The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-09
While Peers of the Realm Mingle
Singing "God Save the Queen"
HER MAJESTY MOST GRACIOUS
MODS HER HEAD AS THE MULTITUDE
VENTS ITS ENTHUSIASM.
She Touches the Sword Of State and
the Lord Mayor Is Pleased-Her
Coming Visit to Ireland.

LONDON, March s-Queen Victoria and
the people of the greatest city in her en-
pire to-day celebrated the victories which
they believe have transformed the cam
paign in South Africa from one of reverse
into one of success. That is the only ex-
planation of the unbounded, the unparai-
leled enthusiasm with which hundreds OF
thousands hailed their sovereign. In many
ways these demonstrations outdid those
of the diamond jubilee, although there were
no glittering pageants, no triumphal
arches, no procession of princes, but only
a dozen life guards, followed by little
old lady, in the plainest black costume, who
had come for few days stay at the Buck
ingham Palace as she has done many time
before. Yet her hold upon the hearts Of
her people was probably never more strik-
ingly manifested.
Unlike that of the diamond jubilee to-
days popular outburst was almost i'm
proptu. The fierce pride in the strength of
a mighty empire that pervaded London ex-
ultation when the Queen last drove
through the streets in 1897 had vanished
and in its place there were genuine thank
fulness and rejoicing for the victories
The depth of feeling which these demon
strations represented could only be gauged
by those who mingled with the crowd
Mothers in deep mourning for sons killed
on the far off veldt struggled bravely with
the most hilarious to catch a glimpse of
the Queen, whose womanly sympathy and
thoughtfulness for the soldiers had touched
their hearts Often the long cold vigils
were rendered futile by tears that dimmed
the eyes and blurred the vision as the royal
carriage passed. AS one very old woman
said: "Pve seen her many time. but she
said she was sorry for my boy and 1 must
see her again before die.'
THOUSANDS STOOD AND SHIvERED.
Thousands braved the raw east wind and
stood for hours, waiting patiently, who have
often seen the Queen, and who, in ordinary
circumstances, would scarcely bulge to
watch her pass. Among those were many
personal friends of the sovereign, for in
stance. the Countess of Brownlow, a great
friend Of Victoria and favorite at court,
who sat on the curb shivering for hours
with the crowd outside the Buckingham
Palace. In short, 1T was not so much de-
sire to see the monarch as it was an over
whelming need of an outlet for jubilation
over the war and a natural inclination to
let the Queen see and share the gladness of
her people that prompted London spontan-
eously to make to-day one of the most
memorable celebrations of victorias reign.
1t was quite different from the mad rejoic-
ings that marked the relief of Ladysmith.
Rowdyism was conspicuously absent, al
though the crowds reached such propor-
tions that the,number of police would have
been quite inadequate had the people been
obstreperous.
Moreover, intermingled with the rejoic-
fngs of patriotism there was a particularly
keen appreciation of the Queens personal
ity, her womanliness, her great age This
little touch of reverence for sex rather
than for sovereignty rendered the huge
crowds perfectly tractable in the hands of
the good-natured police, and it was not a
hard task to induce them TO surge back and
TO make way for the royal carriage. When
the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and
the Empress of India did pass, nodding as
ii to many friends. instead of bowing with
royal restraint. there echoed under the roar
of cheers many heartfelt expressions. such
as God bless her." God keep herr My,
but she's brave woman!" and scores more
like them. 1t was small wonder that now
and again tears of joy rolled down the
cheeks of the aged sovereign.
LIKE a PRAIRIE FIRE.
The sem-official duties undertaken by
the Queen during the day would have tried
the resources OF many. a woman under
eighty-one years Of age. Starting early
from Windsor by train, she reached the
metropolis shortly after noon. Until she
reached Buckingham Palace there was
never moment of quiet. Cheers spread
along her route like a prairie fire. Previous
TO her arrival Lord Roberts, General Bull
er and other heroes of the war had
monopolized the lung power of the waiting
crowds. and such crowds were never seen
in London. even on jubilee day. Whenever
a soldier or sailor appeared he was al
most mobbed so anxious was the populace
10 show its patriotism. The staid equip
pages Of mobiles that never before were
guilty of displaying anything more start
ling than crest were gay with colored
streamers. Every house along the route
to the palace made some attempt at deco
ration.
When the hoarse volley announced the
royal approach. children and women were
hoisted on the shoulders of men. The art
students of Kensington. male and female
as on Ladysmith day. were again TO the
fore. bareheaded and singing patriotic
songs; while throughout the day medi-
cal students in large bodies led the cheer
ing and singing.
The scene I'm the quadrangle OF the palace
after the Queens arrival. when lords and
commoners joined in singing the national
anthem, was unprecedented and win prob
ably never be repeated during the present
reign. viscount Cross and Mr.. Chamber