The Savannah morning news., 1901-09-18
THE FUNERAL CORTEGE.
Through Drizzling Rain and Silent
Thousands the Presidents Body Is
Carried to the Capitol ROtunda for
the Official Funeral Rites.


Washington, Sept. 1.-THE second
stage of the late Presidents journey
toward the waiting grave at Canton
was begun just a few minutes after
o'clock. AS early as an hour before
that time several members of the diplo-
matte corps in court costume called
at the White House. Ex-President
Grover Cleveland and ex-Secretary of
War Lamont arrived about $3.50 and
were shown at once to seats in the Red
ParIor The members of the cabinet
began to arrive soon after and were
Immediately followed by the members.
of the United States Supreme Court,
headed by Chief Justice Fuller, in
their robes of offices. President Roose-
welt arrived at $3.50 o'clock accompan-
led by his wife and his sister and went
Immediately to the Blue Parlor where
they were joined by the members of
the cabinet. The President wore a
frock coat with a band of crepe on the
left arm.
Senator Hanna reached the White
House only a short time before the
procession was to move. His face look
ed drawn, and leaning heavily on his
cane it was painfully evident that he
was suffering.
During the night and morning a por-
ton of the many beautiful floral trib-
utes sent to the White House were
placed about the funeral casket. de-
sign of over six feet in diameter COM
posed of galax leaves and American
Beauty roses about which was entwin.
| ed the American flag came from the
Mayor and Council of Richmond. Va.
The Funeral Escort.
| While the men of note were arriving
at the White House the funeral escort
under command of Maj. Gen. John r.
Brooke was forming Immediately in
front of the White House. Besides
regulars of soldiers, sailors and ma
rines the escort was made up of a de-
tachment of the National Guard, mem
bers of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, Loyal Legion and kindred bodies
and civic organizations and representa-
tives of all branches of the national
government and the Governors of
states and their STATS.
At precisely o'clock a silent COM
mand was given, and the bodybearers
silently and reverently raised to their
stalwart shoulders the casket contain
ing all that was mortal of the illus
trious dead. They walked with slow
cadenced steps, and as they appeared
at the main door of the White House.
the Marine Band stationed on the ave-
nue. opposite the mansion. struck up
the hymn the dead President loved so
WELL Nearer. My God, To Thee"
AS the hearse moved away the
mourners from the White House en-
tered carriages and followed the body
on it's march to the Capitol, where the
funeral 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 1t was finally decided that II would
be imprudent to tax her vitality more
than was absolutely necessary, and so
she concluded to remain in her room.
The COrtege Moves.
Slowly down the White House drive
way through fne drlZZllng ram, the
solemn cortege wound its way down
10 the gate leading to the avenue and
halted. Then with grand solemn
swing the artillery band began the
Dead March From Saul" 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 hearse, drawn by
six coal black horses, caparisoned In
black net with trailing tassels with
stalwart groom at the head Of each:
Mai Gen. John r. Brooke was at the
head of the line. Behind him came a
SQUADRON of cavalry, a battery OF
field artillery, company of engineers.
two battalions of coast artillery ana
a detachment Of the hospital corps.
Then came the naval contingent OF inc
first section headed by the Marine
Rand. who were followed by battal-
ion of marines and one Of sailors from
| ITlfth pgpel