New Britain herald., 1923-08-08
ALL WASHINGTON !.
MOURNS HARDING
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and on the other Brig. Gen. Charles
E. Sawyer.
Just before, she had stood with
these same friends and with the new
president at brief prayer service
beside the bier. At the end, and JUS
before the casket was taken outside
they had repeated the Lords prayer
Before the little woman, fighting te
remain calm in the shadow of hel
grief, had entered her car, all the
other members of the funeral party
had taken their places. She was
handed up into the big automobile by
Mr.. Christian and as he started to
roll away behind the caisson the cars
bearing President Coolidge, Chief
Justice Taft, and former President
Wilson followed in turn.
The military escort which had been
placed in the line of march ahead OF
tion on the avenue, winding around
as far as the south entrance or the
treasury. It moved off at the word
of command, an army band ahead
with its crepe muffled drums play
ing Onward Christian Soldiers"
Pershing at Head.
Gen. Pershing's erect figure on his
splendid mount commanded a recep-
ton In sorrowfut contrast to the last
time he had ridden up the broad
avenue. On that day 1t was victori-
GUS commander. leading the Nctori-
ons legion and receiving the plaudits
that only the victor In war receives.
Today he was engaged In one of the
sad pursuits of peace. The cheers
were missing; the grim solemn coun-
tenance Of the general bespoke the
mourning of the thousands who saw
him pass.
Almost before the four black
horses that drew the black wheeled
calsson with its precious cargo had
been given their word of command
at the White House, the head of
escort had reached the capitol,
where the plaza had been cleared
of all but troops.
Gen. Pershing dropped out of line
on the plaza to take charge of the
final disposition of the troops. Mean
time the many civic and fraternal
orders that had been given places in
the rear were just forming into line
beside the White House.
Pail Bearers Next.
AS Mrs. Harding's car passed along
Pennsylvania avenue, only DR.. Sawyer
could be seen within, for the curtains
were closely drawn. Between her
and the casket, with it's single great
wreath, rode the pall-bearers, mem
bers of the cabinet, representatives.
of the judiciary and senators.
Next behind her followed Calvin
Coolidge, suddenly called to take up
the mantle which had slipped from
his chiefs shoulders. He had ap-
peared on that avenue before in the
subordinate role which the country
assigns to It's vice president. Today
he travelled the same route presi-
dent, with a burden ahead and. genu-
inc personal sorrow beside him. His
inscrutable face none the less showed
a grief and realization of the
grave moment In which he was
standing.
William Howard Taft.
There followed them another
president-another son of Ohio,
whom death had spared in the presi-
dency to permit him to take up a
great, duty as chief justice Of the
United States, William Howard Taft,
loved by all who knew him, was in
his place in the solemn cortege as a
mourner who knew what Warren
Harding had passed through in the
chief magistracy Of the nation. Taft
lived through the gruelling ordeal of
the presidency perhaps because he
spared himself more than Harding
did. Friends of years and colleagues
in many causes, the chief justice SYM
bolzed the grief and respect which
was personally his as we'll as the
great branch OF the government
which he represented.
~ Woodrow Wilson
Then came a figure who was a re-
too of a gayer and happier
day. Woodrow Wilson had come from
the seclusion and quiet of the home
where he bravely and patiently waits
for his summons from the Creator, to
show his respect and ease genuine
sorrow. Only a little while ago he
rode over the same way with Warren
beside him, in the full bloom
of vigorous life, about to take up the
burden he was laying down. Hardings
for the sick man beside |
him touched every heart and dimrned |
many eyes that day-it touched |
Woodrow Wilson's heart as few things |
had. and today he came to pay it back |
and put his heart upon his sleeve. Lit |
Tie did anybody dream that Woodrow
Wilson would be helping lay Warren |
under the sod, but death had |
given a respite to.the one and abruptly |
the other.
Marine Band Plays |
II there be an American who does
not feel'a catch in his throat or whose
heart does not beat faster when the
Marine Band plays Onward Christian