The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1901-09-26

washington, Sept. 10. The natioon
yesterday officially and with state GER
smony. paid its tribute of respect and
love TO the memory Of its stricken chief
magistrate. This was almost the clos
,rc act in the awful tragedy which has
drenched the civilized world in tears.
Beneath the great white dome of the
anitol funeral services of state were
held over the remains of the dead pres
dent. 1t was eminently fitting that the
services should be conducted in that
beautiful rotunda hallowed by the his
tory OF the last sad rites of two other
martyrs to the cause of the republic.
As befitted the occasion and the char
acter of the man whose remains were
lying cold and rigid In the narrow en-
brace of the metallic casket, the SER
vices were simple. They were con-
Quoted in accordance with the rites of
the Methodist Episcopal church, OF
which President Mckinley was life
long member. Consisting only of two
hymns, song. prayer. an address
and a benediction, they were beautiful
and
SOlemnly Impressive.
Gathered around the bier were repre-
sentatives Of every phase Of American
national life. including the president
and the only surviving ex-president or
the United States. together with repre-
sentatives of the capital of almost ey-
cry nation of the earth. Great Britain.
France, Germany, Italy and Spain and
all the republics to the southwark of
| The United States mingled their tears
. With those OF the American people.
Despite the fact that no attempt had
been made TO decorate the interior OF
the rotunda beyond the arrangements
made about the catafalque, the assem-
bage presented a memorable sight.
The somber black OF the attire of the
hundreds OF civilians present was
splashed brilliantly with the blue and
gold of the representatives OF the army
and the navy and the court costumes
OF the diplomatic corps. AS the sweet
notes Of. Mr.. McKinley's favorite hymn
Lead, Kindly Light" iioated through
the great rotunda theassemblage rose
to Its feet. Barred heads were bowed
and eyes streamed with tears. At the
conclusion of the hymn as Rev. DIR.
Naylor, presiding elder OF the Wash
ington district. rose to offer prayer.
The Hush That Fell
upon the people was profound. When.
IN conclusion. he repeated the Lords
prayer. the great audience joined SOL
emily with him. The murmur Of their
voices resembled the roll Of far distant
SURF. Scarcely had the word amen been
ureather when the words of the song,
Sope time we'll understand" went
straight to the heart Of every auditor.
Inc solo was sung by Mrs. Thomas c.
Noyes OF this city. and the refrain was
ecnoed and re-echoed by the double
quartet choir.
The venerable bishop, Edwin G.. An
drews of Ohio, the Oldest bishop of the
Methodist Episcopal church, then took
ns position at the head of the bier.
ssn'ie breeze through the rotunda
susred the delicate blooms which lay
upon the coffin and the peace that
passeth understanding" seemed TO rest
upon the venerable mans countenance
% ne began his eulogy of the life and
"oiks OF William Mckinley. His words
were simple, but his whole heart was
~ every one of them. His tribute to
ne christian fortitude of the dead
mesiuent was impressive. Upon the
.Onciusion of the sermon the audience.
As II by Encouragement,
!vlned the choir in singing Nearer, my
uoa' TO thee" All present seemed to
wimbued With sentiment of hallowed
.sisnation as the divine blessing was
rsAeu oy Rev. w. H. Chapman. acting
s SSs'or Of the Metropolitan M. Il.
>Iurcn, upon both the living and dead.
Mrs. Mckinley did not attend the SER
,. a.es at the capitol. It was deemed
use oy those now nearest and dearest
her that she should not undergo the
n ueal. She remained at the White
boe comforted by. .every attention
gest. Souiu se
yesterday morning dawned grey and
ieary. The sky was overcast with
a. -" nying clouds. Nature itself seemed
oe IN mourning for the nations dead.
:. me hours passed dashes Of rain fell
To-. h'ervals. but despite this discom-
~ tens OF thousands OF sorrowing
p o.p appeared early upon the streets.
f,o, n sides Of Pennsylvania avenue,
MAJ tns White House to the capitol.
don s nassed with>an impenetrable cor
nav a. people wishing In this way to
N. maj tribute OF love and respect for
az. uead. As the funeral cortege, es-
eu Dy troops representing every de-