Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-23
AT BRITISH EN- BAS SY
THE BUILDING HEAVILY DRAPIGD IN
MOURNING.
Lord PauncefOte Remains in Retire.
ment Most of the Time, Receiving
u Few Distinguished Callers.

The British embassy is enshrouded in
gloom today, and the heavy hangings of
black within and without the stately old
mansion pay tribute to the memory of the
departed queen. The British flag hangs at
half-mast above the porte cochere fronting
the building. Around the royal arms,
which top the portico, hang heavy masses
of black. and from the large columns are
draped long bands Of crepe. All the cur
tains of the embassy are drawn. and the
entire place presents an aspect of silence
and mourning.
Within the building. the superb oil por-
trait of the queen in her robes and diadem,
at the head of the main staircase and over
looking the reception hall. is likewise drap-
ed with the somber badges of mourning.
The royal crown at the top of the broad
frame is lOored with crepe, which extends
to the corners and falls in graceful folds,
surrounding this silent counterpart of her
majesty.
Remaining in Retirement.
Lord Pauncefote remains in retirement
with the family and staff most of the time,
only occasionally seeing some distinguished
caller who comes to pay a tribute of re-
spect and coincidence These condolences
have come in the most abundant form, and
testify to the widespread feeling which the
death of the queen has awakened in all
classes. They come in the form of notes,
telegraphic messages and cards, running
into the hundreds, besides the many per-
sonal calls which the officials Of the gov
ernment and of the diplomatic corps have
paid. The sentiment of this government
was the first to express itself in the calls
of the entire membership of President Nc
kinley's cabinet including Secretaries Hay,
Gage. Long, Wilson, Hitchcock, Attorney
General Griggs, Postmaster General Smith
and the leaving of cards from Secretary
n hoo 1n1 70 \, ,ic
The British officials throughout the coun-
try have also taken occasion to send their
expressions of grief.
Awaiting Official Announcement.
The official announcement of the govern
ment as to the procedure to be followed
has not come. For the time being there is
little to do but testify in silence to the
affliction which has come upon the British
nation, and then to take up the business
under the new sovereign. Lord Pauncefote
and his family attend ST. Johns Episcopal
Church on Lafayette Square, fronting the
White House, which will be the place OF
commemorative exercises, if any are direct
ed from London. The rector of the church,
Rev. DR.. Mackay-Smith called on the am
bassador to tender the of the church
for this purpose, but in the unsettled condl-
ton of arrangements no final reply could
be given.
Assembling of Parliament.
There had been some doubt among the
British officials here whether parliament
would be Immediately assembled, but the
announcements from London appear to
make this certain. Lord Pauncefote is a
member of the house of lords, but 1t is
hardly expected that II will be necessary
for him to go to London to attend the Ses-
sion under the new sovereign and to re-
ceive the new credentials Of ambassador
from King Edward VII.
That the title of the new king will be
Edward VII appears now to be generally
accepted, although there was at least
doubt up to within day or two whether he
would adopt this title or would retain the
name of Albert Edward, by which he was
known while Prince Of Wales. The cor
onaton of the king is now to be arranged,
and this will be an event Of unusual mag
nitude, participated In by officials from all
parts of the world. There will doubtless be
an official representation from the United
States similar to that sent to the corona
tion of the czar.
Resolutions of the Two Houses.
Secretary Hay this morning received from
the clerk of the House of Representatives
the resolution adopted by that body yes
terday expressive Of its sentiments upon
the occasion Of the death of the queen
The Secretary caused this to be cabled i'm
mediately to Ambassador Choate, with in
structions to submit it to the British gov
ernment. The same treatment will be &C
corded the Senate resolution on that sub
ject when it is received at the Department
OF State.
The State Department signified its re-
ception of the official news of the queens
death by the following statement
Lord Pauncefote. by note dated on the
22d instant, informs the Secretary of State
that he has received cable message from
the Marquis of Lansdowne, announcing
the death of her majesty, the queen, at $50
of that day.
His lordship requests the Secretary to
bring this sad intelligence to the knowledge
of the President and the members, of the
ca binet"