The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1901-09-18
AT THE MlLBURN HOME.
Pathetic Scenes at the Private Funeral
Services - Mrs. McKlnley's Forti-
tude-Hanna's Grief.

Long before the time set for the fu-
neral services the vicinity Of the Milburn
house was aStiy with preparations At
Q O'Clock long platoons Of police officers
mounted and on foot, arrived on the
ground and were posted in strong details
along the streets approaching the house.
For a block in each direction the streets
Were roped off to keep back the gather
ing crowds. Only those summoned to
the service, the uniformed escort Of
marchers ard those whose business i'm
pcratiycly brought them there, passed
within the four-squared precinct about
Che house where the body of the dead
chief reposed. Major General John Il.
Brooke, department commander Of the
east, who was personally in command Of
all the forces participating in the escort.
arrived at 10 o'clock. Around his left
arm was wound heavy band Of crepe
With him were his aides and half score
Of other officers all in fatigue uniform
with the badge Of mourning on their
sleeves.
Meantime the members of the cabinet,
officials high IN the government service
and near friends of the Martyred Prcsi-
dent. began 10 I'LL the walks leading up
to the entrance Of the Milburn residence
Secretaries Wilson and Hitchcock drove
up together and with bowed heads en-
tered the house. Governor Odell of New
York drove mp with his secretary and
Representative Lucius Littauer Of New
York, and following the governor came
Major General Roe. commander of the
National Guard of New York, with his
%, ,.I Iii
tary Root walked to the house. Two
by two, a long line of men of dignifed
bearing marched mp to the house-the
foreign commissioners sent to the cxpos-
tion, and after them the state commits
sioners.
Roosevelt Arrives.
II was just eight minutes before the
opening Of the service when a covered
barouche drove up to the house. bring
ing President Roosevelt and Mr.. and
Mrs. Wilcox, at whose home he is a
guest. The president looked very grave
as he aighted and turned to assist Mrs
Wilcox from the carriage. His face dill
not relax into a smile TO the salutations
of those nearest the carriage, but he ac-
knowedged the greetings silently and
L
waiting to gain entrance fell back, max
ing Il narrow lane through which Mr..
Roosevelt passed along to the house.
Within the house of death was woe
unspcakable. In the drawing room 70
the right Of the hall the dead chieftain
was stretched upon his bier. On the no.
BILE face upturned to the Creator was
written the story Of the Christian for
bearance with which he had met his
martyrdOm. \ calm and peaceful res
ignation not Of earth was on the marble
features. Death had emphasized the
nobility of his cOuntenance. Only the
thinness Of his face bore mute testimony
TO the patient suffering he had endured.
He was dressed as he always did in
life. The black frock coat was buttoned
across the breast where the first bullet
Of the infamous assassin had struck The
right hand lay at his side. The left was
| across his body. He looked as millions
of his countrymen have seen him. The
/ body lay in a black casket on a black
| bearskin rug. Over the lower limbs was
flung the starry banner he had loved so
well. The flowers were few, as beftted
the simple nature OF the man.
Mrs. Mckinney Alone with Body.
The family had taken leave Of their
Ioyed one before the others arrived. Mrs.
Mckinley, the poor, grief-crushed widow
had been led late into the chamber by
her physician, DIR. RiXey. and had sat a
| while alone with him who had supported
and comforted her through all those
sweet years Of welded life. But though
her support was gone. she had not broken
down. Dry-eyed she had gazed upon
him and fondlcd his face. She did not
seem To realize that hc was dead. Then
she had been led away by DIR. RiXey and
had taken up her position at the head
Of the stairs where she could hear the
service