Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-06-01
QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN
EIGHTY YEARS OLD.
EVENT WIDELY OBSERVED
Homage Paid the Octogenary Ruler
in Many Parts of the Globe-Pleas-
ing Ceremonies at Windsor Castle
President Mckinley Sends Congrat-
ulations and Well Wishes

o'clock. The ceremonies opened with
a serenade by the Windsor and Elton
amateur choral societies given in the
grand quadrangle of Windsor castle.
The serenade was listened to
by the queen and the members Of the
royal family, including the children Of
the Duke and Duchess of SaXe-Coburg
and Gotha, the Duke and Duchess Of
Connaught, Prince and Princess Chris
tian and Princess Henry of Batten-
burg. Sir Walter Parratt, the master
of the queens music and private or
ganist to the queen, wearing his Official
robes, conducted the serenade from the
steps of the queens private entrance
to the palace, just below the oak room,
where the queen was breakfasting.
The mayor and corporation of Wind
sor in their full robes Of Office and
the borough magistrates were also
present. The Elton boys gave three
lusty cheers in honor of her majesty.
and the Duke of Connaught came to
one of the windows, and thanked those
present in behalf of the queen, who
| herself, looking to be in excellent
| health, came forward and bowed re-
peatedly.
Sir Walter Parratt and the mayor of
| Windsor were then introduced to the
queen and handed her beautiful floral
| harp. Her majesty afterwards knight
ed the mayor, J. T. Soundry.
Although the official birthday cele-
brations in London were postponed I'M
| til June 8, all public buildings, bust
ness houses and a great many private
residences were decorated. In fact,
more flags were flying than at any
time since the queens jubilee.
The lord mayor of London, Sir John
Voce Moore; the sheriffs, the aldermen,
sword and mace bearers, and all the
other functionaries, in their robes of
state, attended services at st. Paul's
cathedral. The Archbishop of Canter-
bury, the Most Rev. Frederick Temple,
D. D., oficiated. The birthday cele-
brations took place throughout the
| PROVINCES the ships in the different
ports were tdressed'' for the occasion
and the warships were covered with
bunting.
A telegram from Simla, the summer
capital of British India, records that
impressive queens birthday services
there were attended by the viceroy Of
India, Lord Curzon of Kedleston, and
the Indian and military officials in full
dress. Royal salutes were fired.
During the afternoon the queen
planted an oak sapling on the east
lawn Of Windsor castle.
Joseph II. Choate, the United States
ambassador, telegraphed his congrasd-
tons to the queen and her majesty
sent graciously worded reply. The
ambassador also attended the birthday
service held at the Chapel Royal, ST.
James palace.
Her majesty received telegram of
congratulations from Pope Leo.
Her majesty is said to have stood
the fatigue of the day admirably. All
ing extremely well; and it was noted
that her bonnet was relieved with a
little display of white and cream col
ored trimmings. During the perform
ance of 'Lohengrin" at Windsor castle
in the evening the queen and royal
family occupied a dais behind which
were arranged tiers of seats for the
household.
McKinley's Happy Message.
Washington, May 25.-The president
addressed the following message 70
Queen Victoria on the occasion of the
anniversary of her birthday:
| Executive Mansion, Washington,
May 24.-To Her Majesty, the Queen,
Windsor Castle, England:
| 1t gives me great pleasure to convey
on this happy anniversary an express
sion of the sentiments of regard and
affection which the American people
cherish towards your majesty and to
add the assurance of my own cordial
respect and esteem. May God grant
| to your majesty and to the countries
under your government many years of
| happiness and prosperity.
-"William Mckinley
Francis Joseph's Congratulations.
Vienna, May 25.-Emperor Francis
Joseph, wearing the uniform of the
kings dragon guards, the British cav
| airy regiment of which he is the hon.
orary colonel, called at the British en-
bassy here yesterday in order to per-
sonally offer his congratulations upon
the occasion of Queen Victoria's 8Oth
birthday.
Queens Banquet at Berlin.
Berlin, May 25.-A banquet was
given in Jaspar hall of the new
palace at Potsdam, last evening, in
honor of Queen Victoria's birthday
The emperor and empress of Germany,
the crown prince, Frederick; Prince
Eitel Frederick, second son of their
majesties, and their suites, all the
princes now in Berlin, the court dig
nitaries, the officials OF the British en-
bassy, the imperial arcellor, Prince
Hohenlohe. the minister Of foreign
affairs, Baron Won Buelow, and the
leading military officers were present.
Celebration in Paris.
Paris, May 25.-Sir Edmund Muncc
and Lady Munson last evening gave;
grand reception at the British embassy
in honor of Queen Victoria's anniver-
sary. There were 1,500 guests present.
including Eulalie, aunt Of the king ct
Spain; Grand Duke Michael, brother
of the car Of Russia; cabinet minis
tiers; diplomatic corps; and most of The
members OF the Napoleon and Bone