The Washington herald., 1908-01-08

The fine gospel Of the brotherhood Of
man was never better or more practically
and realistically exemplifed than in the
solemn, pathetic, and impressive funeral
OF Rev. Father D. ]. Stafford, at ST. Pat
rick's Church yesterday morning.
It was marvellous outpouring Of love;
a wonderful and most touching mani
festatiOn Of finest friendship; It was the
visible expression Of the faith, and trust,
and alteration Of great army Of children
for their spiritual father. and it was
striking demonstration Of the strength
Of fine comradeship-a comradeship
bounded neither by age, nationality nor
.sectionalism in religion-tribute universal
TO a leader. so untimely lost; 10 teacher
who shall teach no more. but whose fine
example shall ever be a vital influence.
The driving rain. the bitterly chill wind,
the overcast clouds could not keep away
the masses that thronged to st. PaTick's;
and although the hour for the funeral
was set at 10 O'Clock. many OF DR.. Stat
ford's faithful friends we're gathered
about the edihce-sCme Of them unshelter-
ed from the rain-before 3 o'clock had
struck. And when. promptly on the hour.
the beautiful services of the requiem mass
had begun, the church was filled in every
part with a somber, silent throng; a
tribute of love from his parishioners.
recognition by his Intellectual peers OF
the dire loss they had sustained; a gath
/ ering Of love signalized by tears and sobs
! and expressions Of gratitude from those
to whom he had been counselor, almoner,
/ law-giver, friend. and spiritual father.
Distinguished Men Present.
High officers Of the goverpment, states
men, clergy, diplomats, men Of letters,
men of business, men Of art, and plain
toilers; men and women who loved and
revered the dead man who lay so peace
fully in state before the sanctuary rail-
/ ing-ai OF them were met in ST. Patrlcks
as on common ground; gathered to pay
a tribute Of respect 10 the memory Of one
OF the bestowed men that Washington
has known.
Dreary and cherries as the weather
made the day, there was yet something
in it that was in tune with the souls Of
those within, and TO those whose faith
leaped beyond the present grief to a be-
lief that their friend had entered upon a
blessed eternity must have come the old
and beautiful thought:
Blessed are the dead the rain falls on.
St Patricks Church. for whose upbuiId-
ing Father Stafford had done so much.
appeared gloomy and solemn in the face
of the storm It's facade was draped in
black over the central door there hung
wide festoons Of Grape, sodden and drip
ping from the rain. In front Of the
church there stood volunteers from the
congregation who received the people az
they came. glanced at the black -bordered
tickets of admission and showed the sad
faced people TO their seats
Friend met friend in the portico Of the
church or in the aisles, but there were
no smiles of greeting; only a sorrOwful
stare Of recognition. It was in wonderful
and awesome silence that the vast church
was filled.
Deep Mourning Everywhere.
The interior of St Patrick's had an un-
accustomed air. Signs Of mourning were
everywhere.
The high altar. that at times is brilliant
with light that shines reflected from sold
and brass and brilliant paintings. was
draped in black; black was on the Iectern
and black on the pulpit. the sounding
board of which has so often vibrated 10
the eloquent tones Of the man who shall
voice no more messages Of hope and
peace, Black on the chancel railing:
black on the marble pillars. and hung in
broad festoons before the stained-glass
windows of the church. loving memorials
10 other Of St Patrick's dead.
There was black eten subduing the
striking red Of the cardinals throne-and
black gloom and solemn cloud on the
faces of the people-his people. many OF
whom wept silently as they saw him
there in the open coffin in the middle
aisle.
He who had been the life and the in
. spiration Of this people lay there In
/ state. the robes Of his Office about him.
His ewes fast closed in the last sleep. his
hands across his breast. and one hand
tightly clasped in deaths rigOrs ever a
, golden chalice There were flowers at his
feet: candles burned at his head, but it
was the calm anG peaceful face, so rev.
cred and loved. that attracted ali eyes;
emphasized the grievous loss and let the
solemn service its bitterly pathetic sig
nit1cance.
Service Most Solemn.
The funeral mass of the Roman Catho-
tic Church is one Of the most impressive
and beautiful Of services. 1t has to bs
heard. to be entered into, before it can
be truly felt: but never die the sonorous
Latin prayers. the intoning of the mass.
t or the chanting of the responses sound
more solemn OF significant than on this
: occasion.
e 1t was 10 o'clock exactly when the pro-
7 cession Of white-surpliced priests and
D acolytes and ch0ir-boys made their way
e into the chanceI from the vestry. They
S eame in silence and with solemn tread.
hands cIasped before them on their
breasts. and heads bowed low Only the
/ little lads of the ch0ir-rosy-chee
( healthful and pretty lads. with life all
G before them. and not old enough yet
! thoroughly TO comprehend the beautiful
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