New-York tribune., 1901-05-25
TROOPING THE COLORS.
THE LONDON CEREMONY MORE IMPRESS
SIVE THAN USUAL.
SOUTH AFRICA-UNIQUE DISTINCTION
OF A FORMER LIBERAL LEADER.
Copyright; ivOi; BY The New-York TrIbune)
LRY n z. TO TIL. rnInI-NE.1

OF FORMER LIBERAL LEADER.
Copyright IDOii BY New-York Trlbune)
TBY CABLE TRIBUNE1
London. May %. l a. m.-The Horse Guards
Parade and the streets leading from Waterloo
station to Marlborough House witnessed ami
mated sDectacles yesterday. The military func-
tion was SNOWY one. The Headquarters staff
made brilliant cavalcade and was reinforced
by the equerries to the King and court officials
the line OF Guards from the Treasury and re-
turned to the saluting point. while massed bands
and drum corps filled the Parade Grounds with
martial music. Colors were presented TO the
Scots Guards, and the troops marched past In
slow and quick time, the King taking salute
The ceremony of trooping the colors was more
impressive than usual. Every detail had been
carefully planned. The King has marked tai
ent for emphasizing the ceremonial side Of roy
atty, and lays stress upon the smallest details.
This function, while nominally a reproduction
of the usual celebration of the Victorian birth
day. had been worked up and expanded by
much ingenious byplay 1t was more splenululy
stage managed than usual and additional state
illness was impaired TO 1t. Queen Alexandra
witnessed the parade from a window of the
Horse Guards and was heartily cheered in driv
ing to Marlborough House. The Queens popu-
larity is revealed whenever she drives through
the streets of London. Cheers ring out with un-
wonted heartiness. and she is greeted with every
sign of public affection.
Sir Alfred Milner was received with the mu-
ncipal compliments when he landed at South
ampton, and by distinguished company OF
ministers and military men at Waterloo sta
ton There good deal OF enthusiasm in
the streets when he drove with Lord Salisbury
and Mr.. Chamberlain TO Marlborough House.
Nothing lacking to impart a unique dis
tinction to the Homecoming Of this overworked
imperial official. Mr.. Chamberlain will follow
the King in entertaining Sir Alfred at large
luncheon to-day, to which a most distinguished
company have been invited. Sir Alfred Milner
looked distinctly older and more careworn than
when he left London for Cape Town few years
ago. His hair has grown grfzzled. and he has
aged In many ways. Rumors about his resig-
nation OF the post OF High Commissioner have
died out. He was clearly in need of a vacation,
and consultations between him and Mr.. Cham
beran will be of the utmost service in deter
mining the future of South Africa and prevent
ing the handing of the colonies 10
representatives of the mining interest. The
Imperial Civil Service needs TO be strengthened
in every possible way. and the mining com
panies restricted 10 their own sphere of opera
tions.
The Kings action in raising Sir Alfred Milner
TO the peerage was quite in accordance with pub
lie expectation It is not definitely known what
title he will assume. but probably he will retain
the name he has made so famous, and will take
a seat in the House OF Lords next month as
Lord Milner. Not many years ago Sir Alfred
Miner was the rising hope Of the Liberal party.
and Mr.. Asquith and Sir William Harcourt were
among those present at the farewell dinner given
to him prior to his departure for Cape Town
in 2 he 1afe ord
as High Commissioner The times changed,
and Sir Alfred Mlner is now cordially detested
by the Radical party He is certainly not
popular hero. but he occupies unique posi-
tion. Whether he will be successful British
empire builder in South Africa Lord Cromer
has shown himself 10 be In Egypt and the
Soudan the future alone can tell L. n. F.