The Washington herald., 1908-07-06

In addresses eulogistic Of Lincoln
Seaver delivered last night at memorial
services in Salvation Army Barracks, the
brief life Of the nine-year-old boy was
recalled. and the tragic events of his
drowning in the Tidal Basin on Monday
last were re.old.
In holding memorial exercises for Lin
coin Seaver. son of Capt. Thomas c.
Seaver, the members of the Salvation
Army followed a custom OF years stand
ing in the Army. A week after the death
Of IN officer or private or a member of
their families, the corps conducts special
services in memOriam.
The hall was decorated with white flow
ers and white silk ribbon. Ferns, inter-
mingled with daisies. were strewn about
tho platform. Forming an arch above
the platform was the inscription in gold
letters on white cloth, safe in the arms
Of Jesus" Officers and members of the
corps, as well as friends and relatives
Of the deceased boy. wore bands of white
ribbon on the left arm.
Companion of the Boy.
Among those present was the boys
father, Capt Thomas c. Seaver OF the
Salvation Army; his mother, Mrs. Flor
ence Seaver. OF the Salvation Army: his
Six-year-old brother. Thomas Seaver, and
Harry Wiseman, son Of Adjt. Charles
| Wiseman, who conducted the meeting.
Harry Wiseman was the drowned boy s
companion at the time of the tragedy
in the basin. In the congregation were
other relatives and friends Of the de-
ceased lad.
After the opening hymn, There Is
a Better World" Joseph Walker, men,
Der Of the corps. delivered prayer Mr..
Walker was a companion and friend
TO Lincoln, and the two, man and boy.
took trips to the country and down
the river on excursions. David Lang,
a member OF the corps. told how he held
Lincoln on his knee during services in
the barracks. and explained the mean
ing Of the religious exercises 20 the boy.
In a voice fun Of emotion, Capt. Seaver.
father Of the dead boy. told OF the loss
he suffered in the death OF his son.
L remember the night Lincoln was born
nine and half years ago" he said
Il stood by the bed where the boy and
HIS mother lay and said, Lord. he is
/ Thine. Little did know that God would
claim his son so soon
i sometimes asked him what nc
wanted TO he when he became a man
/ Unlike other boys, he would not answer
/ enthusiastically that il was his ambition
/ 10 be a fireman. street-car conductor
| or policeman. He would always say
| Papa, ] want 10 be a preacher or a
| Salvation Army captain. like YOU "
After the talk by Capt. Seaver. the
/ boys mother. Mrs. Florence Seaver
/ spoke. Mrs. Seaver had been crying
/ throughout the meeting II was with
/ difficulty she gained control Of her voice
\ She said: Without the grace Of God.
could not bear this ordeal I cannot for.
get the little fellows arms about my
neck or the sound OF his voice as
\ heard Il the last day he was on thl,
earth. l wonder why God took him from
me, Dut l know II was for the best Ht
was a good boy and I thank God He ha,
taken MY darling son TO a land wher,
there is nothing but rest and peace. and
whore temptation does not enter.
A Pathetic Reference.
II feel as though the lad has gone e
another country. across the water. leav
ing so hurriedly he did not have tim,
10 say good-by to me-"
At this point Mrs. Seaver broke down
She was assisted TO a chair on the plat
form.
! Mr.. and Mrs. Seaver have received
nearly a hundred kilograms from friend!
and fellow-workers in the Salvation Army
in all parts Of the country expressing
regret and sorrow at the death of theil
son. Among the kilograms was one from
Miss Booth, commander-in-chief Of IN,
Salvation Army forces in the UniteC
/ States