The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-28
FUNERAL OF THE PREMIER
NnrEc Gathering, Representing Politi.
scnl Life of England ut Obscauics.

NnrEc Gathering. Representing Politi.
scnl Life OF England at Obscduics.
& LONDON, April 27.--The funeral
service OF the Church OF England was
solemnized in Westminster Abbey at
noon to-day over the body of Sir.
Henry ell-Bannerman. late
premier Of Great Britain, who died
April 22d, In the presence OF large
gathering representing Tive political
life of England. After the service a
short procession moved from the abb
hey to Euston station. where special
train took the coffin, some of Sir
Henry's relatives and a few OF his
closest friends to Scotland.
The last time the body OF premier
of England was taken to Westminster
Abbey was in 1895, when Gladstone
was buried there The ceremony Of
to-day held much less of display than
was seen when Mr.. Gladstone was laid
At rest. but the grandeur of the abbey
and the character of those who assem-
bled to-day for the last hOnors to Sir
Henry Campbell Zimmerman formed a
noteworthy historical scene. Scores of
the former prennier's political associ-
ates were present. but his two prede-
cessors in office. Mr. Balfour and Lord
Rosebery, We're unable to attend. The
hymns sung during the service were
brief Life Is Here Our Portion" while
the coffin was borne into the abbey;
Il Heard Voice" and "Oh, God, Our
Help in Ages Past" The dead march
from saul" was played while the pro-
cession was leaving the abbey.
AT the doors of the abbey the coffin
was met by the Dean of Westminster
snd the clergy The pall-bearers were
the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Duke
of Fife, II. H. Asquith, the present
premier: Lord Loreburn, the lord high
chancellor: Herbert Gladstone. secre-
tary of state for home affairs; John
Morley, secretary OF state for india.
Lord Tweedmouth. lord president Of the
council: the Earl Of Aberdeen, lord
OF Ireland. and Walter Long,
John Sinclair and Thomas Burt. men,
bers Of the Parliament.
The Dean Of Westminster and the
clergy led the procession to the centre
of the edifice. where the casket was
placed upon a temporary bier.
During the impressive service the
abbey was filled with distinguished
company, including the Prince Of
Wales. who represented King Edward;
Baron Stumm. who was present on
behalf of Emperor William; Premier
Clemenceau, who came over especially
from Paris to represent the French
government, and who placed big
wreath on the coffin: Whitelaw Reid.
the American ambassador. and almost
all the other members of the diplo-
matte corps in London.
In addition, there were present the
members Of the cabinet. many repre-
sentatives OF the nobility and Of COM
merce, and officers and officials repre-
sentinE every branch OF the public
service.
AT the conclusion of the ceremonies
the coffin was taken to Euston station.
The Prince of Wales, Premier Clemen-
eeau, Baron Stunlsn, representatives, OF
the Kings of Norway and Denmark.
Mr.. Asquith, Foreign Secretary Grey
md most of the members of the Gabi-
net followed the cortege in carriages.
The people had waited for hours In
a downpour of rain to witness the pas
saee of the CorteCe through the streets