The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-09-27

president ana meHDeIS VI lnS SopihS'
who were followed by the officers or
the army and navy, stood on each SIDE
of the walk, the lines reaching just
to the edge of the roadway. Within
minute after the formation of the
lines the funeral car came up the
walk. The casket was lifted gently
from the hearse and borne to the door
of the vault, where it rested upon the
catafaluue. 1t was carried by the
same men of the army and navy who
have carried it ever since it left Buff
falo. Before them as it came up the
walk walked Colonel Bingham, who
had been aide to President Mckinley.
Just as the bearers lowered it to the
catafaluue Abner Mckinley and Mrs.
Barber alighted from their carriage
and stood at the foot of the line of
officers. They remained here for a
few seconds and then passed up to the
foot of the casket, where they re-
manned during the brief services.
The eugIes Sound "Taps."
Then there was a moments pause
as Colonel Bingham looked to see that
all was in readiness. he looked to-
ward Bishop Joyce Of Minneapolis,
who read the burial service of the
Methodist church slowly, but in a
voice that could be heard distinctly
by all who were grouped about the
vault. AS his words ended there was
a brief pause, then Colonel Bingham
waved his hand to eight buglers of the
Canton band, who had taken stations
upon the side of the mound above and
to the south of the vault. Instantly
from the eight bugles rang out the
notes of the soldiers last call,
TAPS" When the last note had float
ed away Secretary Wilson was in
tears, Secretary Hitchcock was also
weeping and the president was gazing
grimly at the walk. 1t was the last
moment of the men who had been so
closely associated with the president
for so long, and the thought seemed
greater than most of them could bear.
1t was all ended and Captain Bicycle
of Company c, Fourteenth infantry,
who commanded the guard which is
to be placed around the vault. stepped
up into a line of five soldiers which
he had just posted north of the door
way and who all through the cere-
mony had stood at present arms as
rigid as though carved out of iron.
One of them passed quickly into the
vault, taking station at the head of
the casket, another placed himself at
the foot and three men stood in the
doorway. There they remained until
after the passage of the funeral pro-
cession. The president, cabinet Off
GERS and officers of the army and navy
then entered their carriages, and fol
lowed by members of the family,
passed out of the cemetery and to the
city.
Songs by Knights TempIar Quartette.
The delay caused by the ceremonies
at the vault being over the procession
resumed its march. Every one, ex-
cept those in uniform, who rendered
honor in other ways, went past the
casket with uncovered heads. A divi-
sion of knights Templars wheeled
into the cemetery, the quartette, which
was delayed in reaching the cemetery
for the other ceremonies, took up a
position in the vault and sang Fare
well, My Brother" This hymn was fol-
lowed by others, including Rock of
Ages" "The ChrisLIan's Good Night,
and "The Wayside Cross" The selec-
lions were beautifully rendered and
no part of the funeral ceremonies in
Canton was more impressive. The
darkness was gathering fast as the
Knights sang on and many in the null
titude around the casket were moved
to tears and the sounds of sobs were
distinctly audible in the crowd that
lined the fence beyond the line of ma
tional guardsmen.
The last of the procession passed
the bier at 5:45 and then orders were
given by Captain Biddle that the GENE
terry should be cleared. The order was
carried out and the president was left
with his guard of honor.
At z o'clock President Roosevelt and
the members of the cabinet started
back to Washington.