The Daily Gate City

Obsequies in Honor of the Late
Senator Douglas.

Our citizens set apart yesterday to be observed in honor of the late Senator Douglas.
A fairer day has rarely dawned upon the world. It was ushered in by solemn tolling of bells, and the booming of cannon. At an early hour people began to flock in from the surrounding country. Stores were closed, and all business suspended. Flags all over town were draped in crape, and many houses were darkened with sable folds. Towards noon many hundred people came in by rail-road from Madison, by the steamer Luzerne from Dallas, Pontoosuc, and Ft. Madison, by the steamer Menominee from Warsaw and Alexandria, and by railroad from Van Buren county.

At half-past one the signal was given for the procession to form. The three regiments were formed in line on Main street, and stretched from 2d to 6th or 7th street. After a long delay, the march began, the Keokuk Cavalry company, commanded on this occasion by Capt. Torrence, leading off. They were followed by the 1st Regiment. The 2d and 3d Regiments marched down Main street and wheeled into line at 2d street. The 2d marched with reversed arms, which seemed very appropriate. The 3d had no arms, except what nature gave them.

Next followed the Mayor and Council, the Clergy, the Orator, J. H. Craig, Esq., with the President of the day, Gen. Reid, all in carriages. Then followed the Funeral Car, with its waving plumes, drawn by six black horses, guided by Wm. Stimpson, and three men, in the uniform of the Rollo Fire Co. walking on each side of the horses. Next came the members of the bar on foot, followed by the City Rifles, commanded by Capt. Belknap. This company, by the neatness of their black uniform, and their general fine appearance, attracted universal attention.

After these followed the Medical profession, the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Druids, Young America and Rollo Fire Companies, the Home Guards, Curtis Rifles, and Washington Guards. Then came the people on foot and in carriages.

Under the guidance of Chief Marshal, H. W. Sample, and his able assistants, the magnificent array marched out Main to Fourteenth, then to Blondeau, down Blondeau to Fifth, and then out by the Avenue to Leighton's Grove.

The Regiments completely surrounded the Grove, and had several companies to spare. Having arrived at the stand, Gen. Reid called the audience to order. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Mr. Madeira. At 4 o'clock the Orator of the day began, and spoke till five. His oration was a chaste, appropriate, and eloquent production, worthy of the occasion and of the man. We would not mar it by even attempting an outline.

At the close a benediction was pronounced, the procession re-formed, and marched back to Main street, with the exception of the First Regiment, which very properly marched direct to their camp. Not an accident happened, so far as we could learn, everything passed off in the finest style, and everybody said it was the most imposing spectacle ever seen in Iowa.

One incident is worthy of notice. When the funeral car reached 9th street, on the way out, a well dressed lady came up to it, and followed it with affectionate regret, shedding many tears. At 14th street she went into a house and got a cup of water and handed it to Mr. Stimpson, who was much gratified by her delicate and thoughtful attention. She followed the hearse, in the heat and dust, on foot, all the way to the grove and back again.

A word of praise is due to the Chief Marshal, H. W. Sample, and to his assistants, U. F. Davie, J. Y. Anthony, H. Fulton and E. Jeffords, for the prompt and efficient manner in which they performed their duties. Nor must we omit to mention Maddern's Brass Band, the Brass Band from Fort Madison, and the Bands from Summitville and Warsaw. These, with the three regimental military bands, added immensely to the interest of the occasion.

The number of the people who were out yesterday, including the soldiers, was estimated at ten to fifteen thousand. The whole demonstration was worthy of the occasion, and shows that free people know how to appreciate their living statesmen and honor them when dead.