ere
it had reposed since August 8, 1885. Four massive granite piers, with
rows of Doric columns between, supported the roof and the obtuse cone of
the cupola, which rested upon a great circle of Ionic pillars. The
interior was cruciform. In the centre was the crypt, where, upon a
square platform, rested the red porphyry sarcophagus. From the mausoleum
summit, 150 feet above, the eye swept the Hudson for miles up and down.

The presentation day procession was headed by the presidential party.
The Governor of New York State, the Mayor of the city, and the United
States diplomatic corps were prominent. Other distinguished guests
attended, including Union and Confederate Veterans. The entire
procession reached six miles. There were 53,500 participants, military
and civil, and 160 bands of music. At the same time, in majestic column
upon the Hudson, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain joined, with
men-of-war, our North Atlantic squadron, saluting the President as he
passed.

The exercises at the tomb were simple. Bishop Newman offered prayer.
"America" was sung. President McKinley delivered an address of eulogy.
General Horace Porter gave the mausoleum into the city's keeping, a
trust which Mayor Strong in a few words accepted.

CHAPTER XII.

THE WAR WITH SPAIN

[1895-1898]

How early Cuban discontent with Spain's rule became vocal is not known.
An incipient revolt in 1766 was ruthlessly put down. Though the "Ever
Faithful Isle" did not rebel with the South American colonies under
Bolivar, it was never at rest, as attested by the servile revolts of
1794 and 1844, the "Black Eagle" rebellion of 1829, and the ten-years'
insurrection beginning in 1868. In 1894-1895, just as "Home Rule for
Cuba" had become a burning issue in Spain, martial law was proclaimed in
Havana, precipitating the last and successful revolution.

American interest in the island, material and otherwise, was great. The
barbarity and devastation marking the wars made a strong appeal to our
humane instincts; nor could Americans be indifferent to a neighboring
people struggling to be free. The suppression of filibustering
expeditions taxed our Treasury and our patience. Equally embarrassing
were the operations of Cuban juntas from our ports. To solve the complex
difficulty Presidents Polk, Buchanan, and Grant had each in his time
vainly sought to purchase the island. The Virginius outrage during
Grant's incumbency brought us to the very verge