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It is first such tribute in current Capitol

Tuesday, April 01, 2003

By Johnna A. Pro, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

HARRISBURG -- The body of Matthew J. Ryan, Pennsylvania's longtime speaker of the House, will lie in state this morning in the Capitol Rotunda, only the second time such an honor has been bestowed here in 138 years.

The other time was in 1865, after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Lincoln's body was taken by train through several states following his April 15 death. It was in the former Capitol building April 21-22, 1865.

This is the first time the present Capitol building, dedicated in 1906, will be used for such a tribute.

Ryan, 70, one of the longest-serving members in the history of the Legislature, died Saturday of stomach cancer.

"It's not a large tradition around here that this happens. It's not like in Washington, D.C.," said Paul Beers, the House historian. "It's an unusual tribute."

Majority Leader John M. Perzel, R-Philadelphia, is serving as acting speaker. An election by the full House is set for April 15, when Perzel is expected to win the position.

Ryan, of Edgemont, Delaware County, was first elected to the House in 1962 and was voted in as speaker by his colleagues in 1981. When Republicans regained control of the House in 1995, he was returned to the speaker's seat and had held the position ever since.

Only two other men, David Lloyd and Isaac Norris II, served longer terms as speaker, Lloyd in the 17th and 18th centuries and Norris in the 18th century.

"It's going to be a long time, possibly never again, before we have a speaker serve that long," Beers said.

Because it's been more than a century since such a somber event took place in the Capitol, organizers had very little historical information to guide them, other than a few newspapers articles and photographs from Lincoln's day.

"We don't have any guidelines," said House Parliamentarian Clancy Myer. "But if there is anyone who deserves to lie in state here, it's Matt."

By 10:30 a.m. yesterday, a team of 25 people gathered in the Rotunda to map out the details, such as where to place the bier, stand an honor guard, display flowers and drape flags. There was a guest book to think about, and a private area for the family.

"You get an image of what you saw with JFK and other people who lay in state in Washington," said Fuller Runyan, the Capitol's events director. "You also think, 'What would he do? What would he like?' "

Ryan will lie in state at the base of the Rotunda's grand staircase starting at 11 a.m.

An honor guard made up of state troopers and Capitol police will flank the casket.

The viewing is set to last until 1 p.m., or as long as needed to accommodate all visitors who wish to pay their respects, Runyan said.

Ryan's death leaves the house with 200 members -- 106 Republicans and 94 Democrats -- three shy of a full complement.

Rep. Gordon Denlinger, R-Lancaster, who won a special election to replace the late Leroy Zimmerman, won't be sworn in until Monday.

A special election will be held June 17 to fill the House seat that had been held by John Pippy, who was sworn in last week to the state Senate.

A special election now must be scheduled to elect Ryan's replacement.