Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1923-08-16

Marion, O.-FoIlowed by a throng
of mourners, the highest In the land
and the humble who also had been
his friends, the body of Warren g.
Harding was taken TO the Marion
cemetery Friday and placed in the
receiving vault.
No imposing ceremony, no military
display, NJ marching of organizations
marked the mournful event, because
Mrs. Harding wished II so, but as the
simple services were being held in the
cemetery. In every city, every town
and village, every home OF the broad
land the people of America were pay-
Ing tribute to the memory OF their
chief whose life truly was sacrificed
in their behalf. Barter and trade,
financial business and every=other
worldly activity that could be sus-
pended ceased for the time, all sports
and pastimes were abandoned-the
nation mourned.
Great Throngs In Marion.
Here In Marion were gathered a
host OF prominent persons, from Pres
ident Coolidge down and including the
leading government officials, senators
and representatives, governors OF the
states and delegations from hundreds
OF cities and organizations. All day
Thursday and on Friday morning
special trains brought in the throngs,
and other thousands Of Ohloans came
by automobile. SO great were the
crowds that Ii was necessary for the
state officials 10 arrange to have the
roads for miles around Marion pa
tr0lled 10 prevent accidents.
Thursday morning the funeral train
arrived from Washington, and Mr..
Iiarding's body was taken at once to
the residence OF his father, Or. George
T. Harding. From 2 until 10 p. m.
that day and from 8 a. IN. until / D.. m
Friday opportunity was given Ohloans
20 view the face of their lead friend.
Then. quite without pomp the -casket
was borne to the cemetery. Follow
ing the henrse were the members OF
the Harding family next the Presk
dent of the United States with mem
hers OF the cabinet and other high
officials; then came MIR. Harding's
close friends and n%eighbors, and after
them a great c~oncourse OF mourners.
Simple Services In Cemetery.
II was Mrs. Hardlng's wish that all
who wished should have a place in
the funeral procession. Among those
who sadly accepted the Invitation
were all the employees OF the Marion
Star who had worked for Mr.. Hard
publishers, members of the Associated
Ohio Dailies, In which organization
Mr.. Harding had taken an active part.
The Star had suspended publication
for the day, and indeed all business
activity In Marion ceased throughout
Friday. Not as a part of the funeral
procession but TO preserve order and
direct the heavy traffic, 5000 troopers
of the Ohio National Guard were
present.
Reaching the cemetery about three
the cortege proceeded to the
receiving vault, and there the brief
services were held. Prayers, readings
from the Scriptures and the singing
of Mr.. HardIng's favorite hymns
that was all. 1t was simple and dig
niied, as was betting the obsequies
Of a distinguished citizen OF Marion.
The services were in charge OF Rev.
NJ. lands. pastor OF Trinity
church, of which Mr.. Harding
was a member. He was assisted by
Rev. Jesse Swank. pastor of the Meth I
Ddist Episcopal church, Mrs. Harding's
Troops Guard tho Casket. {
Instead OF being inferred In the {
plot, the body OF Mr.. Harding
was placed In the receiving vault, and I
1t will remain until a mauso-
has been erected TO receive II.
the weeping family and friends
moved away from the vault, National
Guard soldiers stepped forward and
their place on guard. In q few
they win be replaced by the
guard from the regular army, that Will /
around the vault for the regu-
period of six months. The de
all for this purpose will consist of
IN oficer and twenty-five men from
Fort Hayes al Columbus.
The Presidential party from Wash /
ngton, which came OF a special train
friday morning, started BACK for the I
capital almost Immediately |
lfter the conclusion of the ceremonies. {
Mrs. Harding, who had borne so I
vell her dificult part, also returned TO 7