The Savannah morning news., 1901-09-18
LEAD, KINDLYLIGHT"
SOFTLY SUNG OVER THE PREsI-
DENTS SILENT FORM.
OFFICIAL FUNERAL RITES.
CEREMONIES HELD IN GREAT RO-
TUNDA OF CAPITOL.

6uCteu
the Presidents own Church, Con-
sisting of Music, Prayer and II
Brief Address-After the Services
the People Looked Their Inst on
Their Beloved Friend and Ruler.
Thousands Filed Past the Bier.
washington, Sept. 1.-THE funeral
services at the Capitol over the remains
of the late President Mckinley were
as simple and beautiful as is usual in
the Methodist church. Two hymns,
nrayer, an address, and benediction
comprised all of it, yet the impression
left at the end was of perfection.
The people were slow in gathering.
Among the first corners were the army
officers. Gen. Randolph, in charge of
the military arrangements at the CAPT.
tai. was first among these, and soon
after came Gen. Fitzhugh Lee.
Just at 10 o'clock Admiral Dewey
made his appearance, accompanied by
Gen. Otis, Gen. Davis and Gen. Rug
giles. He glanced over the scene within
and then took up his station at the
eastern entrance where he was joined
bv the other members of the guard of
honor. Admiral Schley was among the
arrivals.
The cabinet entered at 1O:40 and were
seated to the south of the platform,
and then to the strains of Nearer,
My God, to Thee" by the Marine Band
outside, the casket was borne into the
rotunda. Everyone arose. The guard of
honor on either side separated, and the
casket was gently placed upon the
catafalque. Next came the family of
the deceased, Abner Mckinley leading.
They were seated near the head of the
casket. Senator Hanna was with the
family party. Next the diplomatic corps
entered, all in court regalia, and were
seated to the south. Ex-President
Cleveland also entered and with Gen.
Wilson, his escort, sat in the first row.
Lastly came President Roosevelt es-
corted by Capt. Cowles and preceded
by Mr.. Cortelyou. secretary to the
President. He was given seat at the
end of the row occupied by the cabinet,
just south of the casket. Mr.. Roose-'
velt's face was set and appeared to be
restraining his emotions with difficulty.
Lead, Kindly Light"
When the noise occasioned by seat
ing the late-comers had ceased a hush
fell upon the people and then the choir
softly sang, Led, Kindly Light" while
every one stood in reverence.
At the conclusion of the hymn Rev.
DR.. Henry R. Naylor. presiding elder
of the Washington district, Methodist
Episcopal Church, delivered the invo-
cation, while the distinguished COM
pany listened with bowed heads.
AS the pastor ceased the voice of the
choir swelled forth and the pure So
prano notes of Mrs. Thomas C. Noyes
led the hymn, Some Time Wen I'm
derstand.'
The music was remarkably effective
and touching. as the notes came back
in soft echoes from the fullness of the
dome overhead. AS soon as the hymn
ceased Bishop Edward G. Andrews
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
who had come from Ohio to say the
last words over the remains of his life
long friend and parishioner, arose. He
stood at the head of the casket and
spoke in sympathetic voice and with
many evidences of deep emotion.
Nearer, My God to Thee"
The address lasted but bare quarter
of an hour. AS the bishop concluded
everyone in the vast rotunda rose and
the choir intoning the air, hundreds OF
voices joined in the grand old hymn
Nearer, My God, to Thee"
1t was an affecting moment. In the
midst of the singing Admiral Evans
advancing with silent tread, placed q
beautiful blue floral cross at the foot
of the casket.
The last notes died away softly ano
with uplifted hands the benediction was
pronounced by Rev. DR.. w. II. Chap
man, acting pastor of the metropolitan
Church. This ended the religious SER
vice.
There was a pause for few minutes
While the ushers cleared the aisles anc
the assemblage began to withdraw.
President Roosevelt and the cabinet
repaired to the Presidents room In
the Senate wing of the Capitol. They
were Joined there later by some of the
other distinguished pcrsonages pres
ent, including ex-President Cleveland
When the latter entered the room ht
was cordially greeted by Mr.. Roose'
Welt
The People Bid Farewell.
AS soon as the rotunda was cleared
of those who had been invited TO at
tend the religious services the bier wa'
prepared for the inspection of the gen
eral public. The floral offerings, whicf
covered the coffin were put aside anC
the lid was lifted from the head of th'
coffin.
AS the coffin rested upon the cata
falque it was just about high enough
to permit of easy inspection by adults
The crowd entered through the cas-
main door of the Capitol and passed
out through the west exit. The peopl
came in double file. sone line passing t
the right and the other to the left o
the casket. Only hurried glance wa
permitted to anyone. About 100 peopl
were enabled to view the remain
every minute.
The crowd consisted Of men, womel
and children. and all colors and al
ages were represented. Many children
We're carried through the building II
the arms of their parents. AS the bod.
or the dead President lay in state
was guarded by representatives of al
branches of the nations martial ser
vice. under command of Gen. w. f
Randolph chief of artillery.
he whole scene was photographs