Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 March 1882 — GARFIELD MEMORIAL SERVICES. [ARTICLE]

GARFIELD MEMORIAL SERVICES.

Wabhinoton, Feb. 27. Prior to 10 o’clock this morning admission to the Capitol was refus<£l to all save members of the two house* of Congress and their employes, but at that hour the doors were thrown open to persons fielding ticket* to the memorial services of the late James A Garfield; and soon the galleries of the House were filled to the utmost capacity. A large • majority of the spectators were ladies, who, out of respect to the occasion, had, for the most part, discarded bright colors, and somber black was the prevailing hue. There were no signs of mourning in the halL A full-leDgth portrait of the late President was hnng just back or the chairs of the presiding officers, being itself undraped, the members of the House early in attendance all being arrayed in black. In the lobby, back of the Speaker’s desk, the Marine Band was stationed, and at intervals from 10 o’clock until noon discoursed solemn music.

Among the distinguished guest first to arrives were Judge Bancroft, Cyrus W.Field and Admiral Worden, who took seats directly in front of the Clerk’s desk. Among the guests who at an earlv hour occupied seats upon the floor, were Gen. Schenck and Govs. Hoyt, of Pennsylvania, Foster, of Ohio, Hamilton, of Maryland, and Bigelow, of Connecticut At 11:30 Gens. Sherman, Sheridan, Hancock, Howard and Meigs and Admirals Ammen, Rogers and Rodgers entered. »Dd were assigned seats to the left of the Speaker's desk, a»I a few moments later the members of ihe Diplomatic Corps, in full regalia, were ushered-in, bended by the Hawaiian Minister as Dean of the corps. Their brilliant oostumos only served to throw into stronger relief the dark attire of the members of Congress, who sat immediately behind them. The members of the Supreme Court of the District, headed by Marshal Henry, were the next arrivals. Dr. Bliss was also in attendance. Mrs. Blaine occupied a front seat in the gallery reserved for the friends of the President.

At precisely 12 o’clock the House was called to order by Speaker Keifer, and prayer was offered by the Chaplain. The Speaker then said : “This day has boen dedicated by the action of the two houses of Congress to services in commemoration of the life and death of James Abram Garfield, late Presrdent of the United States. This House is now assembled and ready to perform its part.” The resolutions setting apart to-day for the niv rnorial services were then read by Clerk McPherson. At 12:10 the Bcnate was announced, and all rose as the Senators, headed by the officers of that body, entered and took their assigned seats. They were followed by the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, dressed in their robes of office. Again the assembled multitude arose, as the President of the United States and his Cabinet were announced. They were accompanied by Senator Sherman and Representative McKinley. Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements. Tho President took the front seat on the right of the presiding officer’s chair. The orator of the day, Hon. James G. Blame, was announoed at 12:30, and the ceremonies then opened by a short prayer by Chaplain Power, of the House, after which President Davis said : “ This day is dedicated by Congress for the memorial services of the late President of the United States, James A. Garfield. I present you Hon. James G. Blaine, who has been fitly chosen as the orator for this historical occasion.”

Mr. Blaino then rose, and standing at the Cierk’s desk, immediately in front of the two presiding officers, proceeded, with great impressiveness of manner and clearness of tone, to delivor his eulogy from manuscript. The oration was quite lengthy and worthy of the occasion.