Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 June 1883 — HOME, SWEET HOME. [ARTICLE]

HOME, SWEET HOME.

Impressive Obsequies at the National Capital. The Remains of John Howard Pnyno / * Laid to Rest in the Son of His Native Land. [Washington Telegram.] After thirty years’ burial In the land of hla exile, the remains of the author of “Homo, Sweet Homo” were to-day laid at rest in the soil of his native land. The pageantry of the funeral cortege and the oerefnoniea of the oocasion were a tribute to the genius of John Howard Payne in keeping with the place which he holds in the homes and hearts of the American people. With solemn ■trains, funeral dirges, measured tramp* martial columns, and a distinguished following of notablemen representing all honorable walks of life, the funeral procession passed through the streets of the National capital -to the silent restingplace of the dead. All the pomp and circumstances of human grandeur contributed to this final honor paid by the living tb the dead The Government was represented by its Chief Executive and his council, constitutional advisors; by the occupants of the bench, its judiciary; by the members of both houses of Congress; by numerous representatives of the army and navy, and by members of the diplomatic corps The array of prominent Government officials, of representatives of foreign powers, the presence of military and throngs of citizens, gave the demonstration a national oharaoter that marked it os the tribute of the entire nation. 1 The prooession was farmed at the Gallery of Art, where military and civilians began to gather some time before the appointed hour, 4 o’clock. The remains, enclosed in a handsome caiket, were placed in a hearse which had been especially built for the oocasion. It was a square-finished vehicle, with plate-glas* walls, surmounted -by six urns, and drawn by four white horses The procession moved In the following column of march, via Pennsylvania avenue to the cemetery: Regular troops, under command of Maj. Gen. R. B. Ayres City military organizations. High School Cadets, commanded by Capt A A Smith. Battalion of the Second Artillery. Officiating clergy. Pall-bearers Hearse. j The relatives of John Howard Pay ns The orator of the day. The poet of the day. Hie President of the United States Members of the Cabinet Members of the Diplomatic Corps The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States The Chief , Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia Many other distinguished persons followed in carriages All along the whole course of the route the people gathered to witness the splendid and imposing funeral pageant The sidewalks were thronged and the windows filled with eager spectators The relatives of Payne In the prooession were the Rev. Mr. Llquer and wife, of Bedford Station, N, Y., the latter being a niece of Payne; Mr. O. N. Payne of Brooklyn, whowas accompanied by Gabriel Harrison, an intimate friend of Payne, and author of, a book -of reminiscences Another intimate friend, Mr. Joseph Desha Pickett, of Frankfort, Ky., was also present Before the procession reached Oak Hill the holders of tickets had begun to arrive and take their position on the platform which had been built around, the monument The shaft of white marble, surmounted by $ bust one-hqlf larger than life size, is supported on a base es solid gray granite six feet square The height of the monumentis fourteen feet, and its general design Is Roman, of pure classical type. The inscriptions arid designs on the shaft are simple On the front is the following brief but sufficient inscription:

i JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. J : Author of “Home, Sweet Home.” : ; Bom June 8, 1784. : Died April 10,1803. | { On the back is the inscription which was 1 on the tombstone that marked his grave in Tunis. It is as follows: j Sore, when thy gentre spirit fled I To remain above, the inn dome, ! With arms outstretched, God’s angel said: 1 “Welcome to Heaven’s Home, SweetHome.’ The monument was shrouded In folds of white, and unveiled daring the exercises Ample platforms were built around three | tides, leaving the south side open. On the I north side was a platform occupied by the speakers and distinguished guests On the I left, on the west tide, were seated the slngI era and the Marine band; and on the east I side was a large platform where the general public were accommodated. There were seats provided for about 1.900 people. Die front of the speaker’s platform was covered i with evergreens and flowers, while folds of , onr national flag, and the Tunis colors ap. . peared on eiteer side. When the procession reached the cemetery Lthe coffin was carried by the pall-bearers inside the grounds and laid upon the bier. At the side of thq monument It rested upon * bed of evergreen* and flower-. The order of exorcises were as follows: Music by the Marine Band. Reading of the Scriptures. Poem by Robert 8L Chilton. UnveiHpg of the monument Payne’s “Home, Sweet Home” then being suqg by the full chorus, with organ accompaniment, the Whole as"■SSCJSSB' to Oration by Leigh Robinson. Interment ceremonies. Music—“ Grand Hallelujah Chorus,” “Messiah,” Handel; Philharmonic Society and Marine Band (the'audience rising.) Benediction. Mimic—Finale—Marine Band, “Safe in the Anns of Jesua” The coffin was placed in the vault directly benesth the monument, ’