Connecticut western news., 1897-06-24

ever witnessed before. Though mary races and many tongues participated. the dominant and absorbing expression was English, and the glory was Eng lands. Peers and cummoners. masters and workmen, millionalres and the null titude were welded by a tremendous force. This concentration of loyalty from the remotest corners of the earth Into one wild. frantic mass of patriotic enthusiasm had an effect upon observ- CTS which can he likened to nothing so much as to the north and south cleo triied by the first gun fired at Fort Sumter or by the. Seventh regiment marching down BroadEay to the de- fense of the capital
 The enthusiasm and shouting were far different from those evoked by the triumphal procession of a Roman con- queror. Men and women eagerly ex- pressed to each other md emphasized to foreigners as the culunials marched by that they were not captives chained to the chariot of their conqueror. but willing subjects. free citizens of our worldwide empire. following their SOW ereign.'
 Panorama of Power.
 White. yellow and black soldiers dropped by. each accelerating and in- creasing the tidal wave of enthusiasm and presenting a panorama of power unequaled In history. The seeds of this power were in the American Revolution, and it expanded into this wonderful spectacle by the principles of self gov ernment so triumphantly indicated by the founders of the United States. The sovereign and the British statesmen who believed the colonies should be gov a.aI | .,l F..- gl benefit of the mother country lost for England the American colonies, and the sovereign and statesmen, taught by our success. who have left 10 each settle ment absolute independence and home rule. have builded upon these founda- lions and have vastly strengthened by this reunion the British federation of empire.
 Among the American spectators there was no jealousy nor stint of praise and applause. We could both glory in the vitality and virility of the mother country and rejoice nightly. We were not marching in the process sion, but We were present as the proud equals in all that constitutes free peo- pie and a great nation.
 "It was pleasing to note our neighbors of Canada. They easily took the lead among the colonials. and the fact that the province of Quebec was in re- bellion when Victoria came to the throne and that her premier now here. is a Frenchman and a Catholic appeal ed to English imagination. That the descendants of Montcalm and his coun- trymen should vie with the children of Wolfe and his soldiers in their loyalty and that Canada has made beginning by favoring Great Britain as against other nations in her tariff have touched both the British heart and pocket.
 Likened to the Ovation to Washington.
 Il can conjure no tribute like the popular ovation given to the queen ever being given to any human being, ex- cept the reception to Washington by the people on his way from Mount Yer non to New York to assume the posi- ton of first president of the United States. Respect. reverence. love or gratitude are words too tame. and there is no intermediate expression between them and adoration. This practical age dces not worship: but, leaving out the idea of divinity, this greeting to the queen and empress is its equivalent. That she was deeply moved Is evident: but she seemed more absorbed by the insignificance of the event than con- scious of her past. Therein she im- pressed me as proud and happy with this grand tribute of her. but at the same time sharing with them the uni versal joy in the thought of both ops pressed and elevated that there has not been such so years in recorded time that all nations have enjoyed its bene. fits and blessings and none more than our own. But for this time and place tha nrnud only saw what Grpnf Rt.ita m has gained during her reign and ac. corded praise therefor to her. Her reign has been a period of emancipa- ton in English history. The preroga- tives of the throne have diminished. and by her rule and conduct its power has so increased that this welcome came with such acclaim and unanimity from the free people, governing themselves who gave it its might and majesty. Making due allowance for the exal- tation of the hour. Victoria will occupy a great place in the history of the nine | teenth century. Her influence for peace | has been of momentous consequence to Great Britain. Europe and civilization. "She has always been. cordial In her friendships and anxious for the loftiest relationship with the United States | Her messages. sweet, tender and wo- manly. to the widow of Lincoln and the wife of dying Garfield gave her a warm welcome and a permanent memory in our American homes, In estimating her | influence We must picture what might have occurred with d warlike or cor rupt sovereign and recognize her power | of accommodating force of Go years of l wisdom as a ruler and as the best ex- ample as woman. wife and mother"