VIVE LE ROI!

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 20, 25 January 1901, Page 4

VIVE LE ROI!

THE NEW MONARCH PRO CLAIMED.

KING EDWARD THE SEVENTH,

THE DEATH BED SCENE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighi London, Jan. 23.

The Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, is in London summoning the Privy Council, the members of which will swear allegiance to the King. Thereafter the College Heralds will proclaim the new Sovereign at St. James’, and thither the King will go in State to hold audience, at which the Archbishop of London and Bishops of the Anglican Church will be introduced and the Judges will kiss the hand of the King. Parliament at four o’clock swears allegiance to the King, and condoles with him upon the demise of his mother.

It is understood that the King will be crowned Edward VII. The Prince of Wales was much affected when the doctors intimated that his mother had gone. The scene at the deathbed was inexpressibly sad. The Kaiser, who was deeply affected, ministered comfort to his grief-stricken uncle. The Times states that the new King is endowed with most loveable and attractive qualities. Like his great mother, he has a kind heart. With a quick appreciation of his genuine worth, the nation is happy in the confidence that the King will follow in his mother’s footsteps, according at once to the spirit and letter of the Constitution. Moreover, the King adds a perfect tact to a wide knowledge of men, business virtues, and a method of prompt decision, punctuality, and great capacity for work. After the announcement of the death all the city bells tolled, following the deep, strong, mournful note of the great muffled bell of St. Paul’s. The bells of St. Martin’s and Charing Cross were also muffled. Then the bells were unmuffled to welcome the King, and a joyous peal rang out.

HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED'

A NATION IN MOURNING. London, Jan. 23. The people’s breathless fear grew tense and more poignant as each bulletin was published. When the death of Her Majesty was announced the general feeling was one of stunned bewilderment, drowning all expressions of grief and knowledge of the real extent of the nation’s loss. At the usual Hilary term dinner at Gray’s Inn Master Beetham said : “ We must, according to constitutional usage, recite ‘ God Save the King.’ ” The chapel bell then tolled 82 times in honor of the 82 years’ years of the Queen’s life. The health of the new King was then duly honored.

After the death of Her Majesty the Curfew bell at Windsor pealed a knell, also those of the churches in the provinces, at Balmoral, and along the whole

Deesidc. The German Crown Prince has arrived at Osborne.

Her Majesty 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 air. All the Government establishments, shipping, colonial agencies, and public buildings hoisted flags at half-mast. Minute guns were fired at various ports. The Dead March was played upon the organ at the Crystal Palace. Entertainments stopped, and the bells of the Cathedrals and of the churches in the smallest villages tolled. Several French papers ascribe the death to anxiety over the war.

THE QUEEN’S LAST MOMENTS.

SOME TOUCHING INCIDENTS.

The news was broken to the Empress Frederick, who is bearing up bravely. The effect upon her, however, is still greatly feared. Noon on Tuesday was the first time since Saturday that the Queen was conscious. She recognised her family, and asked for her favorite Pomerian dog. When fetched, she fondled it for a moment, and then talked a little with Princesses Louise and Beatrice. Almost her last request was for a member of the household.' She relapsed into unconsciousness before this, and during the course of the day she spoke to or recognised all her closest relations.

The instant tho. Queen was dead all the family knelt and kissed the Prince of Wales’ hand, in token of fealty. There is universal grief throughout the United Kingdom. President McKinley has cabled the King America’s sinccrcst sympathy at the loss of the venerable and illustrious Sovereign, whose noble life and beneficent influence have promoted peace and won tho affection of the world.

The House of Representatives of the United States passed a unanimous resolution expressive of profound sorrow, and adjourned, as a sign •of respect to her memory.)

Sydney, Jan. 24. Lord Hopctoun has forwarded personal condolences to the King. Similar messages have gone from the Commonwealth and State. AJI the foreign Consuls communicated their regrets to the Governor-General.

The only effect the demise of the Queen will have on the institutions of the colony is that members of Parliament and the Commonwealth Ministry will be required to swear allegiance to the King.