DEATH OF THE QUEEN.

Evening Star, Issue 11455, 24 January 1901, Page 2

DEATH OF THE QUEEN.

HOW SHE DIED, GENUINE AND UNIVERSAL SORROW. ■ THE WORLD MOURNS. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND’S GRIEF. Press Association—B*-'Telegraph— Copyright. - LONDON, January 22. The room in which the dying Queen lay was at the north-wCet angle of Osborne House, overlooking the Solent. Wearily and expectantly, in heavy silence, throughout the morning and afternoon the saddened crowds waited and watched. Daylight gave place to twilight and darkness, and still the crowds watched the lighted windows. P The Queen was rather restless throughout the night. Six persons only were'admitted —the doctor, a dresser, two maids, an under nurse, and Dr Soal, from the sanatorium, on the estate.

The Royalties in the-morning were summoned, with the Bishop of Winchester, who was Clerk of the Closet. All were recognised by the Queen, who appeared specially gratified at the Kaiser’s filial devotion.

The Queen slept for a while; then a relapse came at 3.30, and the Royalties were resummoned. The bishop was already kneeling beside the attendants in a withdrawn corner. The Prince of Wales and the Kaiser enteredttogetherr r then the Princess of Wales, the Diies- of Connaught and York, Princess Henry of Battenburg, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg, Princess Christian, Elizabeth of Hesse, and the Duchess of Argyll. Three hours-of intense-emotion followed. Meantime the patient had an occasional period of returning consciousness, but the recognition was less clear than in the morning, as the dull, grey day passed.

The Duchess of York, the Duke of Connaught's children, the Duke of Argyll, Prince and Princess Louise of Battenburg, and Lord Clarendon (Lord Chamberlain) arrived in time for the closing scene. Mr Balfour, who was in attendance, did not enter the chamber.

The end was absolutely peaceful and painless.

Mr Balfour telegraphed to the Earl of Pembroke, Lord - Steward at Buckingham Palace, that the Queen died peacefully. At a quarter to 7 p.m. a Royal servant appeared at the gates of the house and reverentially placed a board bearing the last sad medical bulletin that the Queen had breathed her last at half-past six, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. The crowd read the bulletin, and, except for a wail of anguish, silently departed to hide their grief, the Whippingham bells tolling meantime.

There was great tension in the country on Tuesday. When the bulletin was posted in the morning at the Mansion House stating that the Queen’s strength was diminishing, the crowd struck up the National Anthem, hundreds singing and uncovering their heads.- The passengers on passing omnibuses also bared their heads. When the sad news reached London there was a huge, earnest, breathless crowd in front of the Mansion House. A window opened, and the Lord Mayor appeared. The great crowd bared their heads. The Lord Mayor, leaning for support on the window-sill, said, in a voice at first broken, but soon audible to thousands of citizens -. “ It is with the deepest distress I announce the following telegram from the King: ‘My beloved mother has passed to her rest.’” The crowd were speechless with sorrow. Then the great bell at St. Paul’s boomed forth at intervals of one minute.

The Lord Mayor communicated with the Prince of Wales, and tendered the condolences of the City, whose feelings for the Queen would be a cherished memory.

Innumerable tributesfrom all parts of the Kingdom, Empire, andworld greatly touched the Royal family.

Parliament meets automatically forth with.

The theatres and places of amusement arc closed. Drury Lane was packed with children at the time of the Queen’s death. The manager announced the tidings, when the audience spontaneously rose and left the building.

TRIBUTES TO THE DEAD QUEEN. LONDON, January 23. The bells in Canada were toliing-at 1.45, and the newspapers pouring out editions. News of the Queen’s death was received within fifteen minutes of the occurrence. Business was suspended, and the courts adjourned after paying brief tributes to the deceased Sovereign. In America the flags on the business and public buildings were lowered to half-mast, and the bells were tolling. It was unanimously resolved that the death of Queen Victoria—“ woman of noble virtues and great renown ” —is sincerely deplored by the United States Senate, and the American flag on the Executive Mansion was, for the first time for a foreign ruler, half-masted. President M’Kinley, addressing the King at Osborne, and Mr Hay, addressing the Marquis of Lansdowne, sent very sympathetic messages. The French Chambers adjourned over today as a token of mourning and regard. HOW THE COMMONWEALTH HEARD THE NEWS. SYDNEY, January 23. Lord Hopetoun received a message from Mr Chamberlain that the Queen had passed away at 6.30 last evening. It is unlikely that a local proclamation will be issued to-day, owing to a doubt as to the precise formula to be adopted. Many buildings are draped in black. The Post Office chimes were muffled. The news of the death of William IV. took four months to reach Australia, while that of the Queen was known in as many hours. The Queen’s square, which \a week or two back was so gaily decorated for the Federal ceremony, is to-day festooned with black. Tho Queen’s Statue in the centre of the square is draped in mourning..

The whole of the Commonwealth and State business has stopped, Mr Barton cancelled the engagements which he had made to visit Melbourne and Adelaide. In Adelaide and Melbourne many shops were closed. The bells were tolled, and a feeling of general sorrow pervades the communities.

The Federal Executive met at noon. Lord Hopetoun communicated the news to the members, and the Executive adjourned .ill to-morrow.

The mayor has wired to Mr Chamberlain that the people mourn the loss of a beloved Queen. The bells of the various. churches were tolling throughout the day. The flag on Admiralty House and the

Royal Arthur were not half-masted. This is because the Admiral's flag is a personal one, and never lowered except on the death of the admiral At four o’clock the Roytd Arthur and Tauranga fjred eighty-two minute guns. ADELAIDE, January 23. The Government offices were closed and flags half-mast. The bells tolled, and many shops closed and draped the shutters with black. Lord Tennyson has cancelled all his engagements. MELBOURNE, January 23. Sympathetio references were made on tho Stock Exchange, which suspended business. Many business houses closed. The .Tbwn Hall will bo draped with black. The-closing of shops and other signs of mourning are very noticeable among tho German section of the community. BRISBANE, January 23. Numbers of shops were draped in black, and the chnrch bells were tolled. The Governor cabled to Mr Chamberlain;—“Tho Government and people received with profound sorrow the intelligence of the death of the Queen, and express the deepest sympathy with the Royal Family.” Special services have been arranged in all churches next Sunday. THE QUEEN’S LAST MOMENTS. THE EMPRESS FREDERICK. AMERICA'S MESSAGE. LONDON, January 23. (Received January 24, at 9.14 a.m.)

The news was broken to the Dowager Empress Frederick, who is bearing up bravely. The effect, however,. is still greatly feared.

Noon on Tuesday was the first" time since Saturday that thsQueen was-conscious. She then recognised the family, and asked for her favorite Pomeranian dog. When it was fetched she fondled it for a-moment, then talked a little with the- Princesses Louise (ind Beatrice. Almost her lostTequest was for-the members of her household; then she relapsed into unconsciousness. Before this and during the course of the day she spoke to or recognised all her closest relations. The instant the Queen was dead all the family knelt and kissed the Prince of Wales's hands in token of fealty.

There is universal grief throughout the United Kingdom.

President M’Kinley cabled to the King America’s sinccrest sympathy atrihe loss of the venerable and illustrious Sovereign, whose noble life and beneficent influencehad promoted peace and won. the affection of the whole world.

The House of Representatives passed a unanimous resolution expressive of the profound sorrow of the people of the United States, adjourned as a sign of respect for the Queen’s memory.

THE NATION STUNNED. ■ • MOURNFULLY TOLL THE BELLS. ALL PLACES CLOSED. “ the MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF MONARCHS.” LONDON, January 23. (Received January 24, at 9.5 a.in.) The people’s breathless fear grewtense and more poignant as each bulletin was published. The Prince of Wales’s telegram to the Lord Mayor was the first intimation of the death of the Queen, and ended the suspence at about seven o’clock on Tuesday evening.

The general feeling was one of stunned bewilderment, drowning all expressions of grief and knowledge of the real extent of the nation’s loss.

The chairman of the London. County Council, addressing a meeting of the members, referred to the dead Sovereign as the best loved and most illustrious of all our monarchs.

At the usual Hilary term dinner at Gray’s Inn, Master Beet ham .said that we must, according to constitutional usage, recite ‘ God save the King.’

The chapel bell then tolled eighty-two times, in honor of the eighty-two years of the Queen’s life.

The health of the new King was then duly honored.

After the death of the Queen the curfew bell at Windsor pealed a knell, as did also the churches in the provinces, at Balmoral, and along the whole of the Dee side. (Received January 24, at 9.14 a.m.)

The German Crown Prince arrives at Os borne to-day.

The Queen always hoped not to die in her sleep, lest she would not be surrounded by her beloved ones. Her wish was gratified. A few days ago Her Majesty thoughtfully told her attendants to go for a walk and take some fresh air.

All tho Government establishments, ships, colonial agencies, and public buildings hoisted their flags at half-mast, and minute guns were fired at various ports. All races and athletic fixtures have been postponed, and some abandoned altogether. The organist at the Crystal Palace played tho Dead March.

All entertainments were stopped, and the bells of the cathedrals and of the churches in the smallest villages were tolled.

Public bodies aro adopting resolutions of profound sorrow.

Several French papers ascribe the Queen’s death to her anxiety over tho war.

The Quebec Parliament Buildings are draped in black, and the Stock Exchanges are closed.

THE COMMONWEALTH’S MESSAGE,

SYDNEY, January 24, (Received January 24, at 9.49 a.m.)

Earl Hopetoun has forwarded his personal condolences to the King. Similar messages were sent from the Commonwealth States.

All the foreign Consuls communicated their regrets to the Governor-General. The only effect the demise of the Crown will have on the institutions of the States is that members of Parliament and the Commonwealth Ministry will bo required to swear allegiance to the King. NEW ZEALAND’S TRIBUTE. His Excellency the Governor has ordered that a Royal salute of 101 guns be fimd at noon to-day in Wellington. Special funeral semces were held in the hi apic r Cathedral last evening. The large building was packed in every part. The Bishop of Waiapu preached a sermon, in which he eulogised the public and private virtues of tho Queen. The news of the death of Her Majesty was received with profound regret at Wanganui. All shops and business places were promptly closed, bells Were tolled, and minute guns fired. Tho sitting of the District Court was adjourned, and all local meetings postponed. Memorial services, under the auspices of the United Churches, are to be held in the Opera House to-night. The Mayor telegraphed to his Excellency the Governor;—“ The citizens of Wanganui desire to express and tender their very great regret and sorrow on the occasion of the death of their late beloved Queen.” ,Tte news of the Queen’s death was re-

cerved with every demonstration of profound grief in .Hokitika, Flags were flying halfmast, many draped with black, and bells were tolled. All public, and private business was supcnded. The Westland County Council, winch was sitting at the time, at once adjourned, after sending ,a telegram to the Governor expressing, the sorrow of the people of Westland, Memorial services were held at the Christchurch Cathedral in the afternoon and evening, and were attended by very large-congre-gations. In the ordinarv church service in the prayer for the Sovereign, the words “ Most Gracious Sovereign Lord King Albert Edward” were substituted for the former words. In the prayer for the Royal Family the words “Albert Edward, Prince of Wales,” were omitted, and “Our Gracious Queen Alexandra, George, Duke of York,' and the Duchess of "York” "Substituted. Special prayers were also offered up. Tho New Zealand Trotting Association meeting was adjourned to a date to be afterwards fixed, after passing a resolution in tbe following terms: —“ That this meeting, in,-ad-journing, desires to record its deep sense of the loss which the nation has sustained by the lamented death of Her Majesty the Queen, a Sovereign whose life has been one of devotion to the country over which she has ruled with such wisdom and justice during the longest period granted to a' British monarch.”

In Dunedin last evening services were held in St_ Paul’s Cathedral and the Salvation Army Barracks. The former was crowded, many being unable to obtain admittance. At the latter Colonel Estill delivered a brief appropriate address, emphasising the genuine Christian piety of the Queen. ‘Nearer, my God, to thee’ and ‘‘Abide with me’—a favorite hymn of the Queen’s —were sung with band accompaniment. A Government proclamation issued last night appointed to-day as a day of mourning, and relieves Government officials from duty till Monday next.

The Hillside Railway Workshops were closed to-day, but will be reopened to-mor-row.

Our Queenstown correspondent wires: “ Passengers from Kingston across Lake Wakatipu were reminded of the widespread sorrow over the death of Queen Victoria by hearing the strains of the Dead March m ‘ Saul ’ as they approached the Queenstown wharf. The news here caused feelings of profound regret, and some of the arranged festivities were postponed. The band paraded the streets playing the Dead March, the sad music sounding most impressive in these lovely Otago mountains.”

A district order issued by Lieutenantcolonel Webb states that owing to the death of Her Majesty the Queen officers in uniform will wear a band of crape' or black cloth until further orders. Military bands will not be allowed to play, nor will any military ceremonials take place. Tho H.M.S, Mildura fired eighty-two guns this forenoon, being one gun for each year of the Queen’s life. Many of the public offices and local firms are mounting mourning on their premises. 'JTie Royal Anus oiler the Government Insurance Buildings are so covered, and a streamer of crape floats beneath the halfmasted Union Jack on the pole. The Post Office facade is draped in block, and a border of crape surrounds the flag of the Supreme Court Buildings. The D.I.C. have draped their High street entrance with black material, as ia also the Dresden Piano Company’s warehouse.

The following message has been sent by Mr Hyman, president of the Hebrew congregation, through the Governor, to the Secretary for tbs Colonies:—“ The Dunedin Hebrew congregation are deeply grieved at the death of Her Majesty.” Mr Dillingham, American Consul at Auckland, telegraphed to the Governor:—"l mingle my tears with yours over the bier of your late Queen, who was the most popular Sovereign the world has known. No nation aside from- her own will feel her loss so deeply as the Republic I represent in your colony. Peace to her ashes.”

Giving to tho death of the Queen the Committee of the Burns Club have abandoned the gathering announced for the 25th inst.

The Otago Cycling Club's Sports Committee have decided to postpone the sports meeting till February 2.

At a meeting of the Otago Rowing Association held this morning it was resolved that owing to the death of Her Majesty the Queen the eight-oar tournament be postponed from Saturday until Monday evening. Our Gore correspondent wires When tho news of the death was received yesterday flags on the public buildings and at several private premises were hoisted halfmast Expressions of deep mourning were manifest everywhere. The second day’s races have been postponed till to-morrow. A concert was to have been held in the Town Hall last night, but it was postponed. The Gore Band assembled in the main street at night and played the Dead March in ‘ Sank’ A united memorial service will be held in the Domain this afternoon. The Gore Rifles will parade.”

IN MEMORIAM. The world is bowed in grief, the truth has come That England's greatest Queen hath breathed her last; That those brief hours of illness, they have passed, And all the English-speaking race is dumb; Dumb with a grief that touches every heart Who's known Victoria since her race has been— As Wife, as Mother, and as gracious Queen. And nobly she has ever played her part, A model to the years that she has passed, A model to the years that arc to come, Where’er the English woman makes her home, From childhood’s happy days unto the last,. Oh, mighty England! May the years to be Be blessed as were Victoria’s unto thee. J. Edmond Leonabd. Dunedin, January 23.

CONDOLENCES PROM NATIVES. WELLINGTON, January 24. The Government yesterday received telegrams from Hone iHeko, Ngapuhi, Kurawai, Tc Anpuri, and Ngata Whatua, prominent Northern chiefs, as follows: grieved over the very sad news announcing the death of Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. Kindly convey through' the Government our deep and heartfelt sympathies to the Prince of Wales and the peon’.o of Great Britain. If any public action vour Government intend taking by' which we can help in a small way kindly-keep me informed. —(Signed) Hone Heke.”

Mid Hanatu. of Wairangi, also telegraphed on behalf of a number of Maoris: “The Queen is dead. Accept our sympathy. Long live the King.’’ The following message in reply has been sent by the Hon. W. C. Walker":—“ln the absence of the Premier and Acting-Premier your telegram containing your pathetic expression. of gnef at tue death of our great and good Queen was opened by me. I have taken care that your loyal and affectionate words will bo sent by your pakeha friends and I will also ask His Excellency the Governor to forward them to the Secretary of State.” J

NEW ZEALAND MOURNS.

THE TOWN. ’

To-day was observed as a close holiday by all places of business in the town and suburbs. Everywhere there was the aspect of solemnity, and on all hands the great loss and sorrow of the nation was reflected. The flags on the Municipal, Government and commercial buildings and the shipping were flying at half-mast, and added to the fi'eneral appearance of sorrow and mournin ,r It was generally remarked that the holiday was more closely observed than is customary with any other holiday excepting, perhaps, Christinas Day, even the confectioners closing their premises.

’ [By Telegraph.]

BLENHEIM.

To-day is being strictly observed as a day of mourning. All places of business are closed and draped, and flags are flying halfmast'. Expressions of sorrow are everywhere- manifest.

fielding.

STRATFORD. The news-of the death of Her Maieshr caused great sorrow here. *T CB ’P fc of the news all shops-and offices were closed, and flags flown faaH'-mast, To-dav °*fV r £ d as a of and the doors of all business places are closed.

NAPIER. To-day is being observed as a day of mourning, and all business places are closed.

THAMES,

The hidings of the Queen’s death were received with deep regret. The shops were S!®*® 4 , y *? erfa * afternoon and the flogs araped. A special service was hold in St Georges Anglican Church last night, when Bw- Dr O’Callagham, deiivered an impressive address.

CHRISTCHURCH. Special services are being held in the clo U r d h %ri the Bnsiness are enwed. Many citizens are adopting the suvgestion of the mayor to wea/bl^Tu tho left arm for a month. NELSON. To-day is being observed as one of gene.ral mournmg. In accordance with the proclamation, the flags at the Post Office and black. o ? '- r Smallc y> president of the Wesleyan Comorence, yesterday sent a teleft'* 111 "f sympathey to the‘Governor, 7ai r °K^sExcenencytothoßoyal Family on behalf of the Wesleyan Church of New Zealand. Subsequently a reply was re“1 r l ed stressing appreciation of the mesi-£» ¥ '•&“* Si" •“ th ’ Wesll *" ch ” cte «■

BLENHEIM. \ me .® tin e to-day the Borough Council (the councillors upstanding while the resohit;on was being put) resolved—" That this Council learn with deep regret of the death ox our beloved Sovereign, Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and hereby place on record our high appreciation of her must nous reign as a constitutional ruler and our deep sense of the irreparable loss sustained by her millions of subjects.” The Council then adjourned as a mark of re-

AUCKLAND. fIZ* kenS , m ° urnin g are universal. The otW K re u half-mast, and many shops and 'huttor^ 1 dmgK Sre draped with crape. The '£hSn t s m " P ° n nUmCrOUS business

WELLINGTON. is ]PH,P fc Sf cIo6b S t*K> public offices there is little observance of the holiday, most of the business places being open. ‘The public entertainers learned by cable that Australia tho theatres were closing only for last •2&“ d « mW&'S

DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE. There was an attendance of about thirtv * *■* «•* The Chairman (Mr E. R. Smith) said - “ m «u-We meet this morning under 7, er J unusual circumstances. lam sure that the death of mu venerable Queen -1 when I sav fi, P 6l^?B within the mark wnen I say that eveiy member here with the exception’ possibly, of our friend an worthy secretary, MrQage, hL been born W n f lgD ° f QueenSVictor > a . and we • V ever any other Sovereign. It pe^ent P on S ° t0 *? 7 thilt at ,cast 95 hi*' • hor s S£j ectß bare been born duri “5 her «>gn- There has been great progress made during that time-gLter pre than unuer any other Sovereign I numbers of Her Majesty’s subjemslS been enormously increased since she ascended the throne. There is now g re “t onTvTfT ye u’ D?t hy the white sub jects only, but also by tne colored subjects, and nm h K V i S l,sed in thc social scale under , ui beloved Queen’s beneficent rule. We in the colonies, no doubt, enjoy greater freedom than those in the Old Countn- S I lam sure that some of us who i , r nrt-\ GrO a Pl )rcan that fact at its full But j re ei W greater freedom than any other no.tioa, and we in the colonies have it in a very marked degree,. The Queen ascended (he throne in 1857, and not till eleven years after that was this province founded. I fancy with, perhaps, the esccpl‘ on ,°j Auckland, all our provinces were founded during her reign, so we have only got to look through our own colony to see i , what progress has taken place since 1857 for prior to that date this hind was practically given oyer to the occupation of Maoris. Queen Victoria is certainly the greatest and ; most distinguished woman that has ever been known to history, and her death has caused more universal sorrow than has been caused by the death of any sovereign hitherto ' .She wrought her children lasting good is perhaps the greatest eulogy the Queen could have wished for, and no ooubt that is what die strove after, and that is what she has achieved. I will ask you lo stand as a mark of appreciation of j ™e loss the nation has sustained and of our veneration of the memory of the Queen. The members then reverently stood, and subsequently adjourned until to-aiorrow. ] AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY. ] Mr H. V. Fulton (president) occupied the chair at the monthly meeting of tho Com--3 mittee of the Otago A. and P. Society this morning. Without transacting any busij ness fbe following resolution was adopted j in respectful silence “ That this meeting in adjourning, desires to place on record | its deeji sense of the great loss which the I nation has sustained by the lamented death ] of our Most Gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen a Victoria.”

A copy of the resolution was ordered to be forwarded to Ris Excellency the Governor, and the meeting adjourned till next week.

THE COURTS have adjouned until Monday. MEMORIAL SERVICE TO-NIGHT. The Mayor has convened a memorial service, to be held at the Agricultural Hall this evening.