Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-09-17
TO REMOVE CASKET.

The way was cleared and down
the pathway strobe a body of
sturdy soldiers and sailors, chosen
as the body bearers and guards.
They were met at the entrance
of the observation car. wnere the
remains lay, by an officer and adj
mitted at once.
Through the clear plate glass
window the casket showed in
wrappings of the national flag, COW
cred with rare garlands and set
pieces of flowers.
The undertakers assistants re-
moved the floral pieces to the
vans which were to carry them to
the White House. The sailor
with drawn cutlass. and the sol
der with fixed bayonet who stood
grimly like men of stone at the
head and foot of the casket, gave
way grudgingly to these men as
though reluctant to abandon their
sad duty.
Meanwhile farther down the sta
ton the party on the funeral train
were alighting. Secretaries Hay
and Gage had pressed forward and
entered the car where the mourners
sat and assisted them 10 descend.
Mrs. Mckinley was aided by Abner
Mckinley and DR.. Rixey and was
speedily placed in carriage which
drove off at once TO the White
House without awaiting Che process
sion.
Close behind came the members
of the family of the late President
who likewise were driven away i'm
mediately to the Executive mar
sion.
Mrs. Mckinley was deeply yelled.
She appeared to bear up with fortl-
tude, but leaned heavily on the
arms of her supporters.
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT.
President Roosevelt came next.
His arm was closely clasped by
Captain Cowles, of the navy, his
brother-in-law, who walked rather
hastily between the flies of officers
to the carriage way next the gates
of the station. The President
walked firmly erect, looking to
neither side. his face set and sor-
rowful.
Close behind him pressed the
members Of the cabinet, headed by
Secretary Hay and Secretary Gage,
escorted by General Gillespie and a
contingent of the ranking army and
naval officers in waiting.
Senator Hanna and Senator Fair
banks followed. The former walked
without a sign of weakness and as
though he had nerved himself to
the occasion.
Meanwhile the casket was being
removed from the observation car.
One of the large windows was low
cred 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.
rour artiEerymen from Fort
McHenry, Md, were on the right
ana four sailors on the left,
Strengthening themselves under
their burden they walked slowly
towards the hearse. Before the
casket marched four officers. Major
Parker, Col Bingham, Captain Gill
more and Major McCauley, and in
that order. while the officers on
either side and in the entrance
stood with uncovered heads, the
remains were carried to Sixth street
and placed in the hearse.
TAPS" THE ONLY SOUND.
AS the casket emerged the bugle
note rose clearly and taps" rang
out. That Was the only sound
that broke the dead silence.
Just beyond the entrance to the
station, President Roosevelt, with
the members of the cabinet, had
paused and had taken station so
as to leave broad 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 the hearse,
drawn up at the side gate. The
hearse was an exquisitely carved
affair and was drawn by six black
horses. each of whom was led by
a colored groom in black livery.
Iuet as the body was being placed