The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-18

WASHINGTON. Sept. T7.-All that Is NOR
tai OF William Mckinley is speeding to-
ward its last earthly resting place at its
beloved home in Canton, after the Nation
had officially ard with state ceremony paid
it's tribute Of respect and love to the MEM
ory OF its chief magistrate. This was al
most 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 to-day over the remains Of the dead
President 1t was eminently fitting that
the services should be conducted in that
beautiful rotunda. hallowed by the history
OF the last sad rites Of the two other mar
tyrs to the cause OF the Republic.
As befitted the occasion and the charac-
ter of the man whose remains were lying
cold and rigid in the narrow embrace of
the metallic casket, the services were sim
pie. They were conducted in accordance
with the rites of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. OF which President Mckinley was
a lifelong member. Consisting only of two
hymns a song, prayer, an address ana
berediction. they were beautiful and SOL
emnIy impressive. Gathered around the
bier were representatives OF every phase of
American national life. including the Pres
ident and the only surviving ex-President
of the United States, together with repre-
sentatives at this capital of almost every
nation of the earth. Great Britain. France,
Germany. Italy and Spain and all the re-
nubucs to the southwark 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 ro-
about the catafalque. the assemblage pre-
sented a memorable sight. The somber
black attire of hundreds OF civilians pres
ent was splashed brilliant with the blue
and gold of the representatives of the army
and navy and the court costumes of the
diplomatic corps.
EYES sTREAMED WITH TEARS.
As the sweet notes OF Mr.. McKinleys
favorite hymn, Lead. Kindly Light"
fioated through the great rotunda the as
semblage rose to its feet. Barred heads
were bowed and eyes streamed with tears
At the conclusion of the hymn. as Rev. Dr.
Naylor. presiding elder OF the Washington
district. rose 10 offer prayer. the hush that
fell upon the people was profound. When,
I'm conclusion he repeated the Lord 5
Prayer. the great audience Joined solemnly
with him, and the murmur of their voices
resembled the roll OF far distant surf.
Scarcely had the word "amen" been
breathed when the words OF the song.
Some Time Wen Understand" went
straight TO the heart of every auditor. The
solo was sung by Mrs. Thomas c. Noyes.
OF this city. and the refrain was echoed and
re-echoed by the double quartet choir.
The venerable Bishop Edward G. Andrews.
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 upon the coffin and the
peace that passeth all understanding
seemed TO rest upon the venerable man s
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 Presi-
dent was impressive. Upon the conclusion
Of the sermon the audience. as IL by pre-
arrangement, Joined the choir in singing
Nearer. my God. to Thee" All present
seemed 10 be imbued with a sentiment of
,esignation as the divine blessing was asked
~ the Rev W. II. Chapman. acting pastor
# the Metropolitan NJ. T. Church. upon
both the living and the dead.
Mrs. Mckinley did not attend the services
al the Capitol. II was deemed wise by
those now nearest and dearest 10 her that
she should not undergo the ordeal She