THE LAST TRIBUTE TO MACGAHAN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 29, 7 November 1884, Page 29

THE LAST TRIBUTE TO MACGAHAN.

(From the Boston Pilot.)

The funeral of Janoatins Aloysius MacGahan, the famous war correspondent, occurred at New Lexington, Ohio, on the 11th Sept.. About 15,000 persons were in attendance. The homes of the most humble as well as the residences of the most wealthy were decorated with marks of mourning. A Solemn Mass of Requiem was celebrated at St. Rose : s Church. The congregation completely filled the edifice, not one in a hundred being able to obtain admittance. - In the front seat were the mother, brother and widow of the deceased, the latter being a Russian lady. The funeral eulogy was pronounced by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson, of Columbus, O. Nothing that has been said of MacGahan has been so well said as this. It deserves to live with the memory of the " Liberator of Bulgaria and tbe hero of two continents." There was thought and forcible application in every sentence, while tbe oratory of the able divine and polished scholar was very impressive. All standing room was occupied. The heat was exceedingly oppressive, and the church was surrounded by bands, the military and other organizations, and thousands who could not gain admittance, and yet a pin could have been heard dropping during the entire discourse, which was an hour in length. The richest gems of thought were clothed in plain but choicest English, and delivered with the weight of inspiration. No abstract can do the great effort justice. Thd occasion was a great one, but the Bishop was more than equal to it. He was as unostentatious as the humblest teacher, but every one felt his power. His modest dignity was such as to command respect. One of the most impressive features of his discourse was its practical bearing. He did not aim too high, but his range was along on the plain on which people move, and his utterances struck them.

By a clear statement of facts he showed the certainty of death and that the true philosophy would lead all to recognise the preparation for it as the chief and ultimate aim of life. In referring to the responsibility of members of the Press to God and their fellowmen the Bishop dealt at length, and on this point he was most happy in his remarks. He elaborated on the power for good the Preß3 had and tbe need of conscience in the exercise of Ithat power. His description of a newspaper establishment, with its office equipment and its correspondents and agenta in all parts of the world was very fine. From this he passed on to the life, character and services of Januariu* Aloysius MacGahau, paying an eloqueut tribute to his memory and showing that his success lay in the secret that be was always truthful and conscientious in his work, never given to treachery, bias of opinion or unreliable statements. The Bishop said that the deceased early in life* was confirmed by Archbishop Purcell, and remained a true Catholic to his death. He was thus guided in the great work which he accomplished, and to this was due his success. He closed with an impressive appeal for the study of the lesson of such a life.

After Mass tbe procession was formed and proceeded to the New Lexington Cemetery. The rear of the procession had not left the city when the hearse arrived at the grave. Two companies of military, the local Grand Army of the Republic and the Uaited States barracks band at Columbus, the latter under the direction of General Sheridan, participated in the parade. At the cemetery an eulogy was pronounced by E. S. Colbarn, an old friend of the deceased, and a poem was read by Colonel W. A. Taylor. Judge Silas H. Wright, of Lancaster, Ohio, read a lengthy address on " The Newspaper Correspondents." The remains were placed in a brick lined vault on the highest piece of ground in the cemetery, from which an elegant view for miles can be had in many directions. An arch was sprung at the head of the grave, with the inscription, " Rest in thy native soil." The intense heat of the day and the heavy dust on the line of march were oppressive to the immense crowd. The programme was earned out under the direction of the Legislative Committee. New Lexington never before had so many people within its borders. May his soul rest in peace 1