Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-05-11
TAPS SOUNDED FOR
VERA CRUZ HEROES
NATIONAL FUNERAL SERVICES
FOR SAILORS KILLED IN
MEXICO.
GREAT rHRoNGs GATHER
At NEW YORK NAVY YARD
President Wilson Delivers Informal
Address EuIosizins Youths Who
Sacrificed Their Lives in Cause Of
ManI<ind-Bodies to Be Forwarded
to Relatives.

New York. May 1.-THE dead from
Vera Cruz were landed on American
soil today and city, state and nation
paid their tribute.
Two hours before the city was astir
seventeen flag draped coffins were re-
moved from the boat deck OF the ar
mored cruiser Montana and placed on
caissons on the plaza in Battery park.
Few witnessed this ceremony. but
thousands later lined the streets to
watch the slow procession wind its
way to the navy yard. Perhaps not
since the Dewey parade has there been
such a demonstration. That. however,
was a noisy tribute to returning vic
tor; this a reverent one to the return
ing dead.
The weather could not have been bet
ter. The sky was almost cloudless and
there was Just enough breeze to stiffen
flags which flew at half mast.
Great Thronos Gather.
Silent thousands long before 8 O'Clock
began making their way toward lower
Manhattan: others massed about the
city hall where the procession was to
halt briefly; still others lined the ap-
proaches to the Manhattan bridge. and
finally a great throng gathered at the
navy yard, where eulogies were to be
said. Many wore little bows Of black
others wore bands Of black on their
sleeves.
President Wilson arrived in the city
from Washington shortly after
o,cloek. almost unobserved. He was
taken immediately to the home OF his
friend. Col. e. NJ House. and thence
TO the Battery to take place In the
procession.
coseins in Single Fire.
II had at nrst been arranged that the
president was to 60 to the navy yard
to receive the nations dead on govern.
ment ground, but at the last moment
Mr. wilson changed his mind and was
driven to the Battery so as to partici-
n.+o IN the ceremonies from beginning
to end.
Twenty-four mounted policemen led
the way. Behind them were the com
hfned hands OF the dreadnaughts wy
omine and Texas, and behind the oanus
NEXT came the coffins in single hle
A. the aide of each rode policeman
and at the corner Of each caisson
marched a national guardsman. The
stars and stripes alone covered the
caskets.
Rehind the last caisson came the
carriages bearing the president the
secretary Of the navy. senators, con-
eressmen and representatives OF tne
sthte and city. No. with President
Wilson, DR.. Grayson ana secretary
Tumulty in the first carriage.
Spectators Stand With earso .Hsaos
1t was just 1880 when the PROCESSION
reached the navy yard. fresioent
son, Secretary Daniels. Governor 1is hn !,
and others on the presioehts sta"
stood bareheaded while the cofrins were
taken from the caissons ana placeo III
a line in front OF the stand. The trans
rar occupied fifteen minutes. Ten
tho,,and .pectators with barred heals
stood massed about the four sides OF
tha souare. Several thousand more
ware gathered on neighboring roofs
The heat was oppressive and one OF the
marines from the wyoming tainted and
was dragged out Of the front rank os
captain. ~,
The silence that had overhung the
nor.de ground was broken for the first
time when the band began to play sofe-
lv "Nearer. My God. to Thee Wnen
N. HYMN was finished Chaplain Cas-
s.rd hesan TO read the opening prayer
President's Wilson stood at the CHAP
lain. right, with Secretary Daniels a.
h,s Iert When the chaplain ended MS
nrayer he stepped back. leaving Sec
retarv Daniels and the president facing
each other.
Then the secretary recited the names
n, the nineteen men in whose honor the
service, were held. This included two
who have died at Vera Cruz since the
Montana steamed away.
Daniels Presents Honor Role.
After the invocation by Chaplain
cassard at the navy yard. Secretary
Daniels turned to the president and
said:
"Mr. President. have the solemn
honor to report to you as commander
IN chief Of the United States navy, the
names Of the fifteen sailors and four
marines who recently at Vera Cruz
r.a,ed with their blood their devotion
- the nag OF their country. All were
hood. or the nineteen who answered
their last roll call with cheerful
Ave, aye. sir thirteen were ~ or un.
der. The oldest was SO. the youngest
10. Their average age was but little
over 23. They were young and sud
denly beheld life's morn decline. They
rave not only all they were but all they
hoped to be.
No H..
hutton that a man may give was George
Po,n.ett. of the commonwealth oi
pennsylvania. He was in his twenu-
eth year and served as seaman on the
U. g. 8. Florida.
Il hand you, sir. the names Of these
heroes recorded high on the national
roll Of honor that they may be pres
served in the archives Of our republic,
Their services VIII be held in lasting
remembrance by grateful peopla.r