Evening star., 1923-08-08

Gus commander leading the victorious
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
Capitol Cleared.
Almost before the four black horses
that drew the black wheeled caisson
with it's precious cargo had been
given their word of command at the
White House, the head of the 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 dis
the many civic and fraternal orders
that had been given places in the
rear were just forming into line be-
side the White House.
AS Mrs. Harding's car passed along
Pennsylvania avenue. only DIR. Saw
curtains were closely. drawn. Be-
tween her and the casket. with its
single great wreath, rode the pail
bearers. members of the cabinet.
representatives of the judiciary and
senators.
Coolidge Grief Stricken.
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 the Avenue before in the
subordinate role which the country
assigned TO it's Vice Presidents. To-day
he travelled the same route PreSi-
dent with burden ahead and a
genuine personal sorrow beside him.
His inscrutable face none the less
showed grief and a realization OF
the grave moment in which he was
standing.
There followed then another Presi-
dent-another son OF Ohio. whom
death had spared in the presidency to
permit him to take up great duty
as Chief Justice of the United States.
William Howard Taft, loved by all
who know him. was in his place in
the solemn cortege as 4 mourner who
knew what Warren Harding had
passed through in the chief magis-
through the grueling 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
bolized the grief and respect which
great branch of the government
which he represented.
Wilson Dramatic Figure.
Then came a figure who was re-
minder. TOO. of 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 Harding
beside him in the full bloom of vigor-
Gus life, about to take up the burden
he was laying down. Harding's con-
sideration for the sick man beside
many eyes that day. 1t touched
Woodrow Wilson's heart as few things
had. and today he came to pay II
back and put his heart upon his
Woodrow Wilson would be helping
lay Warren Harding under the sod
but death had given respite to the
one and abruptly summoned the other
II there be an American who does
not feel a catch in his throat or whose
Marine Band plays "Onward. Christian
Soldiers" he did not stand on Penn
sylvania avenue today as the cortege
passed on its sorrowing way. As II
in exemplification Of the Christian
kindliness of Warren Harding''s heart
the magnificent band just ahead OF
him played the majestic strains of the
old hymn all the way to the Capitol
interspersed with How Firm q
Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord
the favorite hymn Of Theodore Roose.
Welt.
Tears Flow Unchecked.
And as the silver tones mounted UP
and echoed back in the canyon of hu-
manity that packed the great thor
cheeks and many eyes were dim.
But as. they entered the sweeping
expanse of the plaza the bands fell
silent. Amid a hush like the quiet OF
the tomb the infantry of the escort
formed it's line across the entire
front, the marines took up their sta
ton to the north of the steps of the
rotunda, and the bluejackets defiled
into a line opposite them to the south
Only the sharp commands cut into the
oppressive silence.
AS the troops came into position
Gen. Pershing remained on horse.
back in the front of the center OF
the rotunda, awaiting the coming Of
the dead to this new scene Of fearful
splendid glory. Senator Henry Cabo,
Lodge, designated as marshal of the
parade, by virtue of his many years
dents, aiighted from his car beside
the rotunda steps and likewise stood
waiting. waiting solemnly with bowed
head, for the coming of the friend
whose desk had been near his in the
Senate chamber in the years wher
Warren Harding was happy in the
lesser responsibilities of public life
and before the nation called him &c
the more burdensome duties thai
crushed out his life.
Carried Into Capitol.
1t was a wait Of only a few minutes
The troops in front of the Capitol pre-.
sented arms as the caisson reached the
east front Of the rotunda, and Pershinl
Joined In, the salute. The long line o.
automobiles came to q stop, and a non
/ commissioned officer stepped up ant