The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1881-06-24
Webster's Visit to Queen Victoria.


August 5, 1889. AFTER the introduce
tion Of the Dukes (it being considered
etiquette to do SOY, we left our names
on the visiting list of the different
members of the royal family on Friday
last, instead of leaving card, which is
never done in this case The porter at
the gate produces the visiting 1hook.
which is handed in the carriage. to which
we added our names.
Mr.. and Mrs. Webster are to-day to
have the honor of dinning with her
majesty. Julia and myself lave re-
ceived royal command to appear at
small party at the palace afterward.
Mr.. Rogers has been sitting with us
and we enjoyed for an hour his delight
full conversation. Declining an invita-
ton from the Dowager Lady Charlie
vile, and punctually at three o'clock.
the hour named, Julia and myself left
our lodging for Buckingham Palace.
Alone and unattended, except, of
course, by our footman, we approached
the royal residence, guarded about the
porticos by "Yeoman of the Guard
We entered and ascended the grand and
stately marble staircase with no other
companions than its numerous attend
ants ranged on each side, even to the
majesty was. Mr.. Webster and Mr..
Charles Murry were awaiting our ar
rival at the doorway. The Lord
Chamberlain instantly advanced and
s;gnifed briefly that it was the queens
pleasure we should Immediately ap-
proach the royal presence and make our
devoirs. This we did in the best way
we were able, the Qneen in the most
gracious manner acknowledging our
courtesies, and pronouncing in loud
and distinct voice our separate names.
I soon perceived by certain emotions
that something was about to occur.
Lady Forbes and others, who were near
me at the doorway, instantly retreated
zen face" into the adjoining room and
formed line on each side. Through
this the Lord Chamberlain appeared,
backing forward, followed by others in
Office about the household. Soon the
Queen appeared, and from the opposite
gallery, into which he had backed, ap-
peared the royal family, including the
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and
Princess Augusta. Theya advanced,
placed themselves in line, and her mai
esty embraced them all, kissing each.
She then passed on, saluting others
stationed each side, and entered the
dancing room. The throne room was
the dancing room; the Queen commenced
the first with the hereditary Duke of
SAKE Weimar. Her majesty was dressed
with great simplicity, in white tulle
over white satin, trimmed with pink
diamond necklace looped behind in the
braids of her hair, and diamond fen
iere. Mrs. Webster appeared to have
enjoyed the royal dinner. Two bands
were playing in adjoining apart
ments. The Queen was first helped
on all occasions. At the close
of the dinner the Queens health
was drank, ali standing, she alone sitting
and bowling all around during the cere
mony. Mr.. Webster had long con-
yersation with her majesty, and thought
her intelligent and agreeable. She is
also said to be energetic and with a de-
cided will of her own. On recent oc-
casion she thus replied to Lords Mel
bourne and Palmerston, who were urging
her on some point to which she was
averse:
"What is the use of being queen if
one cannot do as one likes ?"
Her majesty appeared to highly enjoy
the dance, and was ready with her little
foot forward to commence the first mo-
ment the music sounded. As the Prjn-
cess Victoria, she was celebrated for her
charming singing with the pianoforte,
but as queen these accomplishments are
considered as undignifed, and Ler voice
is now heard only in the privacy of her
own closet, and never in the drawing
rooms of the Palace, as sformerly.-[ Mrs.
Pages Diary, in the Dartmouth.
APPOINTED ATTORNEY.