Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1905-07-19
aE...ss OF John PAUL Jones.
Naval Hero's Body Formally Delivered to Uncle
Sam-UnIquo and imposing Service.


In the presence of the highest digni-
taries of France, the diplomatic repre-
sentatives of mauy foreign governments
and civil aud naval officials of the Uuited
States, the body of Admiral John Paul
Jones was on July 9th formally delivered
to the United States government. The
ceremony was one combining impressive
dignity with brilliant military aud naval
pomp in which the soldiers and sailors Of
France and the sailors of America united
in rendering honors to the illustrious
founder of the American navy.
. The occasion was unique and probably
vithout parallel, as the funeral was that
of Revolutionary hero who had lain
neglected in foreign grave for over a
hundred years.
Seldom has an event awakened such
widespread interest in the French capi-
tol. Dense throngs packed the Champs
Elysees and other principal thorough
fares to witness the imposing cortege
which for the elaborateness of Its mill
tary features equalled the martial display
on the occasion of the visit of King AL
fonso.
The ceremony of delivering the body
was held In the American church on the
Avenue de Alma at $50 O'Clock in the
afternoon. The interior of this Gothic
edifioe was beautifully decorated with
plants and flowers. At the foot of the
chanoel rested the oasket wrapped in an
American flag and literally buried in
masses of floral emblems.
At the right of the altar sat Ambassa-
dor Mccormick, Senior Special Ambassa-
dor Porter, Junior Special Ambassador
Loomis, United States Senator Henry
, Cabot Lodge, Rear Admiral Sigsbee and
other officers of the American squadron.
Across the aisle sat Premier Rouvier
with other members of his cabinet, prac-
tioally the entire diplomatic corps and
officers of the army and navy. The men,
bers of the diplomatic 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 according
to the French custom, with the red sash
of the grand cross of the Legion of Honor
across his breast, advanced alongside the
casket and formally delivered the body
TO Mr.. Loomis, as the representative of
the United States government, who ac-
cepted it in the name of the government
and commissioned Admiral Sigsbee to
transport it to rhe United States.
AS the surpliced choir took up "My
Country, 'Tis of Thee" the entire as
semblage rose and joined in the strains
of the patriotic hymn. Eight brawny
sailors from the Brooklyn then stepped
forward and raising the casket on their
shoulders bore it slowly from the church
to the waiting gun carriage. This was
draped with the national colors and was
drawn by six black horses.
me cortege was now formed aud pro-
ceed.d to the Esplanada des Invalides.
Arriving at the esplanada an imposing
picture was presented. The French gov
ernment had erected large pavilion in
which to deposit the coffin. The pa
viliop was richly hung with crimson vel
vet, with martial emblems and battle
axes, entwined flags and row of brass
field pieces along the front.
The casket was deposited in the GEN.
ter of the pavilion while the cortege
passed, rendering military honors. Later
it was borne to the invaldes railroad
station and placed in funeral car
where, guarded by French and Ameri-
'SSSan sailors, it started for Cherbourg at
10 O'Clock tonight.
uo,, con.,.,..;.. p..,.