The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-09-16

her long veil of black. She got into the
carriage with her favorite niece. Miss
Barber, Abner Mckinley and DR.. Rixey,
and they were driven at once to the depot.
So far as could be seen she sat erect and
unsupported in the carriage.
The family of Abner Mckinley, other
relatives of the dead president and Secre-
tary Cortelyou followed in other carriages
and the Milburn house, famous now be-
cause OF its connection with a great ma
tiOnal tragedy, went back into the possess
sion of its owner who had so kindly given
1t up to the use Of the president and his
family.
The street corners near the house which
for week had been crowded with news
paper men, telegraphic booths and wait
ing carriages, resumed their wonted ap-
pearance; the military guard was with
drawn, the police resumed their normal
occupation and the exciting incidents that
have marked the locality became a mem
ory.
President Roosevelt did not arise until
o'clock. He dressed quickly and at 1880
was ready for breakfast. He breakfasted
with the family of his host, Ansley Will
cox. Just after o'clock had struck, with
Mr.. Wilcox and his secretary, William
Loeb ,Jr, he got into carriage and drove
to the train. A few mounted police fol-
lowed the carriage and three or four de-
tectives ana secret service men were near
by. Otherwise there was nothing to dis
tinguish the president from any other citi-
zen.
At the City Hall.
The slow and stately procession Of the
presidents body from the city hall to the
railroad station afforded the people of
Buffalo last opportunity to do honor to
the memory of the lamented executive.
At daybreak the city hall was as quiet
and peaceful as the death within its walls.
| Statuelike, the guard of honor at the
catafalque maintained it's position
throughout the long hours Of the night.
| There was a sergeant of artillery at the
head of the bier marine at the foot. At
one side was a sergeant Of infantry. on
the other a marine. The massive wooden
doors of the building were closed and the
iron outer gates were bolted.
1t was a few minutes after z o'clock
when there came signs of life from with
in the corridor where the body of the
president reposed The doors were flung
open, the gates swung ajar. At 1907 forty
sailors from the United States ship Michf-
gan swung up Franklin street, the first
| detachment of the cortege's escort The
blue jackets wheeled into line directly
opposite the entrance of the city hall.
Four minutes later the four-h horse
hearse drew up and company Of marines
filed into position. Five of the cabinet
officers arrived In two carriages The
first carried Secretary Long and Post
master General Smith. The other held
Attorney General Knox Secretary Wilson
and Secretary Hitchcock. United States
Senator Joseph R. Hawley of Connecticut
was next to arrive.
The Escort.
At the appointed hour, 7:45, the escort
was in perfect readiness. In clarion tones
Major Mann, commanding the escort, de-
Elivered the order, Present arms!"
Noiselessly and with the precision OF the
well-drilled soldier, the arms leaped to
position; the commanding officer turned
about, and facing the house of the dead,
| brought his sword to present" 1t was
an impressive moment. The rigid soldiers
and sailors were awaiting the body of
their late commander in-chief. A minute
Of awe-inspiring silence, and then,
emerging from the doors of the city hall,
there moved the eight body bearers, four
soldiers and four sailors. On their
shoulders rested the casket enclosing the
body Of the country's beloved one.
| Away down the line Of soIdiery from the
! Sixty fifth regimental band came the
strains of Nearer, My. God, to Thee" Be
hind the long ropes the throng, uncovered
and with bowed heads. waited and watched
in silence.
Body Borne to Railway Station.
Tenderly the precious burden was borne
/ slowly down the stone steps, along the
| curved approach to the hearse. The flag
draped casket was lifted gently into the
hearse and the doors closed. Through the
windows Of the hearse naught but Ameri-
| cas- flag, surmounted by single sheaf OF
wheat could be seen. To the front came
the troops, wheeling into line and moving
| down Franklin street.
Once more the strains of music This
time It was the mournful dirge Of Chopin's
funeral march. accompanied by the tolling
of the church bells. Behind the troops
came the carriages Of the members Of the