The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1901-09-18
BODY AT WASHINGTON
Remains of President Mckinley
Safely Transported.

mains to White House - Military Ar
rangements Prevailed-Mrs. Mckinley
II Is said, Doesn't Realize the Blow
which Has Fallen on Her.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1.-THE re-
mains OF President Mckinley now lie m
the East room Of the White House,
where for more than four years he had
made his home as the chief magistrate
Of the great American republic. Up
stairs his widow mourns for her dead in
the family apartments that now bring
back but the saddest memories.
Ii was with simple ceremony and amid
a silence that fitted perfectly the sad
ness OF the occasion that the body of the
late president was borne up Pennsyl-
vania avenue to the White House and
laid upon the bier in the great East
room where he had stood so often in the
pride Of his manhood to receive the
greetings Of the common people he loved
better than himself.
Ii was fitting that such ceremony as
this should be severely military in char
acter. In recognition of the fact that the
president was commander-in-chief of the
United States army and navy. Nowhere
was there n show Of civilian participa-
ton. The streets about the station were
filled with mounted troops and the sta
tion itself was occupied by stalwart sol
diers and sailors in uniform. The blue
coated policemen and the railroad cm-
ploycs were nearly all that stood for
civil life.
1t was not so on the broad stretch of
avenue that led to the White House.
There the people strained and crowded
in vast multitude against the ropes
which strained them from the space
marked out for the line Of procession.
The afternoon was cloudy and with
the close Of the day began the dull de-
pressing boom Of large gun at inter
walls of five minutes. IL was the signal
which gave notice Of the approach of
the funeral train.
At the Pennsylvania railroad station
men in bright uniforms gathered. n mix
ture of soldiers and sailors. From the
brigndier general aud naval captain
down 10 the humhlest lieutenant and
ensign, every officer on duty in the cap
ital was there save a few Of high rank
who composed the guard of honor and
waited at the White House. Presently
in dead silence two troops of cavalry
from Fort Meyer swung from Pennsyl-
vania avenue into Sixth street. Then
came Secretaries Hay aud Gage and
G.....,r,. Gape,nt. apI Commits.
sioner Mcfarland and few subordi-
mates privileged to enter the space within
the station.
Train n Few Minutes Late.
The train was little late. 1t was due
at S.25. but the clock stood at S:3S
when the headlight of the big locomotive
flashed along the rails and the ears
swept quietly TO a stop at the gates. The
way was cleared and down the pathway
strobe body of sturdy soldiers and sail
ors chosen MS the body bearers and
guard. They were met at the entrance
of the observation car where the remains
lay. The sailor with drawn cutlass and
the soldier with fixed hayonet who stood
grimlf like men Of stone at the head
and foot OF the caskct gave way grudg-
ingly To these men, as though reluctant
TO abandon their sad duty.
Meanwhile further down the station
the party on the funeral train were
nlighting. Mrs. Mckinley was aided by
Ahner Mckinley and DIR. RiXey, aud was
speedily placed in carriage which
drove off at once to the White House
without awaiting the procession. Close
behind came the members of the family
of the late president, who likewise were
driven Immediately to the executive man
sion. Mrs. Mckinley was deeply veiled.
She appeared to bear up with fortitude'
but leaned heavily on the arms Of her
supporters The president walked firm
ly erect. looking TO neither side, his face
set and sorrowful. Close behind him
pressed the members of the cabinet
headed by Secretary Hay and Secretary
Gage. escorted by General Gillespie and
n contingent of the ranking army and
naval officers in waiting Senators Han
ma and Fairbanks followed. The former
walked without sign Of weakness and
as though he had ncrved himself to the
occasion.
Meanwhile the casket was being re-
moved from the observation ear. One Of
the large windows was lowered at the
side and slowly and carefully the caskct
was slipped out through the opening and
tenderly received upon the bent shoul'
ders of the bOdy-hearers. As the casket
emerged bugle note rose clearly and
'taps" rang out. That was the only
sound that broke the dead silence.
Just beyond the entrance to the station
President Roosevelt with the members of
the cabinet had passed and had taken
station 50 as to leave a broad space for
the funeral cortege. They ranged them
selves on the sidewalk in double rows
opposite each other and stood with barred
heads as the corpse was carried to the
hearsc drawn up at the side Of the gate
The hearse was an exquisitely carved
affair and was drawn by six black horses
each of which was led by colored
groom in black livery.
The hcarse bearing the body Of the
third martyred president quickly moved
away and was followed at once by Pres
idrnt Roosevelt and those accompanying
him.
The military already were in line. As
the procession swept from Sixth street
station into Pennsylvania avenue a deep
ly impressive sight was presented. The
historic thorc ughfare was hung in black
EmblCms Of the nations mourning
were displayed on either building. Tn,
stars and stripes, furled and knottet
with creDe noated from hundreds of win
lows. Over all cleaned coldly scores oI
electric lights. defining sharply each de
tail of the solemn scene.
Ther, was no music. Amid the husl
OF the great crowds only the clatter OF
the horses hoofs ringing sharply upor
the rayemen; was heard.
a platoon Of mounted police in com
mand Of Sergeant Matthews led the way
Next came a delegation Of G.. \. II. mel
from the department Of the Potomac