The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-01-22
THE VICTORIAN ERA.
Great Events in the History of the Matchles Reign Which
Has Just Ended.


were born within a year OF her own birth
in the circle of possible heirs TO the
throne. Unusual mortality. however. at
tended these children, aud although a
number of them were nearer to the sue
cession than the Duke OF Kent's only
daughter, she became heir presumptive-
Moreover. she was the only one Of the
possible heirs 70 the succession who was
born in England. Within eight months
after her birth her father died, leaving
her mother in circumstances not at all
proportional. financially, to her respon-
sibilities.
The little Princess is spoken Of by con-
temporaneous writer's, and is represented
il pictures Of the day, as beautiful child,
round-faced, bright-eyed, and possessed OF
the characteristics features of the family
from which she spEang. The Duchess Of
Kent led a retired and almost secluded
life during the first year Of her widowhood-
Her most constant adviser was her broth
CT, Leopold Of Belgium As child the
Princess was not alone in the family at
KeHsington and Clermont. The Duchess Of
Kent had been twice married, and had
the Princess Fedora. who became the
Princess Hohenlohe, was the constant CON-
paEioH OF Princess Victoria. although some
years her senior
Strict economy was practieed in the fam
ily Of the Duchess Of Kent The course
Of study that was marked out for the
Princes. was mere arduous thsu was pre-
scribed for other children Of htr age, and
it was not until she became conscious OF
being heir to the throne that she could
satisfactorily account to herself for the
severity of the tasks laid upon her She
was taught TO observe all her expendi-
lures, and 20 app0rtiOn them strictly and
judiciously to her income. It is asserted
that she was not permitted to know the
position which she occupied until she had
arrived al the age of thirteen. When, in
: 1880, George ", died. she was brought so
near the throne that in case Of William
Tvs death before she became Of age, 1t
would have been necessary TO provide for
4 regency during her minority. This pro-
vision was made by Parliament, which set
tied the possible regency on the Duchess
/ OF Kent. heE mother. After this II was
not practicable nor desirable that she
should remain longer in ignorance OF her
true relation 10 the nation.
Having made the young girl acquainted
with her prospects and responsibilities in
life, it became necessary 10 instruct her in
the nature of her Kingdom. The routine
Of study vas continued. Sut was interrupt
! ed occasionally by excursions into differ
eHt parts Of England. The broader liber-
| II which was given 70 the young Princess
became a matter Of national discussion.
and the press arrayed itself on one side or
the other, according TO political prejuGices
BY some it vas regarded as imprudent and
ostentatious on the part Of the girls guar
dams 10 make show of her throughout
the county, while, on the other hand, it
| was said that by keeping her shut out
from public view she would learn notions
OF self-importance, which would cost her
| many a pang to rid herself OF when II be-
came necessary for her to do So From
| the age OF thirteen to her succession. she
| was largely under the tutelage Of the
Duchess OF Northumberland; but through
out what may be called the years of her
| private life her mother held the real guild
ing hand over her She was permitted 10
learn little Of court life until she became
herself tne head and heart OF that life
How She Was Informed That She
Was Queen.
When William " died. Victoria was
not quite eighteen years old She stiIl
lived at Kensington Palace. The end
came at Windsor between ? and 8
o'clock in the morning of June 20, 1897
The Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr. How
ley, and the Marquis of Conyngham left
Windsor for Kensington Palace to carry
the news OF the event to the Princess. and
to administer to her the oath of office.
The journey was made as rapidly as the
method of travel would permit, and the
messengers arrived at Kensington about
O'Clock in the morning. The story is
told that they encountered some difficult
ty in awakening the inmates OF the pal
ace. Finally, after knocking for some
time they reused the porter. who admit
ted them to the courtyard and 70 the re-
ception room, where they were left to
wait until the attendant of the sleeping
Princess could be informed of their err
rand The message they sent TO her was
that they desired an audience with Her
Royal Highness. The attendant returned
after some time and informed them that
the Princess was sleeping so soundly that
she did not care to disturb her. They
said: We are come on business of state
to the Queen. and even her sleep must
give way to that"
This message was conveyed to the Prin-
cess. and she promptly responded to it in
person She came into the room where
the Archbishop, the Lord Chamberlain.
and his companions were waiting, in a
night-wrapper and slippers, her hair fall
ing loose upon her shoulders as it had
escaped from its coils in her nightcap.
/ which she had thrown of. She is said
to have been perfectly collected. and 10
have met the ambassadors with much
dignity The interview was short. and
| consisted simply of the announcement to
| the Princess of the death of the King and
of her own accession. At Il o'clock on
the same day a Privy Council was held.
! at which Lord Melbourne. the Prime Min
] lister, who had been sent for, was pres
ent Then the Lord Chancellor admin
/ istered the oath of Office TO the Princess.
and those of the Cabinet who were pres
/ ent in turn took the oath of allegiance
TO the young Queen.
Mr.. Greyille has given. perhaps, the