Morris tribune., 1901-01-26
Ancient Precedent Followed in
Proclaiming the New King
of England.
Large Assemblage Of Officials
and Thousands of Troops
Participate.
Decided That the Funeral of
the Dead Queen Will Take
Place Feb. 2.

London, Jan. 25.-London was give1
q glimpse of medieval times during
the day. The quaint ceremonies with
which King Edward VII was proclaim
ed at various points of the metropolis
exactly followed ancient presidents
The officials purposely arranged the
function an hour ahead of the pub
| tshed announcement and the inhabi
eants when they awoke were surprised
to find the entire way between St
James palace and the city lined with
troops. About 10000 soldiers, Life
Guards, Horse Guards, Foot Guards
and other cavalry and infantry regi-
ments, had been brought from Alder
shot and London barracks, after mid
night. All the officers had crepe on
their arms and the drums and brass
instruments were shrouded with crepe.
The troops, in themselves, made an
imposing spectacle, but they were en-
tirely eclipsed by the strange specta-
Gle presented by the officials of the col
1ege of arms.
The ceremony began at st. James
palace where, at o'clock, Edward VII
was proclaimed king of the united
kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
and emperor of India. The proclama-
ton, which was read by William Hen
ry Weldon, king-at-arms since 1894,
and formerly Windsor herald, was as
follows:
The Proclamation.
"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty
God to call to His mercy our late soy.
ereign, Lady Queen Victoria, of bless
ed and glorious memory, by whose de-,
cease the imperial crown Of the unit
ed kingdom of Great Britain and Ire
land is solely and rightfully come to
the high and mighty Prince Albert
we, therefore, the lords spir-
itual and temporal of this realm, being
here assisted with those of her late
majesty's privy council, with numbers
Of other principal gentlemen of quail
ity, the lord mayor aldermen and citi-
zens of London, do now hereby with
one voice consent of tongue and heart
to publish and proclaim that the high
and mighty Prince Albert Edward is
now. by the death of our late sover-
eign of happy memory, become our
only lawful and rightful liege lord, Ed
ward VII, by the grace of God king of
the united kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, defender of the faith, en-
peror of India, to whom we acknowl.
edge all faith and constant obedience
with all hearty and humble affection,
beseeching God by whom all kings and
queens do reign, to bless the royal
prince, Edward VII, with long and
happy years to reign over US"
New King Not Present.
King Edward was not present at |
he reading of the proclamation. |
There was a large assemblage of Of.
icials and college heralds. Among
hose in attendance were General Rob-
9rts and members of his headquarters |
staff and other army officers. There
was great concourse of people from |
jhe commencement to the close. The |
was greeted by fan |
ARE of trumpets. At the conclusion |
If the ceremony the band belonging to |
he Foot Guards in the Friary court |
played God Save the King" The |
Kings household witnessed the cere-
nony from Marlborough House. On |
he balcony overlooking the Friary
court, whence the proclamation was
'ead, was the Duke of Norfolk and 9th
er officers of state. The balcony was
dressed in crimson cloth. Besides the
officials in respondent uniforms were
stationed the state trumpeters. There
we're many prominent people among
hem including Sir Henry White, so.
icitor to the queen, the Prince of
Wales and other members Of the roy.
IL family.
In the yard of Marlborough House
ind the Friary court were stationed a.
arge body of police, soldiers and Foot
Guards. The Foot Guards acted as
guard Of honor and they were posted
beneath the balcony.