The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-09-17

the gate. The way was cleared and
down the pathway strobe body of
sturdy. soldiers and sailors. chosen as
the body bearers and guard, They
were met at the entrance of the obser-
walton car where the remains lay, by
an officer and admitted at once.
Through the clear plate glass windows
the casket showed in wrappings of
the national flag, covered with rare
garlands and set piece of flowers. The
undertakers and assistants removed
the floral pieces to the vans which
were to carry them to the white
house. The sailor with drawn cutlass
and the soldier with fixed bayonet
Who stood grimly like men of stone
at the head of the casket gave way
grudgingly to those men, as though
reluctant to abandon their sad duty.
Meanwhile further, down the sta
tion the party on the funeral train
was alighting. Secretaries Hay and
Gage had pressed forward and en-
tered the car where the mourners sat
and assisted them to descend. Mrs
Mckinley was aided by Abner McKin-
ley and DR.. Rixey and was speedily
placed in carriage which drove off
at once to the white house without
awaiting the procession.
Close behind same the members of
the family Of the late president, who
likewise were driven away to the
executive mansion. Mrs. Mckinley
was deeply affected. She appeared
to bear up with great fortitude but
leaned heavily upon the arm of her
supporters. President Roosevelt
came next. His arm was closely
clasped by Captain Cowles, of the
navy his brother-in-law, who walked
rather heavily along between the files
of officers to the carriage way next
to the gates of the station. The pres
ident walked firmly erect looking to
neither side, his face set and sorrow
full.
Meanwhile the casket was being
removed from the observation car.
Oneof the large windows was lowered
at the side, and slowly and carefully
the casket was slipped out through
the opening and tenderly received
upon the bent shoulders of the body
bearers.
AS the casket emerged bugle note
clearly rose and "taps" rang out.
That was the only sound that broke
the dead silence. Just beyond the
entrance to the station President
Roosevelt and members of the cab
met had paused and had taken sta
tions so as to leave road space for
the funeral cortege. They ranged
themselves on the sidewalk in double
rows opposite each other and stood
with barred heads as the corpse was
carried to a hearse drawn up at the
side of the gate. The hearse was an
exquisitely carved affair and was
drawn by six coal black horses each
of whom was led by colored groom
in black livery.
Just as the body was being placed
in the hearse an incident occurred
that caused murmur Of disapproba-
tion. A photographer from a nearby
window suddenly flashed a light for
the purpose of obtaining representa-
ton of the scene. The flash light and
accompanying noise made people
shudder President Roosevelt seemed
momentarily disconnected.
The hearse bearing the third mar
tyred president quickly drew away
and was followed at once by Presi-
dent Roosevelt and those accompany
ing him.
In the presidents carriage beside
Mr.. Roosevelt were Secretaries Hay
and Gage and Captain Cowles. Sec
retaries Root and Hitchcock. Attor-
ney General Knox and Postmaster
General Smith followed in another
carriage, while Secretary Wilson