New-York tribune., 1902-08-09
GREAT CROWDS IN LONDON.
PEOPLE THRoNG STREETS TO VIEW
THE DECORATIONS.

THE DECORATIONS
rondou. Aug. S-The eve of the coronation of
King Edward VII was marked in London by
large crowds which wandered all the evening
somewhat airnlessly through the semi-illunin-
ated streets down Whitehall, where the Cana
dian arch was the centre of attraction, around
Westminster Abbey and along the Strand Inc
sidewalks were blocked with the expectant
populace. The people were deferred from any
sights of rowdyism by the acute recollection OF
the recent posSponement of the coronation, and
those who had seen the unrestrained exhibitions
which occurred upon the slightest pretext in
war times could not fail to notice the different
temperament shown tonight. With a few ex-
ceptions it might we'll have been said Of the
metropolis Of the empire that it was living up
30 the national reputation Of taking its pleas
ures somewhat sadly.
The absence Of blatant horns and annoying
feathers was pleasantly atoned for by the light
ing I'D of many buildings. The brilliancy OF the
illumination held the country visitors to the city
so speIlbound that vehicular traffic became
more and more difficult the night wore on
Untn a late hour the stand SPECTATORS did a
thriving business, and around those stands oc-
cupyins good locations there were lines of peo-
pie anxious TO get seats at the last moment
Many Of the thousands who walked through the
streets eXhfDiJe0 OnlgllStdhdDie SlSHS VI an ia
tention to sit up all night. in the hope Of secur-
ing free coign of vantage from which to view
to-morrow's procession
woRKMEN NEAR THE ABBEY.
workrner were still busy putting the finishing
touches TO the Abbey and its approaches. and
every detail of this work watched eagerly
by the spectators In ali undramatic sort OF
way London has been transformed, by the mul-
tudes wishing to see any part Of the cere-
monies. into city of great unrest The idea OF
sleep an adequate allowance Of time for rest
has been given up by the people in the streets.
and underlying this intensity Of expectation there
is curious nervousness among the majority lest
they should awake from their shortened sluTn-
hers to find the great event once more post
poned.
Among the many incidents of the night. one
of the most curious occurred at Scotland Yard,
where a wealthy Scotchman. who had received
a sudden telegraphic invitation to be present at
Westminster Abbey. with the proviso that he
appear in court dress, appealed at late hour
10 the police to help him hire borrow the
clothes necessary for admittance.
All signs point TO orderly celebration under
doubtful weather conditions and with public
enthusiasm tempered by heartfelt relief over the
passing of the shadow which so recently over
cast the empire.
THE KING IN GOOD HEALTH.
King Edward passed busy day at Bueking-
ham Palace and did not appear to the public
at ALL At a late hour tonight he was reported
feeling strong and looking forward TO
to-morrow's ceremonies without the slightest
misgiving.
Acting upon medical advice, Lord Salisbury
has obtained the Kings permission to absent
himself from the coronation The ex-Premier
will shortly leave for the Continent.
One Of the most curious incidents of the coro-
nation viii be the appearance of the uniform of
the Salvation Army in Westminster Abbey.
King Edward directed that representative Of
the Salvation Army should be invited to the
coronation, and Bramwen Booth has been ap
pointed to attend the ceremony. difficulty
arose about the uniform he should wear, and
the Earl Marshal the Duke of Norfolk. init
mated that he was not authorized to recognize
the uniform of the Salvation Army. Mir. Booth
thereupon wrote to King Edward requesting
permission to the uniform of the army.
This permission his majesty readily gave Mr..
Booth will appear I'm the uniform of his rank in
the Salvation Army
THE DECORATIONS IN THE CITY.
London maintains its everyday aspect 1t is
true that the short route Of the procession is
decorated at some points more brilliantly than
before, but the route is mere speck in the
great area Of the city The main thoroughfares
miles OF which were gay with flags and bunting
in June are now stripped except for the ilumi-
nation fixtures. which were allowed 10 remain
in place. Cheapside, Fleet-st. and The Strand,
all told. contain scarcely six decorated build
ings- To-day the crowds were even smaller
than on the average weekday. owing largely to
the mfsera BILE weather.
The outlook for tomorrow is uncertain. and
the Weather Bureau is trying hard TO find an
excuse for hopeful forecast.
Westminster is the centre Of what little ac-
tivity London displays The chief stands IN
the vicinity OF St Margarets have been re-
decorated. and Piccadilly is refurnished with
crimson Venetian masts. supporting trophies
and flags Joined by streamers of gay bunting
The same general scheme preva.'s in Pail Mall
Many club stands have disappeared. The pri-
yats sisrds recovered q Crimson are doing