LAST TRIBUTES

Evening Star, Issue 22248, 28 January 1936, Page 9

LAST TRIBUTES

Nation’s Beloved Monarch

ENDLESS STREAM OF MOURNERS

Five Kings to Attend Funeral

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON, January 26. London never witnessed anything equalling Sunday’s tremendous human current, relentlessly setting towards the Hall of Rufus, where in all the loneliness of kingship lie the remains of George the Fifth. Five kings will attend his funeral—King Haakon of Norway, King Leopold of Belgium, King Christian of Denmark, King Carol of Rumania, and King Boris of Bulgaria. Upon his coffin, when it is lowered into the vault at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, King Edward the Eighth, “to whom he leaves the sceptre and the isle,” will cast a handful of English, earth. The ex-Kaiser, who will celebrate his seventy-seventh birthday on January 27 in the greatest simplicity in view of the British mourning, is sending > a wreath of 600 golden Dutch tulips and arum lilies. A white ribbon is attached bearing his wife’s and his initials. It will be carried by Prince Frederick, his grandson. The Emperor of Japan’s wreath consists of 500 white carnations and orchids, while the ribbon is red and white. The final details of the funeral arrangements have been personally settled by King Edward, who motored, tired as he was, from Fort Belvedere to Windsor-and conferred with the authorities. GRANDCHILDREN VIEW COFFIN • (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 25. The first time any of the King’s grandchildren saw the coffin was when Viscount and Gerald Lascelles, with the Earl of Harewood, the Princess Royal, and Princess Louise, entered the building. Three generations of the Royal Family were thus linked in common sorrow. The Infanta Beatrice of Spain, peers, members of the House of Commons and their relatives, all in deep mourning, arrived in the evening and were admitted through the crypt. Uniformed nurses, wounded ex-servicemen, and veterans were allowed to enter without queuing up. The visitors passed through at the maximum rate of 15,000 an hour, totalling 155,358 by 7 p.m. CLOSING OF HALL MANY PEOPLE DISAPPOINTED LONDON, January 27. The closing of Westminster Hall at 3.40 a.m. after the announcement that it would be open until 6 a.m. caused almost angry scenes owing to the disappointment of many people expecting to pass the catafalque with a minimum of delay early in the morning. The newcomers included several who specially motored long distances and others from the provinces who originally abandoned the queue to rest before going home on early trains. The police, when the pressure grew, linked arms to prevent the approach to the door. A police inspector, replying to repeated appeals declared that the doors were closed from the inside and he was not responsible. Eventually women and several men at 5 a.m. walked in a procession to No. 10 Downing street to' urge Mr Baldwin to countermand the closing. The porter refused to arouse the Prime Minister, pointing out the Office of Works was controlling the arrangements. It is understood that the hall was closed to enable the cleansing of the carpets, which' had become muddy by the passage of hundreds of thousands of people.

mourners were obliged to return to the provinces deprived of the opportunity of paying homage to King George. The authorises attempted to atone for the mistake by opening the doors at 7 a.m. instead of 8, but it was generally regretted that they had not handled the situation with greater foresight.

Ambulance workers treated 550 ses during the night. Thousands were still waiting when the day dawned cold and wet, after which the queues again began to lengthen. Meanwhile illustrious foreign mourners began to arrive in London. Among the first were Germans, headed by Baron Von Ncurath. He did not receive a cordial reception at Liverpool street station. On the contrary, he was jostled roughly by excited crowds, through which the cars had literally to force a passage. King Carol was greeted by a salute of 21 guns at Dover. The bulk of the foreign mourners will be Frenchmen. Special “ funeral trains ” are running from Paris. The French radio stations will broadcast accounts of the funeralSERVICES OF HOMAGE ** ' ■ ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY’S PANEGYRIC LONDON, January 26, The note for the day’s devotions was set when Queen Mary attended a service in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Princess Royal, and Viscount Harewood and their two sons, and the King and Queen of Norway, and heard two of King George’s favourite hymns. The services of homage culminated in a national memorial at Broadcasting House conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Testifying to King George’s personality, he said; “This simple, truly humble man has drawn his people to himself by real personal attachment. Once as I was walking with him in the Highlands he.said somewhat sadly that he seemed destined again and again to encounter national difficulties, each more searching than any in Queen Victoria’s reign. He was not endowed with any conspicuous gifts of body or mind, though his memory was most accurate, his judgment sound, and his experience ever growing. He always lamented coming to the Throne with no education but that given to a sailor. This was admirable in itself, but scarcely wide enough as an introduction to public affairs. He never possessed arts nor practised devices by which popularity is often secured, yet, despite all, personality came through. As crisis after crisis passed the people realised his quiet courage, confident trust, and unswerving devotion, and felt that the. centre of national life was a man strong, confident, steadfast—mindful of God. He gave a new significance to the name of King by the personal ..affection he drew from the hearts of his people. Some of us will always remember the favourite ending of his personal letters as ‘ Your old friend.’ His religion was simple but real. I appeal to his people to keep his example before them by recovering the simplicity of life and remembrance of God. Queen Mary gave King George wonderful comradeship for over 40 years, showing noble fortitude in these anxious days and giving all surrounding her an example of unbroken calmness and strength. 1 pray God she will long be with us to enjoy full possession of the hearts of her people. As to the Prince of Wales, no other monarch ever came to the throne so intimately knowing all classes of his subjects. We pray his gifts may be consecrated to the service of God and the people.’’ CHANGES AT PALACE KING'S NEW STUDY LONDON, January 27. The King has already effected changes at Buckingham Palace. He will work on the ground floor instead of in his father’s first floor study, in a smallish room, formerly a waiting room and furnished largely with gifts from the Empress of China to King Edward VII. Some of the furniture has now been removed to make room for the King’s desk and other equipment. The simple decorations include paintings of Royal racehorses. IRISH FREE STATE A JARRING NOTE LONDON, January 27. The Dublin correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says: “It is increasingly evident that the Free State Government does not intend to participate in the Royal funeral in any way implying

“ SDMEDNE HAS BLUNDERED! ”

LONDON, January 27. (Recieved January 28, at noon.)

“Someone has blundered!” This is the general comment on the only incident marring the extraordinarily efficient organisation of the funeral arrangements—the abrupt clqsing of the doors of Westminster Hall, despite the broadcast announcement that they were remaining open throughout the night.

The crowds were not so much incensed at the closing of the doors .as the authorities’ lack of courtesy in refusing an explanation. Even yet it is impossible to obtain official comment. Many-

loyalty to the Crown of the Commonwealth of Nations. Even whether Mr Dulanty will represent the Government in the London ceremonies has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, although 70 members of the Irish Bar sent a message to King Edward, other members pointed out that the message was entirely private and must not be regarded as an expression of corporate feeling. The Chief Justice also explains that the suspension of sittings of the Supremo Court on January 28 was due to a request from barristers who desired to attend church services.” FRENCH BOURSE CLOSES PARTS, January 27. (Received January 28, at 11.30 a.m.) The Bourse is closing all day. The entire French Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, and the British Ambassador attended President Lebrun to the Gare du Nord, which was decorated with English and French flags. FOREIGN DIGNITARIES ARRIVE LONDON, January 27. (Received January 28, at 10.30 a.m.) The Continental platform at Victoria station was covered with a red carpet edged with black. King Carol was otie of the first distinguished European mourners to arrive. He was greeted by the Duke of York, with whom he chatted animatedly. The Rumanian delegation of about 30 included several Ministers. Large crowds assembled outside the station to get a glimpse of the visitors. The Dukes of Gloucester and Kent and other distinguished persons met King Christian of Denmark and the Crown Prince, Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Ingrid of Sweden at Victoria station, after which they went to Buckingham Palace. The Duke of York at the same station met President Lebrun, who patted him on the shoulder and spoke words which appeared deeply to affect the Duke. The Crown Prince of Italy arrived at Folkestone after a rough crossing in H.M.S. Winchester, escorted by two other destroyers. Prince George of Greece arrived later in an ordinary cross Channel boat. Prince Olaf arrived in London on the Silver Jubilee train from Newcastle. King Carol visited Westminster Hall. He was deeply moved at the sight of the catafalque. Baron Von Neurath led the German party to pay homage. ADDRESS OF CONDOLENCE AND LOYALTY LONDON, January 27. (Received January 28, at 10.30 a.m.) King Edward received a deputation representing all parties of the House of Commons bringing an address of condolence and loyalty. The deputation included Mr Baldwin and Mr Lloyd George. SERVICES DF INTERCESSION LONDON, January 27. (Received January 28, at 11 a.m.) Seventy thousand people had passed through the hall by 1 p.m. to-day. Despite the rain few dropped out of the queues. Westminster Hall was packed for the special services of intercession to pray for God’s protection of the Empire and the divine blessing for Edward the Eighth. Prince Starhemberg was among the distinguished foreign visitors and diplomats present. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS LONDON, January 27. (Received January 28, at 11 a.m.) King George will be buried with full honours of an admiral of the fleet. When the remains are placed on a gun carriage at Windsor station they will be piped Aboard by two bo’suns and eight bo’suns’ mates.. The bier will be piped alongside when it reaches the flight of steps leading to St. George’s Chapel, and again be piped aboard when the bearers carry the coffin. The chapel ceremonies will he analogous to the procedure observed when an admiral boards one of the ships of the fleet. FOUR-MILE ROUTE TO STATION ELABORATE PREPARATIONS TO DEAL WITH VAST CROWDS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. January 27. (Received January 28, at noon.) The funeral procession will follow a route extending over four miles from Westminster Hall by way of Whitehall, the Horseguards’ Parade, the Mall, St. James street, Piccadilly, and Hyde Park to Paddington Station for Windsor.

At the most solemn moment of the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel the King will take part in the celebration of the last rites. When the bier carrying the. coffin has been lowered beneath the floor of the chapel, His Majesty will scatter a handful of earth from a silver bowl upon the coffin as the Archbishop of Canterbury speaks the committal words. If the carefully prepared schedule is kept the last words of the sentences will be spoken exactly as the two minutes’ silence begins. Gradually the coffin will sink from view while the British Empire will become the unseen congregation about the grave.

Four generations of the Royal family stood by the bier last night. They were, Princess Louise, the Duchess of Argyll, Princess Helena Victoria, and the Princess Royal and her two sons. The Royal party drove from Buckingham Palace and remained nearly 20 minutes. The dense crowds in Parliament Square watched in respectful silence as they drove away. The Prime Minister also visited Westminster Hall and stood for a few minutes in silence.

Some 1 500 wreaths from mourners in every part of the world and of every degree from kings to the poorest of the late King’s subjects, reached Windsor Castle, and all day hundreds more have been arriving.

Queen Mary went to Westminster Hall again this evening and stood before the coffin of the late King for some minutes. The Queen Mother was accompanied by the members of her family as well as by the foreign royalties who are staying at Buckingham Palace. While the Royal party remained the procession of the public was interrupted. Most elaborate preparations have been made to deal with the vast crowds which will mass themselves along the route of the Royal funeral procession. All parts of the route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8 a.m., and the police have arranged for carefully-planned traffic diversions covering areas reaching out to the suburbs. A description of the procession, as well as of the funeral service, will be broadcast to Home and Empire listeners, and commentaries will also be made in five languages for the benefit of foreign listeners. After the service the 8.8. C. will close down at all Home stations for a yest of one day. Cinemas will not open till 6 p.m., by which time it is expected the principal houses will be showing newsreels of the day’s ceremonies. HISTORIC SCENE DINNER AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE LONDON, January 27. (Received January 28, at 1.5 p.m.) There was an historic scene at Buckingham Palace to-night when five Kings sat down to dinner with King Edward. They were; King Haakon of Norway, King Christian of Denmark, King Leopold of Belgium, King Carol of Rumania, and King Boris of Bulgaria. There were also present President Lebrun and all other Royal guests and heads of foreign missions, totalling a company of 50—all men. The dinner was served in the white-and-gold State dining room. The King’s guests wore black knee breeches and silk stockings with evening coats, those of King Edward and other members of the British Royal Family being decorated with gold buttons. The famous service of gold plate was used. Thus King Edward first took his place with his brother monarohs and heads of States as their host. Meantime Queen Mary dined in the Chinese room at the other end of the first floor with Queen Maud of Norway and 10 other British and foreign Royal ladies, while in the household dining room some of King Edward’s suite dined with members of the foreign entourages. The six Kings, after dinner, joined Queen Mary and Queen Maude, and the other Royal ladies. Later King Edward had formally presented) to him the members of the suites of the foreign representatives at present in London. In giving this dinner party King Edward followed the precedent of King George, who entertained the foreign Royalties who came for the funeral of King Edward VII.' The arrival of Royalties earlier in the day provided the spectators with a succession of impressive spectacles at Victoria Station and elsewhere. The last arrival was King Leopold, who looked a handsome figure in a uniform of light khaki, with a crepe armlet, a black tie, a sword draped, and a black sash. Most of the arrivals went to Buckingham Palace, from where, at 5 p.m. five cars, in the first of which was Queen Mary, took them to Westminster Hall, where they spent 20 minutes, DEVOTION TO DUTY 1 ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY'S TRIBUTE (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, January 27. (Received January 28, at noon.) The Archbishop of Canterbury referred to King George’s unswerving devotion to duty, and gave a touching account of the King’s last official act. He said: “Twelve hours before his death, sitting very thin and frail on a chair, he held a meeting of the Privy Council. To tho order constituting a Council of State he gave in his old clear voice the ‘ approved.’ Ho was asked whether he wished to sign the order with his own hand. 1 Yes, 1 have always signed myself,’ he said, but his hands could not grasp the pen. For several moments they moved to and fro across the paper, then, with a most moving act of his old courtesy, he turned to the Council, and said: ‘ I am very sorry to keep you waiting so long.’ After a pause he added: ‘ You see I cannot concentrate.’ For some moments more Kls hands renewed the most gallant and pathetic attempts to sign. At last he was content to make a mark. Then, with his old kindly, kingly smile he bade the Council farewell.” The Primate also recalled a conversation last year in which the late King, “ speaking to me about all those overwhelming evidences of loyalty which the Silver Jubilee called forth, used some words so characteristic of his honesty and humility that I cannot refrain from repeating them. Even in these surroundings I seem to hear him sav them now. ‘ I am sure I cannot

understand it, for, after all, I am only a very ordinary sort of fellow.’ There was truth in those simple words, which he himself could not discern, for the secret of the power of his personality over his people was, I think, that they came to see in him just the sort of man each of them instinctively would wish to be—simple, sincere, frank, a lover of home and of healthy sport, loyal to his friends, setting a high standard of personal life and public duty, steadfast in service, and mindful of his God. Such a man his people understood. They saw in him the simple, sterling virtues which each of them knew to be right for himself. This was the personality which more and more fully as the year passed communicated itself to the people.” NEW ZEALAND'S REPRESENTATION LONDON, January 27. (Received January 28, at 11 a.m.) New Zealand will be represented at the funeral on behalf of the Army by Captains Maxwell and Sugden, and the Navy by Rear-admiral Burgess-Watson and Vice-admiral Geoffrey Blake, KING EDWARD IN AUSTRIA HAPPY REMINISCENCES VIENNA, January 27. (Received January 28, at 1 a.m.) The Deputy Mayor of Vienna, in a newspaper article recalling the King’s visit to a Vienna city tenement last year, significantly mentions a trades union leader who stepped forward and said: “ When you are King pray do not forget the workmen and see that they get bread and peace. You look as though you had the qualifications.” The article relates that on the, same visit the King, addressing school teachers, compared Austrian with Swedish and British educational methods, and showed enthusiasm when- informed of what was regarded as an improvement here on the older methods. CIVIC CCNDQLENGES WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, January 27. The City Council at a special meeting placed on record the deep regret of citizens at the death of King George V., and expressed profound sympathy with the Royal Family. OATH OF LOYALTY CEREMONY OF RESWEARING [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, January 27. The Governor-General (Viscount Galway) and members of the Ministry were resworn at the meeting of the Executive Council to-day.