vehicle with
out plumes or any trappings to relieve
the dead black. The horses, too, were
not plumed or capariSOned and all four
of them were black from nose to tip of
tail.
Within the house of death was woe
unspeakable. In the drawing room to
the right of the hall, as President
Roosevelt entered, the dead cheftain was
stretched upon his bier. His head was to
the rising sun. On his face was written
the story of the Christian forbearance
with which he had met his martyrdOm.
Only the thinness of his face bore mute
testimony 10 the patient suffering he had
endured. lie was dressed as he always
was in life. The black frock coat was
buttOned across the breast where the
first bullet Of the assassin had struck.
The blCck string tie below the standing
collar showed the little triangle of white
shirt front. He looked as millions of his
countrymen have seen him, save for one
thing. The little badge of the Loyal
Legion, the only decoration he ever wore,
which was always in the left lapel of his
coat, was missing. And those who re-
marked it. spoke of it, and after the
body was taken to the city hail. the little
badge which he priced through life was
placed again where it had always been.
The body lay in a black casket on a
black bearskin rug. Over the lower limbs
was flung the starry banner he had loved
so well. The flowers were few as befit-
ted the simple nature of the man. A
spray of white chrySanthemums a fam
ing bunch of blood red American beauty
roses, and a magnificent bunch of violets
were on the casket. That was all. Be
hind the head against a pier mirror be-
tween the two curtained windows rested
two superb wreaths of white asters and
roses. These were the only flowers in the
room.
The family had taken leave of their
loved one before the others arrived Mrs.
Mckinley, the poor, grief crushed widow,
had been led into the chamber by her ply
stefan, DR.. RiXey, and had sat awhile
alone with him who had supported and
comfOrted her through all their years of
welded life. But though her support was
gone, she had not broken down. 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 took to her position at
the head of the stairs where she could
hear the services.
The friends and associates of the dead
president, all had opportunity to view
the remains before the service began.
Some were so overcome with grief at the
sight of the thin, placid countenance, that
their frames shook in convulsive sobs.
Senator Hanna, who had fairly wOr-
shipped his friend for years, entered the
room at this time, but did not approach
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 seated
himself behind Gov. Odell sinking far
down into his chair and resting his head
upon his hand. During all the service
that followed he did not stir.
Just before IL o'clock President Roose-
welt entered coming into the room from
the rear through the library. After pass
ing into the hall he had made his way
around through the sitting room behind
into the library There was an instanta-
neOuS movement in the room as the pres
ident appeared. The procession was still
passing from the south side around the
head of the casket and back between it
and the members of the cabinet seated
at its side. Every one rose and all eyes
were turned toward the president. He
moved forward again with the tide of the
procession to his place at the head of
the line of cabinet officers. He held him
self erect, his left hand carrying his silk
hat. Those who were coming toward him