The Mena weekly star., 1919-01-09
SIMPLICITY WILL
RULE At FUNERAL
In COnformance TO Desires of Ex-
President Roosevelt. There Win Be
No Military Honors-Neighborz
q; the Services.

Oyster Bay, ~ Y, Jan. 7.-Theo-
dore Roosevelt's own wish that he be
buried with only simple ceremony will
be fulfilled. There may be national
memorial services in the near future,
but there will be no military honorx
paid to the dead ex-president at the
funeral services here tomorrow.
Army aviators may drop wreaths at
Young's Memorial Cemetery just as
they did today upon the Roosevelt
home. But, except for the presence
of United States senator's and repre-
sentatives, and perhaps representa-
tives of the governors of New York
and several other states, only the
townspeople of Oyster Bay-"Ted-
dy's" neighbors, who loved him in
life-the members of the Roosevelt
family and limited number Of close
friends will assemble in Christ church
to head read the simple Episcopal
service.
No eulogy will be said by the offici-
ating clergy, the Rev. George Z.
Talmage, and there will be no formal
music.
Announcement that it was the coll
onel's own desire that his funeral be
plain one was made today by Cap
tain Archibald b Roosevelt, u. S. A.,
one Of the former presidents sons, at
Sycamore Hill. This statement in
dicated that at a later date there may
be held, perhaps in New York, per-
haps in Washington, memorial sery-
ices at which the people Of this coun-
try which loved the name Roosevelt
will have an opportunity to express
their love and admiration"
It was after Captain Roosevelt had
sent telegram thanking Secretary
Baker, on behalf of the ex-presidents
family for his proffer of arrangement
for military escort that the state
ment regarding the services here to-
morrow were issued by the eolonels
son.
"In behalf of all the family Of Col
onel Roosevelt Captain Roosevelt
said, II wish to explain how greatly
we appreciate the efforts to do honor
to the ex-president and to show sym
1 PobtiS AOt HiS
ut had been Mr.. Roosevelt's wish,
and his wish conceded with that Of
the family, that he be buried with as
simple ceremony as possible in Oyster
Bay. 1t was his wish that the serv-
ices at the church be attended by only
his intimate friends and relatives.
"The church at Oyster Bay at
which the services will be held has a
seating capacity of about $50 persons,
so it is impossible to invite all of
those with whom he had been associ-
ated in past years.
"Some intimations have been made
that the country may demand a joint
memorial service If that takes place
it will give all parts of the country
the opportunity to express their love
and admiration for Colonel Roose-
velt"
The casket in which Colonel Roose-
velt will be buried is of plain oak
with three silver handles on either
side. On its face is simple plate Of
silver with this inscription:
Theodore Roosevelt, October %,
1859, January 6, 1919"
There viii be no honorary pail
bearers
Today was quiet one at the beau
tiful Hill top residence where Theo-
dore Roosevelt spent so many years
of his life as boy and man Mrs.
Roosevelt slept wen during the night.
She arose late and surrounded by her
children she read many of the hum
dreds of messages which arrived over
the wires from all parts Of the world.
This afternoon plaster of paris
mask was taken of the former presi-
dents face by Charles F. Fraser, a
sculptor, who, in consultation with the
colonel in life, had obtained minute
measurements Of his hands, fingers
and head. The mask was prepared at
the request Of the Roosevelt family,
so that authentic sculptural records
would be available
Washington, Jan. 7.-Vice Presi-
dent Marshall, at the request of Pres
ident Wilson, will represent the pres
! ident and the United States govern
ment at the funeral Of Colonel Roose-
velt General March, chief Of staff,
will be the representative of the war
department.