The age-herald., 1901-01-23
People of London Walk the
 Streets in Silence THEATRES HAVE BEEN CLOSED Cav CoIors Have Been Discarded for Sombre Black Parliament Will
 Assemble to Take New Oath
 of Allegiance Today

London, January So.-lLo SNShii'o NAN.S were few visible signs in London that anything unusual had happened. A drlz- zling rain kept most people within doors' Those who were turned away from theatres or music halls wandered along the streets of the West End without special object
 The shops closed as soon as the bells be- gan to toll and the blinds of Mansion House were drawn down as soon as the message from the Prince of Wales was re- ceived by the Lord Mayor. The bell tolled at St. Pauls cathedral was the gift of Will jam III, and Is used only on occasions or the death of royalty, archbishops of can terbury, Lord Mayors of London and bishops of London. The tolling continued two hours today at intervals of minute and could be heard for miles in the direc- tion of the wind.
 At a late hour this evening it was not known whether the King would return to London before morning, but it was expect- ed that he would hold a privy council at St. James palace early tomorrow (Wednes- day) morning. Absolute silence reigned in the vicinity of Buckingham palace and Marlborough House. A small bill, signed "Balfour," was posted outside. announc- ing the demise of the monarch
 The New Reign.
 Everywhere tonight the one topic of con- versation was what would happen under the new reign. Much interest was evinced in the way in which the enormous fortune of the dead oman would be distributed, the general notion being that Osborne house would go to Princess Beatrice and that she and Princess Christian would come into a considerable portion of Vic- toria's wealth.
 The probability that King Edward will take up permanent residence in Buck ingham palace was much canvassed, and this is a question that comes very much home to Londoners. Queen VictorIas s preference for Balmoral Castle and Os- borne house has been a complaint of long long standing in the metropolis, and 1t is hoped that the new reign will see a change in this respect The presence of the court in London would give a brightness and gaiety which has long been absent.
 Not until Queen Victoria has been laid to rest beside the Prince Consort at Frog more will the theatres or music halls re- open.
 Business at Practical StandstilI.
 Moreover, business will come to a prac tical standstill. The music in all the hotels and public places has ceased Fashionable resorts were empty and very few of tha nightly habitues were in evidence. The St. James, Princes and other prominent restaurants have already discarded alluring colors for sombre black. Americans who have passed through great national calami- ties may recall the crepe draped buildings, but they can i'll conceive, since the death of Lincoln, and such expression of gloom as has already fallen on the United King dom. Marlborough House, so long the home of the new monarch, Buckngton palace, where the Queen made her last stay in London and St. James palace, the residence of so many former monarchs were all black and deserted. Sentries in black over coats kept silent vigil before the closed gates and bolted doors
 Parliament to Assemble.
 Shortly before midnight an official an- nouncement was issued for parliament to assemble at o'clock this afternoon to en- able members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons to take the oath of allegiance to King Edward VII.
 In Dublin the bells of St. Patrick's were tolled. Earl Cadogan was absent from Dublin yesterday, but 1t Is expected he will return immediately to preside at a meeting of the Irish privy council to proclaim the new King.
 The privy council will meet in London to- day and the proclamation of the King will occur thereafter at all places required by custom. The King will come to London to preside over the council