The Washington herald., 1919-01-08
FAMILY OFT.R.
ASKS TO BELEFT
ALONE IN GRIEF
Offers Of Public Demon
strations Of Sorrow at
Funeral All Rejected.
ESTATE ONLY S500,000
Ex-President Made Large
Fortune, But Gave Bulk
to Charities.
BY Universal Service.

By Universal Service.
Oyster Bay, n. Y, Jan. ~
Col. Theodore Roosevelt's family
will adhere strictly to his wishes
for severe simplicity in the OBJ
sequies here tomorrow, it was an
nounced late today by Capt.
Archibald Roosevelt, leaving to
the future the holding OF great
public memorial service.
A military escort, proffered by
the War Department, was de-
clined with thanks. Even the
sounding of taps above the grave,
customary at the burial of man
who had been d soldier, will be
omitted.
Demand for a memorial service
has been widespread, but the
family's respect for the known
wish of the former President out
weighed the desire. to cooperate
in affording opportunity at this
time to honor his memory.
Son Issues Statement.
Capt Roosevelt said today in re-
spect to these matters:
In behalf Of all the family of Col.
Roosevelt. I wish to explain how
greatly we appreciate the efforts to
show honor to the ex-President and
to show sympathy to his family. 1t
had been Col RooseveIt's wish, and
his wish coincident with that of his
family, that he be buried with as
simple ceremony as possible in Oyster
Bay-the place where he lived so long
and happily.
Some intimation has been made
that the country may demand a joint
memorial service. II that takes place
II will give all parts of the country
the opportunity to express their love
and admiration for Col. Roosevelt"
To Use Episcopal Ritual.
A few simple preparations were
made for the funeral, with the idea
81 making it as plain and Unconditional
q ceremony as possible. The services
will consist merely of a prayer and
the Episcopal ritual-"Ashes to
Ashes and Dust to Dust'-withoUt
hymns, without a sermon.
There was hush over this village
today. Some places were closed. A
few mourners arrived. But for the
most part there was no unusual stir
the town looked as if it was Sunday.
Sycamore Hill looked rather DESC
late The blinds were drawn in some
of the windows: a bit of crepe tapped
in the wind. The leafiess trees about
the house and in the estate surround
ing it added to the atmosphere of
sadness. An occasional automobile
drove slowly up to the side door it's
motor making noise that seemed
rudeIy disturbing.
Rev. G. F. Talmage. who will con-
duct the service, indicated today that
no change in arrangements had been
made. The plan is to have brief
prayer at Sycamore Hill at 12.45. Then
employees of the family will carry the
hearse which hears it to Christ
Church. This seats but 500 people.
Admission by Card.
Admission is to be by card only,
and these were being issued only to
relatives and close personal friends.
After the short service there. the
casket. followed by members of the
immediate family. will be taken to
Young's Memorial Cemetery on Oys-
ter Bay cove, where the former Pres
ident will be laid in a grave dug at a
spot selected by himself. The Episco-
pal ritual designated for the ceme-
terry will be read there.
The casket was delivered at the
house today. 1t is of severely plain
design. of oak. with three silver
handles on either side. The .fnscrip-
ton, on a silver plate, is:
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
October p, 1858 January 6, 1919"
Despite the request that there be no
flowers. a number of set pieces ar
rived. They were taken to the church.
New York to be MotIonIess.
Word was received here today that
at , o'clock tomorrow New York
will pay silent tribute to her great
son. Her 100000 people will cease
their activities. Wheels will STOP
turning The city's 1900 police
men. over whom Col. Roosevelt once
ruled as commissioner. will stand
uncovered. at attention. for a min
ute. The whole city will be still.
Bells will toll in the City Hall
and in many churches. including st.
PauTs Chapel. where Washington
woFshipped; Trinity, Grace and the
little Dutch Reformed Church in
which Theodore Roosevelt sat as a
boy. The courts and various stock
exchanges will be closed.
For a brief, but appreciablc period.
the greatest city in the world will
pause in respect as one of the
worlds great men is lowered into
his last resting place in the quiet
little cemetery at oyster Bay.
Wilson Sends Condolences.
President Wilson, upon learning
of Col. Roosevelt's death sent the
following cable to the former Presi-
dents widow. which she received to-
day:
"Modane, France.
TO Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt,
oyster Bay, L. l.
Pray accept my. heartfelt sym
pathy on the death of your dis
husband. the news of
which has shocked me very much.
WOODROW WILSON"
King George and Dowager Queen |
Alexandria were among those who
sent the almost countless cable and
telegraphic messages received today |