The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-03-11
Cold Rain Falls as
Nation Lays Leader
In Hall0wed Grave

tContinued from pace oreD
the cavalrymcn sat with their sabrcs
at salute.
Flag Grapes Caskct
The casket was draped with an
American flag which covered its bur-
nished black surface completely. The
blue field was at the rear Of the cof-
fin over the face of MIR. Taft. When
the coffin had been placed in posi-
ton two black straps were fastened
over the flag holding it securely in
place.
As soon as this had been secured
the cavalry at an order of "fCurs
right" swung off down Wyoming
avenue toward the capitol and VIII
liam Howard Taft had begun his last
journey.
"A slight breeze, springing up sim
ultaneously almost with the COM
mand, fluttered the flag on the cof-
fin and the cavalry guidons.
On leaving the home the caisson
and its burden were preceded by one
troop of cavalry and the national
and regimental colors. Another troop
brought up the rear and a squad of
motor cycle policemen kept the way
clear behind.
Marines Guard Rotunda
Meantime. at the capitol, three
squads Of marines in full dress, white
belted, bayonetted and wearing white
gloves. marched solemnly into the
rotunda.
All of them were sergeants, picked
men from the marine barracks at the
Washington navy yard. Following
them were three squads Of tall and
husky ~bluejackets from the diving
school at the navy yard.
Three squads of soldiers from Fort
Myer represented the army.
AS soon as word reached the cap
itol that the funeral procession had
started from the home on Wyoming
avenue there was a perceptible stir
among the rapidly growing crowo
standing in the misty rain on the
capitol plaza.
The funeral procession passed SLOW
~ from quiet Wyoming avenue into
the swift rush and noise of motor
vehicles on Connecticut avenue
There it was picked up by I: squad Of
motorcycle policemen. who formed q
fan in front of 1t as the cortege
swung south toward the capitol.
People Solcmnly Watch
All along the way people formed
thin line that stood and watche<
solemnly. Hats were removed as tn,
casket passed.
AS the procession slowly wount
through the northwest section of thu
city final preparations we're made a,
the capitol. A black draped cata.
falQue, which has borne the bodies Of
other distinguished Americans, wa.
placed in the center of the rotunds
shortly before nine o'clock.
At its head was a simple floral
piece OF white lilacs and white ano
yellow roses.
Flowers continued to arrive at short
intervals and were grouped about the
catafalquc.
As the cortegc reached Dupont CIR
Gle the rain let up. A few moments
before 1t arrived. the circle was filled
with people hurrying to their office
When the procession approached oil
paused. The red. green and amber
traffic lights blinked Oh ard off but
no n moved. Only the Gathering
of horses hoofs and the rumble Of the
cais:on wheels could be heard as the
procession moved on into Massachus-
cts avenue.
IIoovcrS View Cortegc
AS the procession passed the
white house. President and Mrs. Hoo.
yer stood barc-headcd under ths
north portico of the big mansion
After the caisson moved on toward
Pennsylvania avenue the president
slowly walked toward his office.
Pennsylvania avenue was cleared Of
all traffic. on the south side. The
streets were guarded by police, RENT
niscent Of the blizzard day 81 years
ago this month when Taft was inaug-
uratcd as the twc~nty-seventh prcsi-
dent. To-day the drums were muffled
and the stirring notes Of the band
were missing.
Then the whole avenue was roped
off and thousands had gathered
along the curb. Today the process
sion passed along the south side,
Frequently street cars passed 1t going
either way. A thin line Of people
stood in the mist and with barred
heads looked on.
To Seventh street and into lower
Pennsylvania avenue, the Taft cor
tege proceeded.
The cortege crcpt slowly to the
broad east plaza. There the casket
was lifted from the caisson and car
ried up the long flight Of steps.
Placed on Catafalque
Carried through the east door where
the great Of the nation daily rub ell
bows with the many tourists who use
that, entrance, the casket was placed
upon the c~atafalque In the center Of
the rotunda. A floral piece from the
white house, composed Of yellow rose
buds. migonettc and delphinum.
was placed at the head.
When the caSket was In place, the
American flag which drapped it was
partly back, and the upper half Of the
cover removed.