Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-06-21
THE QUEENS JUBILEE.

ously injured.
THE QUEENS JUBILEE.
Queen Victoria began the celebration
of her jubilee yesterday, before the al
tar of her faith. Throughout London,
the United Kingdom and the empire,
in every cathedral, church or chapel OF
the established Church of England,
were held services similar to those a!
St. Georges Chapel, Windsor, where
her Majesty paid her devotions, and
offered solemn thanksgiving.
The announcement that the services
at St. Georges Chapel would be pri-
vate, and for the members OF the royal
family, prevented the gathering OF
large crowd. The scene was most
impressive, and the services very sim,
pie. Her Majesty sat in the chair OF
stnte Immediately in front of the COM
munion rail, and just beside the brass
J plate whose inscription designates the
spot which was the temporary place of
interment of the Prince Consort.
The ladies and gentlemen who are
the grand officers of the Queens house
hold entered first, followed by the
military Knights of Windsor, in the
full costume of cooked hats and scarlet
coats. The Duke of Dtvonshire and
Lord Roseberry occupied their stalls as
Knights of the Garter.
The Dean of Windsor wearing the
insignia of chaplain Of tie Order of the
Garter, oficiated, assisted by the Lord
Bishop of Barry aud several canons.
Punctually at eleven o'clock, amid
the soft strains of an organ voluntary,
the Queen arrived from tle cloisters at
the entrance. Assisted by her In
disu attendant, she walked slowly to
the chair of state, the congregation
standing. She was dressed all in black,
except for white tufJ in her bonnet.
Empress Frederick of Germany, at
lird in deep black, took the seat at the
right of the Queen, whilethe Duke of
Connaught, wearing his Windsor uni
form, seated himself at her left. The
others grouped themselves closely
behind, aud looked very Ike a simple
family of worshippers.
The service lasted forty minutes, the
Queen remaining seated throughout
aod following closely thespecial pray
ers and hymns
At the end there was s pause. The
Queen, with bowed head continued in
silent prayer. Then followed touch
ing scene, which will ever linger in the
memory of those who witnessed it.
Summoning Empress frederick, who
bowed low at her side, the Queen kiss
ed her on both cheeks. The Duke of
Connaught and the Others of the family
followed, receiving on pended knee
token of affection. In many cases The
recipient was kissed several times.
The Queen was profoundly moved,
and tears rolled down ler cheeks. At
last, and evidently with great reluc-
lance, she beckoned her Indian atten.
dant, aud, leaning on MS arm, passed
slowly out of the chapel, the entire con-
gregation standing, the soft light falling
through the multi-colored windows,
ard the exquisite strains Of the organ
rising and swelling beneath the gothic
hammered roof. 1t was scene never to
be forgotten, and thrilled all present
with strange emotions.
Services in st. Paul's Cathedral were
attended by the Prince and Princess OF
Wales and many of the royal family,
the ENJOYS from other countries and
many other dignitaries.
High mass at the Brompton Oratory
was made the occasion OF a thanksgiv-
ing for the Queens jubilee on the part
of her Roman Catholic subjects, spe-
cial TIE Deum being sung. The oratory
was recently decorated for the occasion,
the marble columns inside the edi6ce
being draped with crimson and the
chancel with cloth of gold. The chairs
OF the ENJOYS, upholstered in gold,
were placed on the crimson carpet. 1t
was most striking function, the music
being magnificent. The large building
was crowded to it's utmost capacity.
Monsignor Stoner, the pope's envoy,
oficiated at high mass. At the close of
the mass Cardinal Vaughan read jubi-
lee pastoral, eloquently reviewing the
history Of the Queens reign and CON-
mending her virtues as examples for
her subjects. after which he intoned the
TIE Deum and gave the ponti6cal bless
ing. All the ENJOYS from Catholic
countries were present in full uniform,
except the Prince and Princess of Ma.
pies, who were absent owing to the
presence OF the papal envoy.