ILLNESS OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.

Southland Times, Issue 14852, 23 January 1901, Page 2

ILLNESS OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.

A SLIGHT RALLY. INTENSE PUBLIC ANXIETY. THE CHANGE HAS‘BREN OBSERVED FOR MONTHS. GLIMMER OF HOPE. (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. ) London, Jan. 21. The latest bulletin states that the Queen slightly rallied after sleep. The symptoms occasioning most anxiety point to a local obstruction of the brain circulation. Lord Salisbury and Mr Ritchie have been summoned to Osborne. Dr. Barlow, the Queen’s physician, has also arrived. Scores of pressmen are at the gates of Osborne Castle and immense crowds at the Mansion House awaiting bulletins. Business is at a standstill. It is now admitted that the Queen’s health has caused anxiety in her entoiirat/e for the last three months. She slowly succumbed to the strain of the past year, and renewed tension was caused by the loss of relations and the illness of Empress Frederick (the Princess Royal). Some weeks ago the Queen began to retire to rest earlier than usual. She was often sleepless and her appetite failed, but improved slightly at Osborne.

About two this morning the Queen became comatose. Fearing the worst the family surrounded the bedside. However, the patiept rallied at five o’clock and partook of food. The Queen is being nursed by her dressers, no trained nurses being engaged. LATER. THE QUEEN’S STRENGTH UNABATED, BUT BRAIN LESION DIAGNOSED. KRUGER PROFESSES SYMPATHY. London, Jan. 21. (Despatched 21st, 6 p.m.) Received 22nd, 3.27 p.m. A bulletin issued at five o’clock reported that the slight improvement in her Majesty’s condition was maintained. Jan. 22. Received 22nd, 5.20 p.m. A bulletin at midnight stated that there was no material change, but the slight improvement of the morning was maintained throughout tlie day; food was taken fairly well, and some tranquil sleep secured. Received 22nd, 7.24 p.m. There was a slight improvement in the afternoon. The Queen awoke from a refreshing sleep at four o’clock, took some champagne and slight nourishment and saw and spoke feebly to the Kaiser and the Duke of Connaught, both leaving visibly touched. At five o’clock her Majesty fell asleep in the arms of the Princess of Wales and enjoyed further sleep. It was unofficially stated at 10 o’clock that the Queen was, if anything, a little better, justifying a glimmer of hope. She suffers little pain. Yesterday afternoon the Kaiser, the Duke of Connaught, 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. In view of the Queen’s grave condition the officials are preparing the Royal apartments at Windsor, also at St. James Palace in readiness for any sudden return of the Court. The crowds at Osborne are respectfully silent an unobtrusive. Received 22nd, 8.38 p.m. The doctors pumped oxygen into the Queen’s room and her sleep at dawn proved refreshing. Dr. Barrow, an authority on cerebral affections, lias signed a bulletin declaring that there has been no further loss of strength, but the announcement of brain lesion lias intensified alarm. Received 22ud, 9.44 p.m. Mr Kruger has sent a message expressing sympathy for the Queen, and his Holiness the Pope, through Archbishop Vaughan, has expressed an earnest solicitude, Many telegrams have been received from the Czar, Indian Princes, and diplomatists. The City Stock Exchange is depressed: Co.isols 96J. The Bishop of Winchester remained throughout Sunday night at Osborne. According to the opinion of outside medical men her Majesty’s illness is due to thrombosis—blood clot on the brain. LATEST. AGAIN GLOOM AND GRIEF. London, Jan. 22. Received 23rd, 12.26 a.m. Osborne, 8 a.m.—There are signs that the Queen’s strength is diminishing and the aspect is serious. [URGENT]. “ London, Jan. 22. (Despatched 11 a.m.) Received 23rd, 2.45 a.m. The Bishop of Winchester and the Rector of Whippinghum haye been summoned to the Queen’s bedside. IN THE COLONIES. Sydney, Jan. 22. All preparations connected with the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York have been suspended, and festivities in connection with the Imperial troops cancelled. The National Anthem was sung by Musgrove’s Opera Company last night. There are profound expressions of sorrow throughout all the States. Melbourne, Jan. 2'2. Received 23rd, 12.35 a.m. Mr Seddon has received a reply to his cable of sympathy. Mr Chamberlain desires to express the gratitude of the Prince and Princess of Wales for the kind message. [By Telegraph.] Dunedin, Jan. 22JJ3 His Excellency lias forwarded the 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.”— Ranfubly. Wellington, Jan. 22. The following telegram has been received by Mr Ward, signed by leading chiefs of the Arawa tribe“ Deeply grieved to hear of the serious illness of our. Sovereign, Queen Victoria. We fervently hope that God in his infinite mercy will prolong her life.”

Archbishop Redwood has directed that a special prayer be offered for the recovery of her Majesty in all Catholic churches in his diocese.