Construction work was not quite loomplete when the Japanese Army took possession of Mukden, September 18, 1031, The coffin of the old Marshal was still at his residence when the Kwantung Army, 1ed by General Honjo, took possession of the place. The Army and later the regime which they sponsored, treated the remains Jot the" Marshal with respect, but ound. this item of their booty rather embarrassing asset.
According 10 the allendants at ater resting-place of the coffin, It iwas transferred from the residence a mortuary, In whose numerous ceils lie the coffin of those Chinese who died in this neighbourhood and whose families are not yet ready to Jremove their coffins to their final resting places. "According to the report, the Marshal's coffin was brought From the residence to. the temple just outskle the Hsico Tungolenmen (Small East Border Gate), on a truck jeecorled by Japanese soldiers and the we principal, private compartments Jin, the mortuary temple were set Jaside to receive it, 'Your correspondent and "a friend secured permission to enter these Toeked compartments. We were told that the only other visitor hed been second wite of the Marshal,: In this' small compartment, measuring [perhaps 10%20 ft, the coffin, mounted fon. tressies and screened by silk Curtain, occupied halt of the space, In front of it a cushion for kneeling was flanked on either side by easels supporting wreaths of artificial lowers.
"The selection of the few samples from the vast array of presents which we had seen" at the actual funeral was meagre but Interesting. 'A large silver wreath from General Honjo occupied the place of honour, fond on the wall was noticed a pres: ent from oticers of the old Russian Imperial' Army.
For several years this coffin has ested in the "temporary receiving vault. On June 2 1987, at 830 ceremonies were held Buddhist and Toolst rites. "About 400 mourners, including relatives of the deceased and some former officials who had served under him were at the old Temple.
The Hslehhohul (Concordia Society) had formed a. special committee of arrangements made up of members of the society jand relatives of the ote Marshal. Mr. Takeuchi, chairman of the Fengiien Headquarters of the Concordia Society, members of the Society, ofclals and others attended. 'At il'am, the funeral procession moved off' through the walled city Jand the small West Suburb to the Central Railway Station, 48 bearers carrying the coftn. For the last time of mark the passage of Marie srs of olden were cleared shal Chang.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.