The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-19
upon the face. preferIri1ng to preserve the

upon the face. preferring to preserve the
memory OF him as in life.
Late in the afternoon an aged man lean
ing upon two crutches. which he managed
With difficulty, appeared at the door
through which the people were making
their exit. He asked the sentry to allow
him TO enter, and when the soldier refused.
saying that he had received orders 10 allow
nobody through that door, the old man
stood back the picture of woe. In a short
time he asked the young sentry again in
pleading tones TO allow him entrance
through the doorway. saying that in his
feeble condition he was not able 10 stand
in the line. which at that time was extend
ing fully mile from the entrance
Il fought in his regiment during the
war he said. and just want to lay this
minder of the time saw him last.
LAID HIS FLAG ON THE COFFIN.
Take it in said the sentry, and the
veteran hobbled into the hall When he
got inside he had more trouble, and was
compelled to explain his errand several
times. Finally the line passing the coffin
was stopped long enough to allow the old
man to step TO it's side for a glance into the
coffin and TO lay his tiny flag on its glass
front. Then he turned back with the
crowd. hugging the now sanctified flag
tightly beneath his coat.
AT one time a group OF schoolgirls ap-
proached the casket- There were six Of
in the forward row leaned over for look,
and, gently disengagins from the bosom of
her dress scarlet geranium, laid Ii on
the top of the wreaths that rested there.
The others followed her example and, al
though the sentries had orders to permit
NOBODY 10 place anything on the coffin, or
to touch the floral offerings that were al
ready there, the little girls offerings were
allowed to remain, and they were still on
the top of the coffin when il was carried
through the door on its way to the McKin-
All through the afternoon the crowd
passed the catafalque approximately at
the rate of 100 every minute, making. IN
the five hours that the body lay in state,
a total of 10000 people. practically a num-
Der equal to the actual population of Can
ton When the doors were closed at s
clock the line, four abreast, stretched
fully. one mile from the courthouse, and
people were still coming from the side
streets to take their places in line.
A o'clock the doors were closed to the
public and preparations made for remov-
ing the body to the Mckinley residence on
North Market street, seven squares from
the courthouse. Canton Post Of the
G.. A r. acted escort, and there was no
following Arriving at the house the escort
formed in line in the street, presenting
arms while the coffin, borne by the body
bearers, was taken into the house. IL was
placed in the front parlor where IL will re-
main until it is removed to the church to-
morrow. Guards were posted around the
house tonight, and a number of sentries
were placed in the front yard
Among those at the courthouse to-day
while the body of the late President lay
in state was the Buffalo undertaken who
embalmed the body and came on here 10
transfer his duties to the local funeral di-
rector. He received a dispatch from his
business associate at Buffalo saying that
some comment was being made concerning
the haste with which the casket was closed,
owing to the condition of the emba Inning
He stated. however. that the condition OF
the remains after the autopsy made it i'm
possible to properly perform the usual Of
| fees of embalming and he asked in justice
| to himself and his associates that this fact
| be stated on his authority.