The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1901-09-19
Simple Services In the ROtunda Of
the Capitol.
MRS. M'KINLEY'S CHAIR VACANT.
At the Close of the Funeral Service
the Body of the Dead Chief Lny In
State and wns Viewed by Thou
sands UntiI Removed to the
Train which Was TO Bear
Remains to Canton.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1S.-All that is
mortal of William Mckinley has left the
nations capital for its last earthly rest
ing place at his beloved home in Canton.
Officially and with state ceremony the
nation paid its tribute of respect and love
TO the memory of It's stricken chief mag
istrate. This was almost the closing act
in the awful tragedy which has drenched
the civilized world in tears. Beneath the
great white dome of the capitol funeral
services of state were held yesterday
over the remains of the dead president.
1t was eminently fitting that the serv
ices should be conducted in that beauti-
full rotunda hallowed by the history of
the last sad rites of two other martyrs to
the cause of the republic. AS befittcd the
occasion and the character of the man
whose remains were lying cold and rigid
in the narrow embrace of the metallic
casket the services were simple. They
were conducted 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 representatives of every phase
of American national life, including the
president and the only surviving ex-presi
dent of the United States. together with
representatives at this capital of almost
every nation of the earth. Great Britain.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and all
the republics to the southward 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 assemblage pre-
sented Il memorable sight. The somber
black of the attire of the hundreds of
civilians present was splashed brilliantly
with the blue and gold of the representa-
tives of the army and the navy and the
court costumes Of the diplomatic corps.
AS the sweet notes of Mr.. McKinley's ia
vorite hymn, Lead, Kindly Light" float
ed through the great rotunda the assem-
blage rose to its feet. Barred heads were
bowed and eyes streamed with tears.
At the conclusion of the hymn, as Rev.
nr. Naylor presiding elder of the Wash
ington district, rose to offer prayer, the
hush that fell upon the people was pro-
found When In conclusion he repeated
the immortal words of the Lords prayer,
the great audience joined soemnly with
him.
The murmur of their voices resembled
nothing less than the roll of far distant
surf
Scarcely had the word "Amen" been
breathed when the liquid tone of that
sweetly pleading song, Some Time Well
Understood" went straight to the heart
of every auditor. The solo was sung by
Mrs. Thomas G. Noyes of this city, and
the beautiful refrain was echoed and re-
echoed by the double quartet choir
The venerable Bishop Edward G. An
drews of Ohio, the oldest bishop Of the
Methodist Episcopal church, then took
his position at the head of the bier.
A gentle breeze through the rotunda
stirred the delicate blooms which lay up
or the coffin, and the ''peace that passeth
all understanding" seemed to rest upon
the venerable mans countenance as he
began his eulogy of the life and works
of William Mckinley. His words were
simple, but his whole heart was in every
one of them. His tribute to the Christian
fortitude of the dead president was inn
pressive. Upon the conclusion of the
sermon the audience, as if by prearrange-
ment, joined the choir in singing Nearer,
MY God, TO Inee.
All present seemed to be imbued with q
sentiment Of hallowed resignation as the
divine blessing was asked by the Rev. w.
II. Chapman, acting pastor of the Metro
roltan Methodist Episcopal church. upon
both the living and the dead.
Mrs. Mckinley, bereft of husband and
prostrated by her overwhelming sorrow,
did not attend the services at the capitol.
1t was deemed wise by those now nearest
and dearest to her that she should not
undergo the ordeal her attendance would
entail upon her. She remained at the
White House, comforted by every atten-
ton that loving thoughtfulness could sug-
gest.
At the conclusion of the funeral serv-
ices in the rotunda the casket lid was re-
moved in order that the immediate friends