Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 24, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1901 — Page 6

A NATION MOURNS M’KINLEY.

Columbia Bows in Sorrow at the Bier of Dead President. Simple Ceremonies Mark First of the Funeral Observances in Buffalo. 'h Services at Washington Befitting Obsequies of a Nation’s Chief. Solemn Cortege Moves Between Walls of Grieving Humanity. Distinguished Man's Mortal Remains Now Rest in Westlawn Cemetery, Canton.

WILLIAM MCKINLEY’S mortal remains now rest in Westlawn Cemetery at Canton. The third American President to die by the hand of aji assassin has taken his place among the martyrs. A nation is bowed with grief. Funeral formalities and the outward manifestations of a nation’s grief were -all that remained after Saturday. With these over, the curtain falls upon the third great tragedy in the annals of American Presidents, and that tragedy -and the career of William McKinley have passed into history. Already the machinery of the chief executive branch of the government has resumed Its routine.

The body of the President lay Saturday night in the room wherein he died. It was removed to the parlors of the Milburn house for the funeral services ■at 11 o’clock Sunday morning. The services were simple in form, and were private, only the immediate members of the McKinley family and their clos--est friends were assembled. Mrs. McKinley was not with them. As the daily life of William McKinley -was marked by the greatest simplicity, ao were the last rites and services over his casket at Buffalo. Solemn and impressive, full of the lessons that the President had sought to live out In their fullness, there was no pomp or circumstance to the closing scenes in the .now famous Milburn house.

With the sacred hymns that had been his favorite music, with the loving words of those who had known him, with just a few of the nearest and •dearest friends gathered at the side of •his bier, the noble victim of a wanton wretch was prepared for his last journey. Then the casket was closed over its precious burden and borne through the streets of the city to where the mul-titude-might pass in one long, sad procession for the last view of the kindly face.

Immediately after the services the remains of the late President were taken to the Buffalo City Hall, and there lay In state from 1 o’clock In the afternoon until 11 o’clock at night. More than twice as many as could hope Sget through the lines in that time me from all over western New York until fully 200,000 were massed during

BODY OF PRESIDENT M’KINLEY LYING IN STATE.

the morning. For nearly ten hours • fhey streamed through the City Hall corridor where the President lay, passing in two lines which formed faster than they melted. Ten thousand an hour flowed past until stormy weather «nd physical collapse wore out other thousands and the thinned lines ended

at 11 o’clock at night. When the doors were closed it was estimated that over 90,000 persons had viewed the remains. The body of the President was guarded throughout the night by United States soldiers, and at 7:30 o’clock Monday morning it was removed from the City Hall, and under escort of soldiery taken to the union station, from whence a funeral train went direct to Washington. Over the hills and through the valleys that lie between Buffalo and the seat of government moved the funeral train which bore to the capital all that was mortal of the dead President. As it rolled slowly past city and village, town and hamlet, its silent burden lying in solemn state beneath the folds of the flag, all in full view in the great funeral coach, the people of the land gathered at every station to pay sad tribute to him who governed them. Manifesting itself all along the route there was an excess of grief, a depth of sorrow, a heartfelt anguish that tells better than aught else the place that America has reserved for William McKinley in its roil of those it loved the best. The entire route was lined with thousands of weeping and sad-faced men, women and children.

That journey from Buffalo with the body of President McKinley was a journey from the great lakes to tidewater through'walls of weeping people. Bells

tolled, choirs sang, bands played dirges, veterans and societies stood with draped banners and bare heads all along the route. The black drapery of mourning was everywhere to be seen. No home was too humble for a mute expression of sorrow. Rich and poor alike wore the garb of grief. Great crowds of people

PRESIDENT M’KINLEY'S FIVORITE HYMN.

nme vußßuctiouT thi utim th* wok. Uli kindly light, mid the encircling gloom. Lead thou me oil The sight is dark, and I am far from home Uad thou me on! Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see The disuot scene—one step's enough for me I was lot ever thus, nor prayed that thou Shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my pmth. but now Uad thou me on I I loved the garish day. ani spite of fears, Pride ruled my will, remember not past yean So long thy power hath blessed me sure It still Will lead me oo t O'er moor aid fee. o'er crag and torrent till The night Is gone; Ani with the more ibose angel faces smile Which f bate loved long since and lost awhile. ' JOHN M«nr HCWMAK.

gathered along the route. They made banks of the fields and at the road crossings. They covered houses and fences and piles of lumber. They perched upon ipcomotives and cars and roofs and factories. All bared their heads as the train swept by. Schools were closed for the hour, and in front of them stood the little boys and girls. Many of them held flowers and some had tiny flags draped with black. At every school house there is a flagstaff from which floated the national colors at half-mast. Thus William McKinley made his last journey to the capital of the nation—a journey which was one long benediction from the hearts of the people. Ceremonies in Washington. After the wonderful journey from Buffalo—a journey of nearly 500 miles between parallel lines of bared heads and weeping eyes—the funeral train drew into the Washington station Monday night at 8:45 o’clock. A tremendous throng was assembled to greet it. Historic Pennsylvania avenue was a sea of faces, as far as the eye could reach. Not many more people were, gathered there those two 4ths of March when William McKinley rode along this same thoroughfare from the White House to the capitol to receive the civic crown. Monday night he was crowned with a wreath of love and grief. In the press of people awaiting the train were officers of the army and navy and high officials of the executive branches. With President Roosevelt at its head the cortege was quickly formed and the casket oontaining the body of the late President was quickly borne to the executive mansion amid scenes of woe and sorrow. There it was placed upon a bier erected in the famous east room, scene of so much of the ceremonial history of our country, and there it was left for the night under the guard of sailors and soldiers. The funeral procession formed Tuesday morning and the body was conveyed to the Capitol, where it was again received by the guard of honor and lay in state In the rotunda of the Capitol. The sad procession accompanying the remains was nearly as large as the one that passed up and down the same route last March, when William McKinley entered upon his second term. Thousands of the same men took part in this parade and thousands of the same men and women watched It from curt* and window. The funeral cortege moved from the White House at V o’clock sharp. A

trumpet screamed, waiting troops wheeled into line, drummers sounded a muffled i roll and the'favorite hymn of the dead President, played by the Marine band, rose and fell as the stately march began. The crowd numbered many thousands, but the people were as silent as death. Men raised their hats —women bowed their heads. Slowly the long procession traversed the sable-draped length of Pennsylvania avenue and entered the capitol. The funeral services at the capitol were simple and beautiful. They consisted of two hymns, a prayer, an address and a benediction. A sound from the organ brought the assemblage to its feet, and when the words of the hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” rang in mournful strains' and was re-echoed through the great edifice heads dropped and tears filled all eyes. After the hymn the Rev. Dr. Naylor offered a fervent prayer. Then Bishop Edward G. Andrews delivered an eloquent eulogy over the remains of his lifelong friend and parishioner. Again the comforting words and music of “Nearer, My God, to Thee” arose. Rev. W. H. Chapman pronounced the benediction. Friends in official life took their last look tot the dead face, and then the waiting thousands were admitted. Rain fell nearly all the afternoon, but the crowds outside were undiminished. Slowly past the coffin they filed in a sad procession, which continued until nightfall. Then the doors of the capitol were closed and preparations were made to convey the body to Canton. Mrs. McKinley was so overcome that she was unable to attend the ceremonies in the capitol. Her immediate attendants decided that it were better that she should forego the services and save her remnant of strength for the journey home to Canton. Mrs. Roosevelt spent part of the day with her in the White House. At 1 o'clock, while the tremendous crowd was surging toward the east entrance to the rotunda, thousands of people, many of whom were women and children, were caught in a crush at the foot of the main staircase. Scores of women and children fainted and many were borne into the capitol, where medical aid was rendered.

At the Capitol exercises the members of the two houses entered under escort of their respective sergeants-at-arms. The casket and the catafalque were decorated with silk American flags, also the walls at intervals around the rotunda. As there is a law forbidding the draping of public buildings with crape the exterior of the Capitol wore no badge of mourning. The firing of salutes and the tolling of bells took place at the closing of the impressive funeral services at the Capitol, and for the remainder of the afternoon the general public paid last respects to the honored dead. Home in Canton. The funeral train left Washington early Tuesday evening and arrived at Canton Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Along the route were scenes similar to those described on the trip from Buffalo. In bis home city the remains were viewed by Mr. McKinley’s old friends and neighbors, and at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon brief church services Were held. Afterward a military and civic parade escorted the remains to WestlaWn cemetery, where they were deposited in the public receiving vault, awaiting the preparation of a permanent resting place.

Just because the American potato bug has successfully invaded England that is no sign that France could do the same.

NATION STOPS STILL.

ALL INDUSTRIES MOTIONLESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. Millions of People at the Same Moment Tarn Their Thoughts to the Dead President Mark Observance of Funeral Day. One of the impressive features of the day on which President McKinley’s body was laid in the tomb at Canton was the the cessation of all movement throughout the country at the time of the interment. It was a peculiarly appropriate way of symbolizing national grief. For five minutes the nation, bowed in sorrow, stood absolutely motionless and silent. In this deeply impressive manner was expressed its farewell to William McKinley. School, church, mart and home joined in the tribute. Reverence stilled every branch of human activity. As the body of the President was borne from the church at Canton to begin the journey to its last resting place, a telegraphic signal was sent to every part of the country. . Instantly every wheel on every street or steam railroad was stopped. The noise of commerce and industry ceased. Millions of people halted in the streets, uncovered, with eyes upon the ground. telegraph instrument in the broad ■land was silent. Traffic on land and water was suspended. Even the activities of home life were abandoned for the time. Everywhere Sil living things were mute. Join in Funeral Services. At the end of this five minutes of homage and prayer the people resumed the funeral ceremonies to which,, everywhere, the day was devoted. Business was suspended and in churches, lodges and places memorial services were held. Eulogies of the dead were spoken and musical programs in which the favorite hymns of McKinley—“Lead, Kindly Light,” and “Nearer, My God, to Thee”—held prominent places, were carried out. In all the cities and towns of Illinois special services were held. Business was generally suspended in Chicago. Services were held in the churches and in the great Auditorium, and in the afternoon there was a monster memorial parade. At Springfield the day was fittingly observed in all the churches and there were exercises under the auspices of the Grand Army and the Knights Templar. The great heart of the South, deeply touched by the murder of the President, poured out its grief in a manner that copld not have been more demonstrative. A touching proof of the universal esteem in which Maj. McKinley was held was given by the Confederate Veterans, who everywhere had a conspicuous part in the ceremonies. In New Orleans the entire afternoon was devoted to memorial services. Exercises were held in all the cities, those- at Memphis, Chattanooga, Savannah, Mobile and Atlanta being particularly elaborate. Residents of St. Louis to the number of 20,000 crowded about the Coliseum, where a mass meeting was held and addresses were delivered by prominent ministers and laymen. In the great convention hall at Kansas City 20,000 persons lifted their voices in loving tribute to the President, singing “Nearer, My God, to Thee” and “America.” .The music was led by a band of 100 pieces and a chorus of 700 voices. Solemn scenes marked the observance of the day in New York and its vicinity. In public meetings without number addresses were made eulogistic of the life and public services of the President. Fully 20,000 people crowded into Madison Square Garden during the afternoon, and stood for the most part with uncovered heads as a band gave a memorial concert, at which “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” and “Lead, Kindly Light,” were played. Pontifical mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Archbishop Corrigan. The day was very generally observed at Buffalo as one of mourning and prayer. In all the churches of the city memorial services were held. lowa cities without exception devoted the day to appropriate exercises. At most of them a cold, drizzling rain fell, but the discomfort it caused had no perceptible effect in checking the outpouring of mourners. At Des Moines Congressman Hull delivered an address on “McKinley, the Patriot.” Ten thousand persons crowded the public park at Dubuque and listened to addresses by Senator Allison, Speaker Henderson, Judge Shiras and Archbishop Keane. Davenport, Sioux City and Oskaloosa were the scenes of impressive ceremonies. A military parade and services in many churches were features of the observance at Detroit. Reports from all parts of Michigan show that the day was everywhere devoted to memorial exercises. Fifty thousand persons took part in an impressive demonstration at the State fair grounds at Indianapolis. Led by Sousa’s band, they joined in singing “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” the volume of sound with which the melody of the hymn was borne being almost overpowering. Elsewhere in the State, particularly at Notre Dame, Purdue and the other Schools, the observance was general.

Grief of Ohioans. The native State of the President was clothed in the garb of mourning, and everywhere prayers were offered for the repose of the spirit of her beloved son. In the large auditorium at Columbus 5,000 people gathered. Addresses were made by President W. O. Thompson of the State University, Allen W. Thurman, H. I. Booth, Congressman Emmet Tompkins, Judge G. H. Stewart and Dr. Wash-, ington Gladden. Senator Foraker addressed- a great throng at the festival grounds, Cincinnati, delivering an eloquent eulogy on the life and. works of President McKinley. Elsewhere in the State there were manifestations of the most profound sorrow. The great West, from the Missouri river to the Pacific, devoted the day to 'memorial services. At Denver 25,000 persons gathered at the capitol grounds, where addressed were delivered by Senator Teller, Gov. Orman and others. Throughout California, Kansas and the other States of this section largely attended meetings were M d - In Wisconsin cities there were public manifestations of sorrow and at Kenosha the feeling of indignation against the assassin was given expression. About 1,000 residents of the place, among them many business men, hanged Csolgoss in effigy.

WASHINGTON GOSSIP

The first formal cabinet meeting under President Roosevelt in the White House was, of the necessity of things, distinctively a routine affair. The President for some time to come will be obliged to go into the details of every matter presented to him for his original action. He heard from each cabinet officer a brief summary of the situation of the public business in each department. The summary of President Roosevelt and his cabinet was that the affairs of the nation are mud less in arrears than might have been expected. President Roosevelt has adopted one general policy, which is to carry out every plan which had actually been adopted by President McKinley. Each cabinet officer has been requested to bear this fact in mind, and all matters of department policy, as well as all appointments, which had been submitted to President McKinley or which were in accordance with his general instructions, are approved now without hesitation. President Roosevelt will not even accept responsibility for any of these plans or appointments, preferring to take the grounds that he is merely executing the wishes' of hfs superior officer. As to all new plans and appointments President Roosevelt insists upon being thoroughly informed, and he has asked each cabinet officer to supply him with abundant information regarding each matter brought to his attention.

The most important report made at the first cabinet meeting under President Roosevelt was that made by Secretary Root, who spoke of the present conditions in the Philippines and in Cuba. He pointed out the fact that the new electoral law provided by the Cuban constitutional convention calls for six general elections each year, and this was regarded by the President and the members of the cabinet as an unfavorable sign, for the reason that so many elections will have a tendency to disturb business and keep the people in a state of unrest. It was suggested that although amendment or repeal of the election laws is beyond the province of the United States government, representations should be made to the Cuban authorities with a view to securing a change of this arrangement. Secretary Root pointed out that it would soon be necessary for the United States to arrange for withdrawal of American authority in the island. The date of retirement of the troops of the United States is not yet decided upon. President Roosevelt spent hla first night in the White House Monday. Mrs. Roosevelt and the children arrived Wednesday, coming directly to the White House from the train, and Wednesday evening saw the entire family comfortably established in the presidential mansion. The White House could hardly have been in better shape to receive a new occupant. Outside it glistens in a brand new coat of white lead, and the iron trimmings have been recently repainted and regilded. The east room and the other public parlors have been redecorated, and mattings and new carpets have been laid all over the house. The private apartments have also been put through a season of cleaning and refurnishing. There is some talk of fitting up the attic of the White House, a most commodious place, as a sort of indoor play ground and exercise room for the President’s children. Throughout the larger part of the year the White House is a magnet for cranks of all sorts and descriptions, male and female. In the main they are harmless and their idiosyncrasies are on the humorous side. While Congress is in session hardly a day passes without half a dozen persons who are obviously wrong in their heads attempting to gain the President’s ear. None of tte cranks who go to the White House are turned down hard by the attendants. By diplomacy, as experience has proved, they are best got rid of, and most of them are so overwhelmed by the salaaming of the selfcontained attaches abput the doors, that far from feeling badly' over it, when they find themselves gently edged out, they depart with beaming countenances and in a highly flattered state of mind.

President Roosevelt has no notion of guarding himself from the bullet of an assassin by any extraordinary means. From the time of his arrival at Buffalo the President has persistently frowned down upon the well-meant efforts of the secret service and other officials to provide him with a bodyguard day and night. President Roosevelt feels that as guards could not save the life of President McKinley at Buffalo, they cannot do much more in Washington. He does not propose to be imprudent, and will neglect no reasonable precaution. He believes, however, and has so expressed himself to his friends, that 999 out of every 1,000 American citiiens would defend their President at the risk of their own lives, and he is willing to take his own chances with the odd men. Secretary Cortelyou is at the Whit® House in his official capacity as secretary to the President. He has been urged to stay indefinitely at his post, and has taken the matter tinder consideration. A number of advantageous business offers have been made to him, as his reputation as an executive is now very great

Fire Loss at Effingham, Kansas.

Almost the entire business part of Effingham, Kan., was wiped out by fir®, over a dozen buildings, including Wolverton’s general store and the National Washing Machine Company’s factory, being destroyed. Estimated loss 150,000.

News of Minor Note.

King of Portugal is a tennis player. Grover Cleveland will hunt in Colorado Oct 25-26. Farmer Bucks drove into the canal* Trenton, N. J., and drowned. It Is now said that Morgan is trying to gobble up the Missouri ainc mines. Transport Dixon arrived at San Francisco with the bodies of 520 soldiers. Crazy Woman drove to the Vanderbilt mansion. liew York, and demanded 150,000. She was hustled away to an asylum.