Waterbury Democrat., 1901-09-17

Washington, Sept 1.-The state fu- neral day of the late President Me Kinley opened as somber as the occa- SiOn- The sky was overcast with dark, slow moving, gray clouds. occa- sfOnaI spasms of rain fell, giving way for mOmentary intervals to gleams Of dull sunshine and q soft wind barely stirred into relief the signs of mourn ing on building fronts that told as we'll as the subdued air of the public that this was a day of sorrow. Thurs day the last that was mortal of Will liam Mckinley will be committed to earth at Canton with ceremonies as personal as the national character and interest in it's executive will permit
 To-day was the occasion when the nation was to pay its last tribute of respect and admiration at the bier of the dead president. All the country had sent it's representatives to testify that the dead had his place deep in the national heart. Other nations had or dered their diplomatic and military representatives to be present as tOk- en that they mourned with America in it's loss Ex-President Cleveland was here to take part in the ceremO- nies.and like President Roosevelt paid his tribute. first in private at the
 
 services in the rotunda of the capitol The king of Great Britain was present in the person of Gerard Lowther. charge of the British embassy. whom the king had specially commissioned to participate in the services as his personal representative. Captain Louis aBiley of the royal navy rep resented the embassy. They will re- turn to Newport tonight and not 20 to the family funeral at Canton. The other embassies and legations likewise had sent their representatives Many Of the states had sent their chief ex- ecutives and part of their staffs All branches of the national government. legislative. executive, judicial and military were represented. Senator Frye. president pro tenn of the senate, arrived from Maine this morning.
 With him was Chief Justice Fuller of the supreme court. David B. Hen dersOn.' the last speaker of the house of representatives. attended as the representative of the popular legisia- tive body. as well as the longtime per sonal friend and associate of the dead man. Many others were present. also. of the legislative and judicial depart ments. The army and navy had their highest officers within reach of the city in attendance. and all officers within the limits of the national capi- tai took part under orders, directing them to participate in the services of honor to their late commander in chief. The south sent General Long street and other former leaders of the confederacy.
 About the White house. tsle patrol of soldiers and sailors guarding the entrance and grounds tell the sad story. The night there had been a quiet one. A vigil over the dead had been mainfained throughout the watches. Details of cavalrymen. ar tilIerymen and infantrymen, sailors and marines, were on guard around the grounds A sentryman paced back and forth on the pOrticO. Inside the house others did duty. In the east room. somber win it's drawn shades and dim burning Iighs and it's heavy black casket in the center of the room, the guard of honor watched over the dead Members of the Loyal Legion and the C.. A. R. performed this sad duty.
 Mrs Mckinley had retired by 10 o'clock, and at that hour all the pri yate apartments in the White house -sere locked up for the night. There were no untoward developments in Mrs McKinley's condition. and the night gave way to day without incI- dent having broken it's sorrow.
 The second stage of the late presi- dents Journey toward the waiting grave at Canton was begun just few minutes after 9 o'clock. As early as an hour before that time the chief of- ffcers of the government, civil. miIi- fl many others whose names are famil- far the world over, came singly and in groups to pay their tribute at his official home to the nations illustrfous dead
 Several members of the diplomatic corps in court costumes were among the early corners. Former President Cleveland and former Secretary of War Lamont arrived about S:3O. and were shown at once to seats in the red parl0rs, the members of the cabi- net began to arrive soon after, and were immediately followed by the members of the senate committee and the members of the United States su- preme court. headed by Chief Justice Fuller. in their robes of office
 President Roosevelt arrived at $50 o'clock, accompanied by his wife and his sister. and went immediately to the blue parIor. where they were join ed by the members of the cabinet The president wore frOck coat with a band of crepe on the left arm-
 Mrs Mckinley arose earlier than usual to prepare for the ordeal. She had rested quite well during the night. but her pale face told plainly of her sufferings. She gave no sign of col lapse, however, and her physician con- 11dent1y believes that she will keep up her strength and courage to the end
 Senator Hanna reached the White house only short time before the procession was to move His face looked drawn, and leanng heavily on bis cane it was painfully evident that te was suffering