The Adair County news. [volume] (Columbia, Ky.) 1897-1987, 1905-07-19
Remains of the Founder of the
Americ IN Navy Delivered to
the United States.
THE OCCASION WAS VERY UNIQUE
The Ceremony Was One Combining
Impressive Dignity With Brilliant
Military and Naval POmp.
In the Presence of High Dianitaries
of France and Diplomatic Repre-
sentatives Of Foreign Nations
the Transfer Was Made.

Paris, July Tn the presence Of
the highest dignitaries of France, the
diplomatic representative of many for
eign governments and civil and naval
officials of the United States, the body
of Adm. John Paul Jones was formally
delivered to the United States govern
ment. The ceremony was one cOmbin-
ing impressive dignity with brilliant
military and naval pomp in which the
soldiers and sailors of France and the
sailors of America united in rendering
hOnOrS to the il!ustriOus founder of
the American navy.
The occasion was unique and prob
ably without parallel as the funeral
was that of revolutionary hero who
hurded years.
Seldom has an event awakened
such widespread interest in the French
capital. Dense throngs packed the
Champs Elysees and other principal
thOrOughfares to witness the imposing
its military feature equalled the mar.
tial display on the occasion of the visit
of King Alfonso.
Casket Wrapped in American Flag.
The ceremony of delivering the
body was held in the American church
on the Avenue de rAlma. The inner
Of this gothic edifice was beautifully
decorated with plants and flowers. Al
the foot of the chancel rested the cas-.
ket wrapped in an American flag and
literally buried in masses of floral en-
blems. The French government had
taken charge of the arrangements and
cuissiers Of the foreign office, wearing
impressive silver>chains, acted as usll-
ers. At the right of the alter sat Am-
bassador Mccormick, Senior Special
Ambassador Porter. Junior Special Am.
baSsadOr LOOMS, United States Sena-
tor Henry Cabot Lodge, RI Adm. Sigs-
bee and other officers of the American
squadron. Across the aisle sat Pre-
mier ROuvier with other members OF
his cabinet, practically the entire dip
lOmatic corps and officers of the army
and navy. The members of the diplO-
matte corps were in full uniform.
Scores of American sailors in the
naves on either side of the altar gave
a fitting background to the imposing
scene. After brief religious services
Gen. Porter. wearing evening dress &C.
cOrding to the French custom, with the
red sash of the Grand Cross of the Le-
giOn of Honor across his breast, adj
vanced alongside the casket and form.
ally delivered the body to Mr.. Loomis,
as the representative of the United
States government. who accepted it in
the name of the government and com.
stoned Adm. Sigsbee to transport it to
the United States.
"My Country, 'Tis of Thee"
AS the surpliced choir took up my
Country, IT'S of Thee" the entire as
semblage arose and joined in the
strains of the patriotic hymn. Eight
brawny sailors from the Brooklyn then
stepped forward and raising the cas-
ket on their shoulders bore it slowly
from the church to the waiting gun
carriage. There it was draped with
the national colors and was drawn by
six black horses.
Arriving at the Esplanade des Invali.
des. an imposing picture was present
ed. The French government had
erected large pavilion in which to
deposit the coffin. The pavilion was
richly hung with crimson velvet, with
martial emblems and battle axes, en-
twined flags and row of brass field
pieces along the front. Nearby rose
the gilded' dome of the tomb Of Napo-
leon.
The casket was deposited in the cen.
ter of the pavilion while the cortege
passed, rendering military honors. La.
ter it was borne to the Invalides rail.
road station and placed in funeral
car, where, guarded by French and
American sailors, it was started for