Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-05
SIMPLE SERVICE
Continued from PAGE One)

long, brave fight for her stricken
husbands comfort and peace could
not end. even with his death. Upon
her must fall the duty IF decision rs
to the manner and place of entomh-
mcnt. The weighing of the claims OF
the natiCr to pay highest honorS to
the dead against her knowledge OF
his dislike of the show and stir OF
Heavy ccrcmonials.
Army and Navv Were Ready
The whole machinery of govern
ment stood ready to surround the
fHllcn chieftain with all the hOnors
men have devised to tender their
great dead. President Coolidge
placed every agency at his command
at the disposal of the berCavCd tam
lily in arranging for tho funeral. The
army, navy and marine corps stood
ready to play their part in great
pageant of sorrow such as only men
who have been commanders in chief
of Americas fighting forces may
know.
Many Disappointed
There were those in high places
who argued strongly that ii was be-
fitting that Woodrow Wilson. the
war President, should be given UP
for time in death TO the keeping
of his countrymen that he might
be rendered the homage they would
do him for the greatness of the
place he had held. For his cntomb-
mcnt was offered that shrine of
American patriotism, the memorial
amphitheatrc at Arlington. where
Americas unknown soldier from
France holds his faithful watch for
ever. No bubble. Mrs. Wilson WAS
this fallen war leader from shars
ing that glorious vigil i'll the Viz
ginia hills.
But it was not to be. and for
time. at least. Woodrow Wilson will
sleep as any honorcd American citi-
zen may sleep. in a vault set in sa-
cred surroundings. Men may de-
eide later that Il great memorial
shall rise to his honor. but for the
present he will go forth from his
home for the last time TO lie deep
IN marble vault beneath the floor
of Bethlehem chapel at Washing
ton Cathedral. while men and wom-
en- and children come and go at
their prayers above him.
Small Group Military
The only military touch at the
funeral, aside from the uniforms of
the diplomats and high officials who
will attend, will be the little squad
OF men of non commissioned rank
of the army. navy and marine corps
who will bear the body and form
the immediate escort from the house
to the chapel. There Will be for
this dead chicftain no motionlcss
honor guard at his casllet night and
day. no filing past of shutting thou
sands for a last glimpse of the dead.
But the fighting men into whose
careful hands he will be given in
the last journey will be world war
veterans. as he was.
Before the services ut the chapel,
there will he simple rites Of the Pres
hytcrian chuTc at 3 i. NJ. on Wednes-
day in the home on IS" street where
death found HIM. Tie family service
will be held there and only Il few Of
those closest to him in life will
share 1t.
President and Wife to Attend
To represent the American people
in this brief service. President and
Mrs. Coolidge will attend but there
Will be many who know great per-
son&l loss for whom room cannot he
found. Details Of the home ceremony
had not been announced tonight be-
yond the fact Rev. James II. Taylor.
pastor of Central Presbyterian church
where the former president Worship
ped in Washington. and Rev. Sylves-
ter Beach, in whose congregation he
sat in his years at Pinceton. Will
conduct the service.
For the rest OF the honors to be
rendered conference at the White
House was required during the day.
President Coolidge calling Secretary
Weeks rl after the latter had been
to the - street home TO rciterate
the tender OF coOperat ton.
Admiral GraysOn again spoke for
the bereaved family ut the White
House. telling of the desire Of Mrs.
Wilson that the public services be as
simple as possible and her wish that
the casket should rest for time in
the vault below the great cathedral
that looms partly completed over the
city from the ridge of hills to the
west. There could be no questioning
Of her wishes and 1t was so arranged.
despite the very great feeling in
many quarters that q solemn and
imposing public display Of mourning
should follow the service at the
house.
Guy Achey. a laborer, was found
insensible Saturday forenoon on the
Maine Central tracks short dis
lance west OF the Union station.