THE QUEEN'S ILLNESS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4262, 23 January 1901, Page 5

THE QUEEN'S ILLNESS

CABLE NEWS.

■JNiTED PRESS ASSOCIATION. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.

AN EMPIRE’S GREAT SORROW. SYMPTOMS OF HER AIAJESTY. SILENT PRAYER IN CHURCH AND CHAPEL. PUBLIC APPREHENSION. GATHERING OF THE ROYAL FAMILY. LONDON, January 21. There is great reticence at Osborne regarding tho character of the relapse which her Alajesty suffered. Insomnia is admittedly a great trouble, and drowsiness in the day time is an ominous sign. Her Alajesty was sleeping at G o’clock in the evening, but a bulletin issued at midnight has deepened the public misgivings. “The Times” says that no bulletin can convey the precise impression in the minds of the skilled observers on die spot. “All our hopes and fetars,” it addsn “are based on very imperfect knowledge.’’ Tho “Daily Chronicle” states that the Rector of Whippingham, the parish church of Osborne, adjoining the estate, was summoned at midnight. Tiie “Daily Alail” says that silent prayer is being offered in a number of churches and chapels, but is broken hy half-stifled sobs. In tho streets friends meet and aro speechless, but make a strong effort to hope for the best. LONDON, January 21 (12.45 p.m.\

The latest bulletin issued by tne Court physicians states that her Alajesty has had some sleep, after which she rallied slightly. The symptoms that are occasioning most anxiety point to a local obstruction of the circulation of the blood through the brain.

It is now admitted that the Queen’s health has caused anxiety among her entourage for the last three months. Her Alajesty has slowly succumbed to the strain of the past year. Renewed tension was caused by the loss of her relations, and the illness of the Empress Frederick, who is lying ill at Friedrichshcf.

Some weeks ago the Queen began to retire to rest earlier than usual, and was often sleepless. Her appetite failed her, but it improved slightly at Osborne. About two o’clock this morning the Queen became comatose, and fearing the worst the family surrounded the bedside. However, the patient rallied at 5 o’clock and partook of food. The Emperor William, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and the Duke of Connaught left Victoria Station for Osborne at eight o’clock. Her Alajesty is being nursed by the Queen’s dressers, not by trained nurses. The departure of the Duke of Albany, who succeeded to the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Ooburg on the death of ids uncle, Prince Alfred, has been countermanded.

The Duke of York was shooting when .he was summoned. On arriving in London he postponed his departure till his father’s return to Osborne. The Princess of Wales and Princess Christian of Denmark (her Majesty’s second surviving daughter, Princess Helena), with their invaluable experience, are constant in their devotion to the Queen. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales was in London yesterday to welcome his nephew the German ErnperoV. In replying to the Court officials he made a statement implying that no unfavourable turn had taken place in the Queen’s condition. “You see,” he said, by way of reassurance, “they have allowed me 'o come to London.”

LORD SALISBURY AT OSBORNE. ANXIETY IN LONDON. LONDON, January 21 (1.45 p.m.) The Prime Minister (Lord Salisbury) and the Eight Hon. C. T. Ritchie, Home Secretary, have been summoned to Osborne House, Isle of Wight, where Her Majesty lies. Dr Thomas Barlow, Physician-Extra-ordinary to the Queen, has also arrived at Osborne. Scores of pressmen, representing the journals of Great Britain, are waiting in the vicinity of the gates of Osborne House for news as to the Royal patient’s progress. . In London, the anxiety is so great that business is virtually at a standstill, and crowds are continually waiting about the Mansion House (the Lord Mayor’s official residence) to scan the bulletins as they are issued.

MANIFESTATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS OP SYMPATHY. MESSAGE FROM LORD RANPURLY. t SYDNEY, January 22. Mr Seddon informed an interviewer that ho was depressed and saddened by the grave news concerning the Queen's health. He prayed Divine Providence, whom we alone can trust, that our beloved Monarch may he spared a few years. All the preparations connected with the visit of the Duke of York mbt the visit' of the Duke and Duchess of York have been suspended, and the festivities in connection with the visit of tho Imperial troops cancelled. (Received January 22, 5.33 p.m.) MELBOURNE, January 22. The Hon J. Carroll has cabled to the Agent-General on behalf of himself and Maonlanders, expressing the, deepest sorrow at the serious illness of “Our W lute Mother.” (Received. January 22, 9.44 p.m.) LONDON, January 21. the Bishop of Winchester remained throughout Sunday pight at Osborne. Hundreds of notabilities have insenbed their names in the callers’ book at Buckingham Palace. Many City men participated in an ordinary morning service at St. Paul’s. The coUect was “For all Sorts and Conditions ot Men, - introducing mention of the U.UGOU. Mr Kruger has sent a message of sympathy with the Queen. . ' The Pope, through Cardinal Vaughan has expressed his earnest solicitude. ’ Many teldgram* have been received from the Czar, Indian princes and diplomatists. (Received January 23, 0.34 a.m ) MELBOURNE, January 22. Mr Seddon has received a reply to his message of sympathy stating that the. Secretary of State for the Colonies has been desired to express the gratitude of .the Prince and Princess of Wales for I the .kind message. ■ ■

THE KAISER AT OSBORNE.

(Received January 22, 7.24 p.m.) LONDON, 'January 22. Yesterday afternoon the Kaiser and the Dpke of Connaught, in company with the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, visited the Seamen’s Home at East Cowes, containing invalided soldiers from the front, whom the Queen visited on New Year’s Day. The Kaiser sleeps at Osborne to-night, and the family of the Duke of Connaught at Osborne Lodge. ' In view of the Queen’s grave condition, officials are preparing the Roval apartments at Windsor and also at St. James’s Palace in readiness for any sudden return of'the Court. The crowds at Osborne at respectfully silent and unobtrusive.

THE LATEST BULLETIN. A GLIAIAIER OF HOPE. (Received January 22, 3.27 p.m.) LONDON, January 21. A bulletin issued at 5 o’clock states that the slight improvement in the Queen’s condition has been maintained. [This message was despatched from London at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.] (Received January 22, 5.29 p.m.) LONDON, January 22. A bulletin issued at midnight states that there is no material change. The improvement of the morning has been maintained throughout tha day. Food was taken fairly well, and some tranquil sleep secured. (Received January 22, 7.24 p.m.) LONDON, January 22. There is a slight improvement in the Queen’s condition this afternoon. She awoke from a refreshing sleep at four o'clock, and took some champagne and slight nourishmelnt. She saw and spoke feebly to the Kai. ser and the Duke of Connaught, botli on leaving being visibly touched. At five o’clock her Alajesty fell asleep in the arms of the Princess of Wales, and enjoyed further sleep. It was unofficially stated at ten o clock that thd Queen was, if anything, a little better, justifying a_ glimmer of hope. She suffers little pain. (Received January 22, 8.28 p.m.) LONDON. January 22. The doctors in attendance on the. Queen pumped oxygen, into the room occupied by her Majesty, with refreshing results. . Dr Barrow, an authority on cerebral affections, has signed a bulletin declaring that no further loss of strength, has been apparent in u.s Royal patient hut an announcement that there is a brain lesion has intensified the alarm. According to an outside medical man, her Majesty’s illness is due to thrombosis—a clot on the brain.

THE ASPECT SERIOUS. (Received January 23, 0,26 a.m.) ' ‘ LONDGF, January 22. It was announced from Osborne at 8 o’clock this morning that the Queen’s strength is dimimsfiing, and that the aspect is serious. (Received January 23, 2.45 a.m.) LONDON, January 22 (11 a.m.) The Bishop of Winchester* and the rector of Whippingham have been summoned to the Queen’s bedside. DUNFiRN. January 22. Lord Eaufurly arrived by express from South this evening. In consequence of her Majesty’s illness lid has cancelled all engagements, including a driving tour through Central Otago. For the same reason he will not take part to-morrow in tho reception of the troopers returning from South Africa, bub will leave for Wellington by the express. His Excellency has forwarded tlie following, message to the Secretary of State: —“Myself, Ministers and people of’ new Zealand deeply regret her Majesty’s illness, and with gravest anxiety await favourable telegrams.”

GISBORNE, January 22. The Borough Council to-night in si. leuce passed a resolution earnestly hoping that the Queen may have renewed health. NEW PLYMOUTH, January 22. Great anxiety is evinced over the Queterfs illness. Special services are being held. AUCKLAND, January 22; At a meeting of the Devonport Borough Council it was resolved that the Council join with the people of all nations in prayer to Providence yet to spare the Queen to reign over otir great Empire. At a meeting of the Onehmiga Borough Council, the Mayor referred in feeling terms to the state of The Queen's health. The Council adjourned as a mark of sorrow. The following telegram has been received by the Acting-Premier, the Hou. J, G. Ward:—We, the Arawa tribe, now assembled, deeplj r grieve to hear of the serious illness of our Sovereign Queen Victoria! We frequently hope that God in His infinite mercy will prolong her life. (Signed) Te Heuheu, Keepa, Rangipunihu, Tupara, Tokoaitua, for the tribe. A short intercessory service for the recovery of the Queen, will be held in St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, Mulgrave atrelet, this evening and on Thursday and Friday at 8 o’clock. A service was held in the Synagogue, Wellington terrace, last evetning, and will be repeated every evening during the crisis.

A PRAYER FOR THE QUEEN. (By John Young.) Almighty and Eternal God, We bow beneath Thy chastening rod And low before Thee fall. In answer to Thv people’s prayer. Our gracious Sovereign spare, oh, spare! In mercy unto all. Give her Thino utmost grace to know. And turn aside the fatal blow. Thy power, triumphant wield. Divert the fell dart’s hurtling force. Place in the grim Destroyer’s course Thine adamantine shield. But if, "at Thy effective nod,’’ t She needs must tread the fatal road. Upbear her, through the sullen flood. Where Death’s dark waters roll. Sustained by Thy inspiring ray. Through realms of purer light, she may On angels’ pinions cleave her way And gain the immortal goal.