The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-01-23

COWES. ISLE OF WIGHT January
22-Queen Victoria is dead. and Edward
VII reigns. The greatest event in the
memory Of this generation, the most stu-
pendous change in existing conditions
that could possibly be imagined. has ta-
ken place quietly, almost gently upon
the anniversary of The death OF Queen
victoria, father, the Duke Of Kent.
The end Of this career. never cquallcd
by any woman in the worlds history,
came in simply furnished room in cs-
borne House. This most respected of al
women. living or dead lay in Il great
four-posted bed and MADE a Arunken
atom whose aged face ana figure were a
cruel moclsery Of the fair sirl Who, in 1891,
began 10 rule over England.
Around her We're gathered almost every
descendant Gf her line. IN scarcely audi
bile words Itle whiie-haired Bishop OF
Winchester prayed beside her. Wilt
bewed headS tbc imperious Ruler of the
German Empire, and the man who now
is King OF England, the woman who tas
succeeded to The title Of Queen,the Princes
and PTincesses, listened To the bishops
ceaseles7s prayer.
Six O'Clock passed The bishop con
1inued his intercessians. At exactly half
past six Sir james Reid held up his hand
and the people in the room knew that
England had lost her Queen. The bishop
pronounced tie benedirtion.
The Queen passed away quite peace
fully She suffered no pain
The body Of Queen Victoria WAS en-
inlmed and wil probably be taken to
Windsor Saturday. The coffin arrived last
evening from London.
I, was feared that The Queen was dying
about nine in the morning. ana carriages
were sent to Osborne Cottage and 10 The
Eectery to bring all the Princes and Prin-
eeSses, and the Bishop al Winchester, 10
her bedside. ii seemed then very near the
end. hut the Queen had one Of the rallies
due to her wonderful constitution, opened
her eyes and recognized the Prince %
MALES, the Princess and Emperor William.
She asked To see one OF her faithful ser
wants a member of The household lie
FASTENED TO the room, hut before he GOT
there the Queen had passed into a ltfu
sleep.
BEGINNING OF THE END
-Four o'clock marked the beEiEniuG ot
the end. Again tue family were sum
moucd and this time the relapse WAS not
followed by recovery. The Prince Of Wales
MAS very much affected when the doctors
al last informed him that his mother had
bre.lthed her ST. Emperor William, him
self deeply affected. did his best - minis
ter comfort 10 his sorrow-strickcn uncle,
whose new dignity he Was The first 10 ac-
knowledge.
Emperor williams arrangements ere
not settled His sacht Wiz arrive here
to-day "Wednesday, hut it is believed
that he VIII not depart until after the
funeral. Several other Royal personascs
are likely To be present al the function,
which probably will be a ceremony never
10 be equai1ed in tais country.
The record Of The last days Of the reign
o! Victoria is not easy TO teli. For seN-
erai week., the Queen had been failing.
on Monday week she summoned Lord
Roberts ana asked t1in some Very search
I.?g questions regarding the war in South
Africa on Tuesday sile went Tor a drive,
hut was visibly affected. ON Wednesday
she suffered a paralytic stroke. eccom-
panied by intense physical weakness.
II WAS s1er first illness in all her 81 years.
Her condition grew SO serious that. against
her wishes. the family We're summoned.
When they arrived her reason had prac-
tically succumbed TO paralysis aad weak
,4ess The events OF the last few days
are well known.
At the lodge gates the watchers waited
--r~euslY. Suddenly along the drive