SILENT, PATIENT CROWDS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 100, 22 January 1936, Page 15

SILENT, PATIENT CROWDS

Wait For Fateful News

SAD SCENES FOLLOW ANNOUNCEMENT

Glitter and Gaiety Of London Quenched

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright-

(Received January 21, 8.40 p.m.)

London, January 20. Buckingham Palace became the centre of a pilgrimage of Londoners even before the bulletin at 9-30 p.m. Thousands, especially workers, ofhee boys and shop girls, passed the Palace, going out of their homeward way in order to seek the latest news. Later thousands, when they heard the wireless announcement that the King’s life was ebbing, hastened thither. Others, learning the grave news in theatres, or seeing it flashed en cinema screens, were drawn to the Palace as by an irresistible magnet. Dane ing stopped In many hotels, and dining parties broke up, leaving meals unfinished, and the musicians departed The whole of the West End of London emptied itself into the Mall, where a vast concourse stood awaiting developments so silently that the distant hum of London’s night life was distinct ly audible. Buckingham Palace itself stood a darkened mass against a cloudfilled sky. The only movement was provided by the guards and sentries or relief, as they marched across the deserted forecourt which has witnessed so many scenes in his Majesty’s life, alike when he was in full health or in his previous illness, and has seen a»so his people’s. rejoicing and mourning Once, almost prophetic in the circum, stances, the notes of the “Last Post, sounded clearly. The bugle was that of a guardsman at the Wellington Barracks, observing the nightly ceremonial, but at that time the bulletin had not been affixed to the railings. Hope Disappears. Finally, officials appeared carrying a placard, which they placed in posh tion. Those nearest anxiously scanned it, and the words, “The Kings life is moving peacefully toward its close, were repeated on all sides until they reached the fringes of the assembly. Gradually the throngs about Buckingham Palace increased so greatly that the police permitted people to stand on the steps of the Victoria Memorial. Crowds continued to wait in Silence and patience, giving a striking demonstration of sympathy and affection for the Royal Family. As midnight approached the press still grew. Eventually news of the King’s death spread to portions of the crowds through motor-cars fitted with wireless receiving the following broadcast: “With great sorrow we announce that he whom we loved as King has passed from our midst. We voice the grief of all peoples of the Empire. We offer profound sympathy to the Queen and Royal Family. With our fellow citizens at home and overseas we affirm our loyalty to the Crown.” News of Death Posted. Within a few minutes an official approached the railings and, raising his hat, announced in a low voice that the King had passed away just before midnight. His words, repeated on all sides, caused universal expressions of grief. Women wept, and many could be heard praying. Even men sobbed. Nevertheless, the throng refused to depart until the official bulletin was displayed. Ultimately the police marshalled them into a queue .which continued to pass the notification of the death of their beloved monarch for nearly half an hour. Throughout the West End of London news of the King’s approaching death quenched glitter and gaiety. Audiences took up the National Anthem at the close of theatre performances, transforming it to a fervent prayer. When the King’s death was eventually announced hotels immediately cancelled cabarets and entertainments closed, as did restaurants. By 3 a.m. central London was practically deserted. At Sandringham tlie bulletin announcing the King’s death was read in complete silence by groups of villagers, many of whom had known and loved his Majesty since boyhood. One aged woman who had served the Royal Family nearly all her lifetime fainted. STRENGTH OVERTAXED Opinions of Medical Men UNSELFISH ATTITUDE

London, January 20.

“The weight of medical opinion is that the King overtaxed himself in the nation’s service,” says tlie “Daily Mirror.” “If the King had simply been a rich man he would have spent the last live or six winters out of England. No doubt the Royal physicians advised to this effect, but his Majesty overrode the doctors because he realised the country was passing through troubles in which a wise mediating influence would make all the difference.”

A doctor told an interviewer: “When I listened to the King’s broadcast on Christmas Day I knew it was tlie voice of a chronic bronchitic subject. 1 was horrified that ho risked the English climate when such symptoms were apparent even to a practitioner who bad never examined him.”

The “Daily Express” says that one in close touch with the King traces the illness to Christmas Day. The King, after his broadcast, was unable to participate in the festivities, and remained in his room throughout the holiday. No word concerning his indisposition was allowed to mar the family’s enjoyment. His health did not cause further uneasiness until January' 12, when members of the Royal Family who were in the .same pew- at morning service had occasion for anxiety. The King refused to rest after lunch and insisted on inspecting his horses at the Sandringham farm, after which he was exhausted.