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

Gus dead. They walked with slow ga.
oenceo steps, and as they a,
the main door of the White house the
marine band stationed on the avenue
opposite the mansion struck up the
hymn the cad president loved so well
Nearer My God to Thee
AS the hearse moved away the
mourners from the White house enter
ed carriages and followed the BODY on
It's march to the capitol where the fun
eral services were to be held. 1t was
thought early in the morning that Mrs
Mckinley might feel strong enough to
attend the services there, but it was
nnally decided hat it would be i'm
prudent to tax her vitality more than
was absolutely necessary and so she
concluded to remain in her room.
DOWN THE AVENUE.
Slowly down the White house drive
way through a fine, drizzling rain, the
solemn cortege wound it's way down to
the gate leading to the avenue n
halted. Then with a grand, solemn
swing, the artillery band began the
Dead March from Saul" a blast from
a bugle sounded March," and the head
OF the procession was moving on its
way TO the capitol. The casket was in
a black carved horse drawn by six coal
black horses, caparisoned in black net
with trailing t~assels. with a stalwart
5IOO1l dI the HGdu OIL EdCn.
THE TROOPS IN LINE.
Major General John r. Brooke was
at the head of the line. Behind him
came a squadron Of cavalry, a battery
of field artillery, a of engi-
neers, two battalions of coast artillery
and a detachment of the hospital
corps. Then came the naval contingent
of the first section headed by the band,
who were followed by a battalion Of
marines and one of sailors from the
North Atlantic squadron, very pictur-
esque and strong.
Close behind the hearse came a car
riage in which were seated ex-President
Grover Cleveland, Rear Admiral Rob-
ley D.. Evans, and General John NJ.
Wilson.
In a carriage drawn by four fine
black horses coming next were Presi-
dent Roosevelt, Mrs. Roosevelt and
Commander w. S. Cowles, the presi-
dents brother-in-laW. Then followed
a long line of carriages.
The artillery band played a solemn
dirge as it with slow steps led the sor-
rowful way down the avenue. All the
military organizations carried their
arms but with colors draped and furled.
The crowds were silent.
All vas sad, mournfut and oppres-
sive.
In the civic portion Of the parade
were the United Confederate Veterans
of Alexandria, Va, the Southern Man
ufacturers Club, of Charlotte, and many
governors and their staffs.
The procession occupied an our and
a half passing a given point.
ARRIVAL AT THE CAPITOL.
Cor hours before the arrival of the
funeral cortege at the east front of the
capital an impenetrable Gordon of peo-
pie was massed along the walk and
areas fronting the plaza. Thousands
upon thousands of %sorrowing people
had gathered here to pay their last
tribute of respect and love to the
memory of the dead magistrate. A
driZzling rain began early to fall, but
just before 10 o'clock the gray
opened and the rain fell almost in tor
rents.
At 1912 o'clock the head of the pro-
cession arrived at the north end of the
capitol plaza. Headed by Major Cen
eral John r. Brooke and staff, and the
Fifth artillery corps band the troops
swept aroun to the south end of the
plaza and then marched to position
fronting the main entrance to capitol.
AS soon as it had formed at rest, an
artillery band on the left and the ma
rine band on the right of the entrance,
the funeral cortege with it's guard of
honor entered the plaza from the
north. AS the hearse halted in front
of the main staircase, the troops, re-
spending to almost whispered COM
mands, presented arms.
AS the eight sturdy body bearers,
four from the army and fol from
the navy, tenderly drew the flag drap-
ed casket from the hearse, the bands
sweetly walled the pleading notes Of
Nearer My God, to Thee" Every
head in the vast attendant throng was
barred. Tear bedimmed eyes were
raised to heaven and a silent prayer
went up from the thousands Of hearts.
With careful and solemn tread the
body bearers began the ascent of the
staircase with their precious burden
and tenderly bore it to the catafalque
in the rotunda.
SERVICES IN THE ROTUNDA.
The funeral services at the capitol
over the remains of the late President
Mckinley We're as simple and beautiful
as is usual in the Methodist church.
Two hymns, a prayer an address, and
a benediction comprised all Of it, yet
the impression left at the end was Of
perfection.
The people were slow in gathering.
Among the first corners were the army
officers. General Randolph in charge
of the artillery arrangements at the
capitol, was first among these and soon
ALTER Cdl1S OSllSl d1 TllLlluSh ASS-
Just at 10 o'clock Admiral Dewey
made his appearance, accompanied by
General Otis, General Davis and Gen.
eral Ruggles. He glanced over the
scene within and then took up his sta
ton at the eastern entrance where he
was Joined by the other members of
the guard of honor. Admiral Schley
was among the arrivals.
The cabinet entered and were seated
to the south of the platform; and then
to the strains of Nearer My God, to
Thee by the marine band, outside, the
casket was borne into the rotunda
Every one arose. The guard of honor
on either side separated and the
casket was gently placed upon the
catafalque. Next came the family of
the deceased, Abner Mckinley leading.
They were seated near the hea of the
casket. Senator Hanna was with the
family party.
Next. the diplomatic corps entered,
7 En- $4,000 -A-.l.@ 49, rr-ArA scot