The Dolores star., 1902-08-15

and of the British dominions beyond
the seas, King, defender Of the faith.
Emperor OF India. WAS to-day crown
ed without hitch or harm, and tonight
London is noisily celebrating the event
for which the world has awaited as,
perhaps, 1t never awaited any other
coronation.
There was but one untoward occur
renee during the entire ceremony and
that was due 10 the extreme weakness
and agitation of the venerable arch
bishop of Canterbury. but no harm
was done and the delay was slight.
King Edward passed through the
long and trying ceremony without Il
sign of weakness or fatigue.
In all respects the celebration was
impressive. and II was carried out
with a perfection of detail and lack of
accidents that has rarely characterized
similar displays. That pride of empire
which marked Queen Victoria's jubilee
was lacking. and in its stead there per-
vaded all classes keen recollection
that only six weeks ago their King lay
in danger of death. and this to-day
produced thankfulncss and genuine
sympathy for the man, rather than ad-
ulation OF the King.
This feeling was voiced by the arch
bishop of Canterbury, when he in
serted in one of the coronation prayers
The words, for whose recovery we
now give thee heartfelt thanks" Yet
this did not prevent the public from
voicing appreciation of such military
display as the short procession gave
item a chance TO see.
Earl Roberts, commander-in-c chief of
the forces, was once more the hero of
the hour. and next to the King himself.
received the heartiost welcome of the
assembled crowds.
But it was for the King and Queen
that the people really let themselves
loose. Throughout the day. whene, er
aud wherever their majcstiCs were
seen, the cheers We're loud and lorg.
and especially was this so on the re-
turn journey of the King and Queen to
buckingham Palace.
Until the booming of guns announced
that the crowning of King Edward
and Queen Alexandra had been achiev-
ed. there fingered in thousands of
minds nervous apprehension that
even at the last moment some unto
ward event might once more plunge
the nation into CONSERVATION.
In Westminster Abbey the scene was
HVlHIuS leSS 'uiu lliiINtlpuS. .NtlFlN
1000 members of the nobility. the cier-
gy and the gentry had gathered with
foreign princes. ambassadors. colonial
rulers. Indian potentates and leaders
from the furthest quarter of the globe
where the union Jack flies, to do honor
10 the King.
Two incidents in the service of the
abbey will live in the memory of all
who witnessed them. The first of
these which almost developed into Il
dramatic contrctemps, centered around
the aged Archbishop of Canterbury
From the commencement of the ser.
vice the archbishop had the greatest
difficulty in reading or remembering
the prayers.
The book from which his almost blind
eyes endeavored to read shook in his
hands, and when he came to place the
crown upon King Edwards head. his
huge frame. towering above the seat
ed King. swayed SO violently that the
bishop of Winchester had to supper,
him. while the dean of Westminster
put guarding hand under the crown
1t was evident that the archbishop o
Canterbury could not see his King.
head, and, after cropping around, Ii,
was just about to complete the mos
important part of the ceremony, wheI
it was discovered that he had tn,
crown with the back. to the front
Slowly he raised it, but too late to pre-
vent the choir from prematurely burst
ing out with a foud God Save til,
King" Amid tension that ha,
grown to pitch of painful nervousness
the archbishop finally managed Il
place the crown correctly upon tn
Kings head.
The bishops of London. Wincheste
and Durham clasped their arms aroun
the archbishop of Canterbury. the Kin
kissed his wrinkled hand, the archbisl
| ops head fell back, his feet move
slowly and mechanically, and thus h
was more carried than led from til
throne to King Edwards chapel wher
he was revived.
| The tremOr which this event cause
had scarcely subsidized when anothe
eXquisftely human touch varied til
proceedings, and the King was forgo
| ten in the father. Instead of merel
accepting the homage of the Prince G
Wales. King Edward put his arm
around the Prince ard kissed him. an
then recalled him and wruny his han
with II manliness of parental affecuo
that brought tears to many eyes
To those who were able to see clearl
these two episodes, the magnificence {
the jeweled women, the splendor of til
uniformed men and even the histor
grandeur of the coronation office itse
sank almost info secondary interest.
King Edward was greatly unnerve
by the condition of the archbishop
Canterbury. and his majesty sat
constant dread of a contretemp
though outwardly calm as could b
judged from the steadiness with whic
he held his sceptre erect during ii
ordeal.
This brave show, however did n,
deceive the Queen. Throughout I'll
service, and especially as the arcI
bishop of Canterbury became more an
more nervous, her majesty palpnbl
dreaded that the King would brea
down. With keen anxiety she col
stantly turned toward her husban
watching him intently through the ce
emony. Her graceful dignity and 3
licitude for King Edward was one /