The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-09-20

IN d. vrappinxs Of the national nag.
covered with rare garlands and SET
pieces OF flowers
Meanwhile farther down q statIon
the party on the funeral train were
aurhfing. Secretaries Hay and Gage
had pressed forward and entered the
car where the mourners sat ana ASSIST
ed them to descend
Mrs. Mckinley was aided by Apner
MCKINLEY and DR.. Rixey. and was
snssdiiy nlaeed in n carriage which
drove OF at once to the White house
without awaiting the procession
Close behind came the membe OF the
family OF the late president VINO IKE
wise were driven away mmedlatei 70
the executive mansion Mrs. Mckinney
was deeply yelled. She appeared TO
bear up with n fortitude. but leaned
heayfly on the arms OF her supporters
President Roosevelt came next. The
president walked firmly erect LOOKING
10 neither side. his a set and sor-
rowful. Close behind him pressed the
members OF the cabinet
Meanwhile the casket was being re-
moved from the observation car
One OF the large windows was low
cred at the side and slowly and care
fully the casket was slipped out
through the opening and tenderly re-
ceived upon the bent shoulders OF the
body bearers. The remains were car
ried to sixth street and placed in the
hearse.
AS the casket emerged a bugle note
rose clearly and Taps" rang out. That
was the only sound that broke the dead
silence.
Just beyond the entrance TO the sta
ton President Roosevelt. with the men,
bers OF the cabinet. had paused and
had taken station SO as TO leave q
broad space for the funeral cortege.
They ranged themselves on the side
walk in double rows opposite each
other and stood with barred heads as the
corpse was carried to the bearse drawn
up at the side gate. The hearse was
drawn by six coal black horses each led
by a colored groom In black livery.
Just as the body was being placed In
the hearse, an incident occurred hat
caused a murmur OF disapproval. A
photographer from a nearby window
suddenly flashed a light for the purpose
of obtaining a reproduction OF the scene.
The flash light and accompanying
noise made people shudder. President
Roosevelt seemed TO be ~momentarily
much disconnected.
The hearse bearing the body of the
martyred president moved away and
was followed at once by President
Roosevelt and those accompanying him..
The military already were In line. As
the procession swept from the Sixth
street station in Pennsylvania venue. a
deeply impressive sight was presented.
Inc historic nOrOuRnld Was HuuS fn
black. EmblemS of the nations mourn
ing were displayed or every building.
The stars and stripes. furled and Knot
ted with crepe, foated from hundreds
of window Over all cleaned coldly
scores of electric lights. defining sharp
ly each detail OF the solemn scene.
There was no music. Amid the hush
of the great crowds. only the clatter OF
the horses hoofs. ringing sharply upon
the pavement was heard.
A platoon of mounted police led the
way. Next came a delegation of CIR;
Army of the Republic men from the
department of the Potomac. members
of the Union Veteran Union and the
Spanish veterans and troops / and l. or
the Eleventh cavalry from Fort Myer.
Va. Following the cavalrymen was the
hearSe fianked on either side by the
body bearers with a detachment Of sig
nal corps men bringing up the rear. The
carriages containing the
officials were next in line, that Of
President Roosevelt being Immediately
behind the signal corps.
1t was about $3.50 O'Clock when the
head of the procession reached the
White house grounds and turned into
the drive way.
MRS. McKINLEY'S PITIFUL CONDI-
TON.
Mrs. Mckinley was assisted at once
to the elevator and to her old room,
and She soon retired. DIR. Rfxey ana
Mr.. Cortelyou, later. said that she had
stood the journey very well indeed ard
they had confidently expected that she
would complete tine said journey to her
old home without difficulty.
While on the train this morning she
spent an hour beside the coffin. Among
those who know her best and were with
her at Buffalo it is doubted whether
she yet fully realizes the calamity that
has befallen her: and 1t is with some
apprehension that they look forward ID
the first days alone In Canton. Tine
major as she always lovingly called
her husband, is still with her. but
when she finds herself really alone the
awakening may try her strength even
beyond the point not vet reached. Iha
result cannot be foretold.