EX-PRESIDENT WILSON

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1924, Page 3

EX-PRESIDENT WILSON

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABI,K ASSOCIATION. THE NATION'S SORROW. PASSING OF A GREAT MAN. <lleceive<l tliis day at 0.2.3 a.in.) WASHINGTON, Feb. fi. The leaden skies, whence tender rain fell in a wintry drizzle, lent deeper lines (n the nation’s mourning, when at 3.30 tins afternoon ex-President, Wilson’s body was laid to rest in Bethlehem Chapel at, -Mount St. Albans. The entire nation then paid silent tribute, which was announced throughout the country by the tolling ol church bells, after which ensued a two minutes silence, during which trains, tramways, motors, telephones, telegraphs, radios and seagoing ships were stilled, while the Bishop’s voice uttered the words: “I am the resurrection and the lile. I know that my Redeemer iiveth. Then from the military posts and battleships in all waters boomed forth a simultaneous salute, signalising the teripiuation of the two minutes silent prayer.

Suelt was the nation's expression of sorrow tit the passing of a revered citizen, who desired an unobstrusive memorial. After the brief three o’clock service at the home, twenty-four soldiers, sailors mid marines who had distinguished themselves in the war, descended with the coffin to the hearse outside, where, under the softly descending rain, stood a hare'headed multitude dumb with sorrow. The pall hearers were in file and stood behind the hearse. They included Mr Milson’s immediate family, members of his Cabinet and college classmates, several of whom were unable to repress their tears. Then followed the President and -Mrs Coolidge, Mr Hughes, administration officials and members of Congress, all proceeding to the Cathedra! on the neighbouring hilltop. Tlte procession traversed avenues of half-masted flags enveloped in a grey funeral mist whose dimness seemed to unite the spectators physically no less Ilian spiritually. Here and there, grouped around a battle flag, stood youths whose empty sleeves, twisted limbs and crutches marked them as victims who had come to give the final salute to their passing chief. Outside the Cathedral fifty thousand people, under the dripping trees, heard the service bv radio, as did millions throughout the country. Many watchers, noting the absence of ex-President Tuft from the funeral, began inrpiirics, which brought the information that Air Taft was stricken early To-day with indigestion lor which reason Dr Grayson ordered him to remain in bed, stating that while the illness was slight it was better to avoid risks. This news caused a buzz of excitement and alarm which disturbed the funeral calm, especially since it recalled that digestive disorders precipitated the fatal illnesses of ox-Presidents Harding and Wilson.