JOYOUS LOYALTY

Evening Star, Issue 22648, 14 May 1937, Page 9

JOYOUS LOYALTY

Coronation of the King Demonstration of National UnityAll Misgivings Dispelled Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON, May 13. Major Herbert Peebles, in the ‘ Daily Telegraph,’ says; “We have a King and Queen worth homage, respect, loyalty, and love. As they acknowledged yesterday the crowd’s salutations they seemed to return smile for smile, and blessing for blessing. Their personal devotion to one another as they rode side by side was delightful to witness, and, as both shared the day’s triumph, so each for the other halved its burden. Any misgivings regarding the future that lingered in nervous minds can now he regarded as effec tually dispelled by yesterday’s manifcstation of joyous loyalty. We now know in our inmost souls that the King and Queen will never fail their peoples. Let’s see to it that we fail neither them nor ourselves.”

The ‘ Daily Herald ’ says: “It is as an overwhelming demonstration of national unity that yesterday will he remembered in British history. In totalitarian States national demonstrations are demonstrations of one creed over all other?. They are demonstrations of a Government, whereas yesterday’s was a demonstration of a people that is an answer to those critics of the - Coronation who object to it because they say it represents sham unity which does not exist. The King is neither a dictator nor a party man. He is a constitutional King in a parliamentary democracy.”

HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN'S PARTIES ' ' • LONDON, May 13. Nothing in the festivities was comparable with the simple pleasures east of Aldgate and south of the Thames, where hundreds of children’s parties were carried out in public streets, halls, and schools. Every youngster was decked in a red, white, and blue costume, some in paper ones, which were a sorry ruin after the rain, but the kiddies did not care. THE LITTLE PRINCESSES A CHARMING PICTURE LONDON. May 13. A vividly written description of the Abbey service by Lady Oxford says: “ A lovely little scene was enacted shortly before their Majesties entered. The Princess Royal entered, leading by the hand the two little Princesses, both wearing short purple trains trimmed with ernrue over little white frocks, with white shoes to match. I could hear a whisper all round: ‘How sweet they look.’ They sat down very quietly and well-behaved to await the arrival of their grandmother. , When Queen Mary arrived, a truly regal figure, she stooped and, taking each of the little Princesses by the hand, walked up the steps of the Royal box overlooking the altar, and so passed from our sight. The King’s marvellous, gravity, his dignity and simplicity, and his movements touched everyone. I was surprised to notice when the Royal couple walked up the steps to the two chairs of State that the Queen took a seat at least two steps lower than the King’s. Ido not know why there was this difference. It made me think of some oriental rites where woman takes a lower place than man. The Queen made a lovely figure —so quiet, and so self-possessed.”

ABBEY TO REMAIN OPEN

LONDON, May 13, (Received May 14, at 11 a.m.)

The Abbey will be open to the public until June 5, thus enabling inspection of the thrones on the payment of a small charge. A GERMAN IMPRESSION NO MERE FORMALITY LONDON, May 13. A German impression of the ceremony was given by the correspondent of the ‘ Allgemeine Zeitnng,’ who states: “ The foreigner who witnessed the spectacle felt that more than mere traditional formalities were observed, that a new pact between the King and his people was made, and simultaneously, a new pact between the peoples of the British Empire. Never before did those millions participate so directly in the Coronation ceremony as in this age of- broadcasting, and when the Archbishop of Canterbury placed the Crown on the King’s head it was as though the hands of millions of British subjects throughout the world held it. The

beauty of the procession into the Abbey was virtually overwhelming, and more than one spectator watched it with tears in their eyes.” GREAT INTEREST IN AMERICA EVIDENCE OF DEEP GOODWILL NEW YORK, May 12. The extraordinary interest of America in the Coronation is reflected in accounts spreading over many pages of newspapers, wide and lengthy radio broadcasts, and the general comment of the people. In addition many fetes and celebrations were held in the larger communities throughout the country. Editorial comment, while not without reference to Edward, has been generally dignified and respectful, the more responsible journals referring to the common heritage of England and America, noting the striking unity of the Empire and stressing that unity is an assurance of the peace of the world. The Americans are obviously interested in the minutest detail of the ceremonies, which newspapers are reproducing completely, while radio companies estimate that 75,000,000 persons listened to the. broadcasts, which began at 1 o’clock in the morning and lasted 24 hours. In many large cities taxicabs equipped with radios and loud-speakers were broadcasting London accounts of the proceedings on the streets, and night clubs, schools, and institutions generally made it impossible for anyone at any time and anywhere to miss any of the details. Comment heard generally by journalists in direct contact with the people, moreover, showed deep goodwill on the part of Americans towards the Monarch and the British people. Prayers were said in many churches throughout the country, especially in St. John’s Cathedral, New York, and Washington Cathedral. Many dinners and balls were given by the Englishspeaking Union. A banquet in New York was attended by 1,000 people, and a ball by 5,000. Sir Ronald Lindsay gave a garden party at the Er-’ ;sy. Thousands of speeches on various affairs emphasised Anglo-American friendship. CANADA'S CELEBRATIONS THOUSANDS OF MEMORIAL TREES PUNTED OTTAWA, May 13. In Canada the services included, a meeting in the square at Parliament Hill, Ottawa, which was attended by 50,000 people. Addresses of loyalty and devotion were delivered by Lord Tweedsmuir and other officials. Church services were held everywhere, while there were parades and ceremonies in hundreds of towns and villages, and regal salutes boomed from batteries in many places. Boy Scouts lighted a chain of fires from Halifax to Vancouver. Thousands of memorial trees were planted, and in border towns the ceremonies in many cases were attended by neighbouring American mayors and other officials, including the Governor of Michigan.

Coronation observances were also held in Bermuda and other British Western Hemisphere possessions, where addresses of loyalty were delivered and there were military parades, pageants, and balls.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL FLYING BOAT PASSENGERS HEAR SERVICE LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 11.15 a.m.) The Crown Jewels were taken back to the Tower of London from Westminster Abbey early this, morning. Telegrams poured into Buckingham Palace from an early hour to-day, more than 4,000 being received by noon. An official of the Westminster City Council stated that 200 tons of litter were removed from three miles of the Coronation route. Ten thousand Londoners used telephones as alarm clocks yesterday morning, instructing the exchanges the previous night to call them, the majority between 2 and 4 a.m. Passengers in the flying boats Castor, ' Courtier, and Cassiapeia, operating the Australian service, heard the Coronation service fully while living at three miles a minute.

KING'S MESSAGE OF THANKS

GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO PLANNED SUCCESS LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 9.50 a.m.) Tlie King, in a message from the Palace at the conclusion of the ceremonies in London, said: The Queen and 1 wish to express our deep gratitude to all who contributed to their successful accomplishment, both inside and outside Westminster Abbey. We know well that the planning, no less than the execution, of the essential arrangements entailed months of careful preparation and 'imposed an immense volume of work on the branches of the Public Services. I have nothing but praise for the fine bearing and discipline of the representatives of my Naval, Military, and Air Forces. It was a special satisfaction to me that they included so many splendid detachments from overseas forces, whoso presence here we all welcome.

The message proceeds to commend the police, and refers to the orderliness and good humour of the crowds. It pays tribute to the members of the ambulance brigades, Red Cross, and Boy Scouts, and then concludes: “ Finally, we would like to say how greatly we admired the decorations in the streets. We congratulate the responsible authorities and the houseand we are touched by the thought that throughout the country so much care had been devoted by our people to decorating their homes in celebration, of this day. For all the help so willingly given to ensure the success of the ceremonies the Queen and I tender our heartfelt thanks. “ (Signed) George R.1.”-‘ 6URPRISE DRIVE THROUGH NORTH LONDON GREAT OVATION FOR THEIR MAJESTIES LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 10 a.m.) Their Majesties went for a surprise drive this afternoon in a closed limousine through North London over a route 14} miles dong. The crowd outside the Palace was most excited when their Majesties appeared. The car had to slow down as the cheering people rushed forward. There were also amazing scenes in Clerkenwell road, where the crowd burst through the police cordon and surrounded the car.

MRS LYONS'S HONOUR

The King wore morning dress and the Queen a light fawn two-piece dress with a fur to match. The Royal car was preceded by a police car and was followed by police officers in a motor lorry as a precaution against pressure. The weather was dull and chilly. The car was several times almost brought to a standstill. Many in the crowd lost their hats. The Queen seemed apprehensive for the children in the crush. The car took 20 minutes to traverse one short street. Their Majesties returned to the Palace at 4.20 p.m. after a two hours’ drive. PRODIGIOUS RALLY • PARIS COMMENT ON EMPIRE UNITY PARIS, May 13. (Received May 14, at 9.50 a.m.) The morning papers see in the Coronation a new manifestation of the unity and stability of the British Empire. The ‘ Petit Journal ’ says: The spiritual power of the British monarchy remains intact.

‘ L’Ami du Peuple ’ says: Those who speculate on the weakness of the British Empire are astonished at its prodigious rally.

TO MOUNT GUARD AT PALACE

ANOTHER HONOUR FOR AUSTRALIANS LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 9.50 a.m.) ■ The Australian Associated Press learns that it is practically certain that the Australian contingent will again mount guard for 24 hours at Buckingham Palace. It is gathered that the King was most disappointed that rain marred the occasion on May 10, while the contingent is anxious for another chanqe. An announcement is expected shortly from Mr Lyons. ARRANGEMENT CANCELLED LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 1.5 p.m.) Owing to the difficulty of altering their own itinerary, coupled with the difficulty of rearranging the Buckingham Palace programme, it has been decided to cancel the Australian contingent’s further guard changing plans.

S FAMILY PARTY HAPPY ROYAL FUNCTIOH AFTER CEREMONY (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, May 13. (Received May 14, at noon.) It was officially .stated at Buckingham Palace that the King and Queen were not unduly tired by their arduous day yesterday, and were both in the best of spirits. On their return to the Palace, after they had rested for an hour, they joined other members of the Royal family, and there was a happy party before the King made his world broadcast. The Duke of Connaught was reported to be much better yesterday. Although the absence of buses caused inconvenience to many hundreds of

CHEERING THOUSANDS

thousands who attended yesterday’s Coronation procession, the transport arrangements worked without hitch. To some extent this was duo to the fact that scores of thousands remained in London overnight, and others from the suburbs travelled on foot. DISCORDANT NOTE IN DUBLIN STATUES BLOWN UP DUBLIN, May 13. The chief Coronation excitement consisted of the blowing up of the equestrian statue of George 11. on St. Stephen’s Green and the statue of William 111. on College Green. High explosive was used, but only the stone bases of both statues were damaged.

Loud cheers greeted the burning of the Union Jack at a meeting of exmembers of the 1.R.A.,. 400 of whom held a procession in the streets, demanding complete independence. They cut the telephone and telegraph wires and isolated Londonderry on Coronation morning. Wires crossing the border of Ulster near Strabano were also cut. Nevertheless, a Free State band and Boy Scouts carrying a Union Jack participated in the Strabane celebrations. POLICE SEARCHING NEIGHBOURHOOD DUBLIN, May 13, (Received May 14, at 10 a.m.) It now appears that the statue of George 11. was blown from its pedestal and badly damaged. Windows in adjacent buildings were shattered, but fortunately no one was injured. Police flying squads rushed up and found a dump of guns and ammunition. They are at present intensively searching the neighbourhood. NEW GEDRGE VI. STAMPS RECORD FIRST DAY SALE LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at noon.) Reports from all parts of the country indicate that probably 38,000,000 new George VI. stamps were soldi today, when they were for the first time made available to the public. The previous record for a first-day sale was 37,000,000 Jubilee stamps.

CHARMING GESTURE BY KING LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 11 a.m.) A charming gesture by the King will enable Mrs Lyons to be Dame Enid tonight, whereby she will be able to wear her decoration at the State banquet. The King summoned her to the palace in the afternoon, when he personally conferred the G.B.E. THE STATE BANQUET A BRILLIANT AFFAIR LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 12.10 p.m.) Buckingham Palace, scene of a brilliant State banquet in honour of the dominion Prime Ministers and Ministers and Canadian Provincial and Australian State Premiers, was again the magnet for crowds. All the Coronation stands near by were full of sightseers before dusk to await the guests’ arrival.

Queen Mary, Queen Maud, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Indian princes, and foreign envoys were all warmly greeted. Their Majesties stood together in the stateroom shaking hands with their guests. The King wore a Field-Mar-shal’s uniform and the Queen looked' lovely in a dress of ivory lace. After the reception their Majesties led the procession to the dining room, where the dazzling splendour of the function was a fitting climax to yesterday’s great occasion. The 450 guests were divided between the white and gold ballroom and the supper room. The King presided at a great central oval table in the first room, with the guests, 12 at each table, grouped in. the shape of a horseshoe around him. The tables were laid with State gold plate and massive gold cups and goblets. The Queen presided at a separate gathering of guests in the supper room, where the tables were similarly arranged.

KING AND QUEEN APPEAR ON BALCONY LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 1.30 p.m.) One hundred thousand people outside the Palace cheered and called for the King and were rewarded at 10.35 p.m. when their Majesties appeared in the centre of the balcony and stood alone under the arc-lights for three minutes bowing and smiling while the crowd roared its greetings. Later, to the response of further cheers, they reappeared twice.

OVER FIVE MILLION PASSENGERS

CARRIED BY UNDERGROUND RAILWAYS LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 11 a.m.) The underground railways, without a single accident, carried 5,669,000 passengers during the 46 hours’ continuous service ending at 2.30 p.m. today. All trains were within four minutes of their scheduled times.

MERELY MENTIONED IN ITALY ROME, May 13. The Italian newspapers published only the official Stefani Agency’s announcement: “The Coronation of King George of England took place this morning.” ____ EXTRAVAGANT ALLEGATIONS ROME, May 13. (Received May 14, at 1.5 p.m.) The Italian Press excels itself in extravagant efforts to discredit the Coronation. One newspaper a message from Paris under the following headlines: “Series of disasters during Coronation of George Vl.——Hospitals overflowing with wounded—lncidents, brawls, and arrests —Popular manifestations against British Imperialism— Numerous dead.” REMARKABLE STORIES ITALIAN PRESS NO LONGER SILENT ROME, May 13. (Received May 14, at 11.15 a.m.) The newspapers, which boycotted the Coronation yesterday, print some remarkable stories to-day. They describe army officers as holding a demonstration near Whitehall at midnight in favour of the Duke of Windsor. They feature the anti-British riots in Dublin and represent a small strike riot in a British factory at Shanghai as an anti-Coronation incident. SPECTACULAR SCENES LONDON, May 13. (Received May 14, at 2 p.m.) The west end was again thronged with sightseers. The Coronation costume ball in the Royal Albert Hall was one of the most brilliant spectacles of the season. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended after the State banquet, and those present included Princess Juliana and Prince Beynhard Lippe-Biesterfeld, Prince and Princess Chichibu, and other visiting royalties. Twenty-thousand people were stirred are the drum and .fife bands and the band of the Brigade of Guards beat the tattoo in the floodlit square of the Horse Guards’ parade, in which fullydressed massed bands marched and counter-marched until the National Anthem brought everything to a statuesque close. Afterwards, while the floodlights were dimmed, the ‘ Last Post ’ was sounded by buglers high up in the clock towex 1 .