The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-09-16
Progress Of the Presidential Funeral
Train From Buffalo to the
Capital of the Nation.
Mrs. Mckinley Bears Up Well, but
Almost Breaks Down as She
- Boards the Train.

Buffalo, Sept. 16.-The presidential
funeral train left the New York Central
station at 8:46 a. m.
The silent form of William Mckinley
was borne from this city in impressive
state this morning and taken on it's last
journey to the national capitol.
Just eleven days ago he came to the
Pan-American exposition in full health
and vigor. He was received with an en-
thusiasm that was unprecedented in the
annals Of the city, and for twenty four
hours enjoyed himself thoroughly. The
story of the foulest of assassinations, the
pathetic stride to recovery as outwardly
demonstrated, while death was slowly
working on the vitals, the breathless
hopes of nation and loved ones, the ter
rible twenty-four hours of suspense when
death made it's final demand-all are mat
ters OF history now.
Watching Thousands.
The body Of the honored chief executive
of the nation who came to Buffalo only 9
few days ago as the guest Of the city
was borne away in sad splendor, his
career ended as far as his dominant
personality is concerned, although hi:
policies will remain. Thousands upor
thousands watched the impressive process
sion this morning moving towards the
depot. 1t was doubly impressive because
of it's lack Of gorgeousness and because OF
the fact that, following closely behind
the pall-coyered corpse of the dead presi-
dent came the successor to the title.
Buffalo stirred early this morning, but
early as its inhabitants, curious or sym
pathetic, awoke to get vantage place
from which to view the departure Of the
dead president, police and soldiers had
anticipated them.
At the House of Death.
At the Milburn mansion, where the
family of the dead statesman slept; al
the Wilcox mansion, where the new presi-
dent reposed, and down town near the
city hall, where the silent form of the
former president lay, the guards were
formed early and the streets kept clear Of
people. 1t was not a particularly pleas
ant morning. The sun shone, but the
wind blew in strong, ftful gusts across
the city, tearing down the drapings and
raising clouds of dust.
At the Milburn mansion, where Mrs
Mckinley was, the servants were moving
early and there was more activity about
the house than has been seen since the
shooting. By half-past O'Clock transfer
wagons and carriages were drawn up al
the corners near the house, and those
within were up and preparing for the
journey to Washington.
"When Can / See the MajOr."
Mrs Mckinley was not awakened until
after Z o'clock, when DR.. Rixey went to
the room with one Of her attendants. She
had not slept we'll, despite the fact that
she is almost thoroughly exhausted, and
that DR.. Rixey had given her sleeping
potion. The first thing she asked was a
repetition of the query of the last two
days: When can see the maior?'
DR.. Rixey told her that they were going
to let her see him to-day and she then let
her attendants dress her and at 7:45 was
ready for her light breakfast which she
took in her room alone. At 7:30 the bag
gage was ready and two truck loads Of it
moved to the depot In one wagon was a
hospital bed, and it was thought that this
was for the use Of Mrs. Mckinley in view
of the certainty of the fatigue of the jour
ney and the possibility of collapse
Colonel Bingham, who was in charge of
the arrangements, said at 7:45 that none
of the party would go to the city hall
where the body lay, but that all would go
directly to the train. This would be done
on Mrs. McKinley's account AT 1882 the
Misses Duncan, nieces Of the late presi-
dent, were driven to the train so that they
might arrange all comforts possible for
the stricken widow.
few minutes later Senator Fairbanks,
Controller of the Currency Dawes and
Elmer Dover, secretary to Senator Hanna,
emerged from the house and entered a
carriage, following white house messen-
ger rushed down the walk and ordered
the windows in one of the carriages closed.
At 7:35 several figures stepped silently out
upon the porch and walked down towards
the carriages.
Widow Walks Unsupported.
Mrs. William Mckinley. robed in garbs
Of mourning and supported by Abner Nc
Kinley on one side and DR.. Rixey on the
'ther, was the central figure. To the sur
prise Of all. she walked brisl1ly, with her
head quite erect. her face hidden behind