THE DOMINIONS AT THE FUNERAL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13738, 20 May 1910, Page 6

THE DOMINIONS AT THE FUNERAL.

That King George realises the importance of the overseas Dominions in the great fabric of the Empire, and has a sympathetic regard for their feelings in such a time as this, is shewn by the interest he has taken in the representation of tho colonies at the funeral. It was announced a few days ago thai the colonial representatives in London would not .participate in the procession, but would attend the memorial etrvice at Westminster. This apparently meant that there would be no colonial representation in any stage of the funeral, which, of coiLnbo, would have been a source oi keen disappointment to all people overseas. The decision was. indeed, extraordinarj', seeing that idie Agents-General were present in the last stage of Queen Victoria's funeral, in St. George's Chapel, Windsor. However, we were informed on Wednesday that this order had been withdrawn, and representatives of the colonies, including a large contingent of public men from Canada, had been invited to be present in the Chanel. This morning it is announced that Sir George Reid and Mr HallJones, and presumably representatives of Canada and South Africa, will drive in the procession. It appears that these changes were made by King George's special desire. While one may regret that anyone in authority in England i-bould, on such an occasion as this, jet the Dominions on a lower piano than foreign countries, his Majesty's interference will give great satisfaction all over the Empire. It would have been a ,pity beyond words if tho outlying parti of tho Empire, who feel so keenly this great bereavement of the race, had not been adequately represented at the burial of the Empire's Sovereign head. King George's thoughtful act will endear him still more to his subjects overseas and strengthen the ties that bind us to tho