The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-22
MUST GET new ROBES
CHANGE THAT CAUSED CONSTERNA-
TION AMONG PEEREssEs.
Preparations for King Edwards Cor
onation-Christmas to Be
spent at Sandringham.

LONDON, Dec. 21.-The earl marshaIs
order changing the peeresses' coronation
robes. while generally commended, has
created no little CONSERVATION among those
who had already ordered these costly gar
ments. 1t appears that the change was
due to the personal action of King Edward,
who had been approached on the subject
by many ladies of the court. They declared
their robes were hot and unbecoming, be-
sides entirely hiding the gorgeous gowns
which were to. be worn. The new robes
favored BY royalty nave a long train and
a small miniver cape, while the skirt is
Topped back and caught up with bows so as
to show the white underdress, which is
edged with miniver. Though the change
doubtless suits most of them, it has put
several peeresses and court dressmakers
I'm a ~quandary, for work on many of the
robes had already commenced. An interest
ing report is in circulation to the effect
that Queen Alexandra will be attended at
the coronation by four duchesses dressed in
cloth of gold and wearing their robes and
coronets. Those selected are said TO be the
Duchesses of Marlborough, MOntrose,
Sutherland and Portland. They are num-
bered among the most beautiful women in
England.
The King and Queen, surrounded by many
members Of the royal family, will spend
Christmas at Sandringham. where a shoot
ing party will gather on Monday. London
is emptying fast of fashionable people. who
are hurrying to the country to hold their
festivities, and large parties are gather
ing at nearly all the great homes in the
United Kingdom. The South African war
and the courts partial mourning seem in
no way to have affected the nations de-
termination to celebrate the season with
more than usual zest.
The breakdown of England's telegraphic
system. which is still in a state of semi
chaos as the result Of the recent severe
storms, has produced a widespread de-
mand for underground wires. This system
is already in use between London and Bir-
mingham and is being extended northward
The postoffce authorities point to the ire
mendous expense which will be involved
I'm changing from overhead to underground
wires throughout the United Kingdom, but
those who are agitating for the change
maintain that the loss caused by the recent
storms would have gone far towards de-
fraying the outlay which the postofice
breads. 1t is estimated that London alone
lost 100000 by the breakdown of the tele-
SIdph WlItcs Willie II IdllIOdQS CdlCuldl G
their loss from the same cause at about
$4,000. Another objection put forwarded
by the government is that underground
wires are slower and harder to work than
overhead wires. Though the damage was
inflicted over a week ago. Geographic and
telephone communication between Lon
don and the provinces is still incomplete,
and in some instances is not yet restored.
The hopeless answer of the home secre-
tary. Mr.. Ritchey, to the deputation from
the Westminster Council protesting against
the fragrant immortality witnessed in the
streets Of London has given zest to the
press and religious campaign having for
its object the remedying of the present
conditions. 1t is maintained that the
scenes witnessed in Piccadilly and other
~well-known streets are worse now thar
at any time in the history Of the metrop-
oils.
The Saturday Review i'm advocating a
trial of state regulation of vice declares
that "London's streets nightly bear wit
ness not only to state recognition and toll
erance of vice, but to ruinous Indifference
to the course it takes and the manner in
which it works"