The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-27


that the watchers at her bedside noted
with difficulty the instant when the tran
sition occurred
The last coherent words spoken by her
were uttered days before she received her
final summons and were the expression OF
a wish that her life which had been
burden since the death OF the third mar
tyr president OF the republic might be
prolonged only until the completion OF
the mahsoleum OF her husband. Then she
sank into deep stupor, from which she
never emerged.
There was no struggle, no pain, and tho
oncoming OF dissolution was so gradual
that II was feared the death angel might
steal upon the sufferer without revealing
his presence to those who were keeping
vigil in the chamber.
LONG UNCONSCIOUS.
Mrs. Mckinley was oblivious OF the des-
perate efforts made for days 10 prolong
her life, and never knew of the soicitous
care OF her sister. her other relatives.
friends and devoted physicians II was
not given TO her to know the tender sym
pathy felt for her in her last hours
throughout the length and breadth OF the
land. as shown by a food OF kilograms,
which began TO be received from the hour
her serious illness became known.
Soon after she was stricken. she longed
for death and said why should / lin
ger? Please God, IL II is thy will. why de-
fer IT.? He is gone. and life Is dark 10
me now," and kindred expressions fell
from her lips.
Secretary OF the Treasury Cortelyou.
Mr.. and Mrs. NJ. c. Barber. Mrs. Sarah
Duncan, Mrs Luther Day Justice and
Mrs. William r. Day. Drs Portmann and
Rixey and the nurses were with her when
death came.
Mrs Mckinley lasted hours longer than
we expected" said Mr.. Cortelyou.
"Her vitality was wonderful" said DIR.
Portmanu.
Secretary Cortelyou announced the
death TO the public. AS his message was
flashed over the land. William Mckinley
post and George ID. Harter post, G. A.
r.. were forming In line. and to the
strains OF the band playing The March
Ecliogosa" they went to the First Meth
odist Episcopal church to listen TO the
annual memorial address, which was
given by Rev. DIR. Buxton, Mrs. McKin-
ley's pastor.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.
The funeral arrangements so far as
made, provide that DIR. Buxton Will have
charge OF the services, which are to be
simple. They will be held at the Nc
Kinley home at 2 o'clock Wednesday af-
ternoon.
Secretary Cortelyou is directing the
aITdnScIlttltS, anu Will TtiIidiH uHlll
after the funeral DIR. Rixey left here
at 6:33 yesterday afternoon for Washing
ton. He will join President Roosevelt and
60 with him on his trip to Indianapolis
and Lansing this week II was announced
last night that President Roosevelt and
Secretary Loeb will arrive in Canton
Wednesday morning TO attend the
funeral.
Vice President Fairbanks, who had
often been house guest OF the Nc
Kdnleys. is expected here in time TO at
tend the services
The body OF Mrs Mckinley will be
placed In tho vault in Westlawn ceme-
terry. which halds the remains OF her
husband. until the completion OF the
national rnausoieum on Monument Hill,
when both caskets will be transferred to
receptacle in that tomb.
From numerous friends of the deceased.
Mrs Barber last evening received tele-
grams OF coincidence on the death OF her
sister. Among them were kilograms from
President Roosevelt and Vice President
Fairbanks.
Respect was paid to Mrs Mckinley in
many Canton churches. Al the First
Methodist Episcopal church, of which
Mrs Mckinley was member. II was an
nounced that memorial service will be
held next Sunday. Three beautiful me-
nrorial windows, presented to the First
Methodist Episcopal church in honor OF
the late President Mckinley, were soon TO
have been dedicated
Mayor Turnbull. in a statement said
conference would be held with Secre
tary Cortelyou for the purpose OF arrang-
Ing appropriate plans by the city in MEM
ory OF Mrs Mckinley
More than half OF Mrs. McKinley's life
OF almost 60 years was a period OF inval-
idism. Through all this however. she
showed firm and unwavering belief in
the career OF her husband. and by her
cheerful words. in spite OF personal af-
fictions, encouraged him under all con-
ddtions.
She believed that his star Of destiny
would never set until he had become
president of the United States, and for
more than quarter of century cher
ished this belief until her hopes were
realized.
PRAYED FOR DEATH
After President McKiney's death she
expressed a desire TO join him and prayed
day by day that she might die. Later
however. she frequently told friends she
desired to live until the completion OF the
Mckinley mauseleum, which is the gift os
the nation and which is 20 be dedicated
on Monument hill Sept 30 next.
After the crushing blow which came TO
her when the assassin's bullet struck
down her husband friends despaired OF
her life for a month or more. She rallied
and for several years enjoyed better
health than usual She would not con-
sent to leave her Canton home.
Mrs. Mckinley was fond OF the drama.
She and her husband numbered as one OF
their most intimate friends the late Jo-
seph Jefferson.
Among her diversions was the crochet
ting OF slippers. which she gave as keep
eakes to friends. TO bazaars. etc More
than $50 pairs OF slippers were knitted by
her and given away.
Mrs. Mckinley was fond OF flowers, the
rose being her favorite for many years.
In recent years the presidents carnation
shared a place In her admiration.
Bereft OF children. she showed her In
tense affection for children until the end
OF her life.
The Mckinley estate at the death OF
Mrs. Mckinley is to be divided equally
among his brother, Abner Mckinley. now
M aia