New-York tribune., 1902-06-25


pendicItis The medical report that large
absce.s had been evacuated IN the operation
also created suspicion that the regular phy-
sicians had not understood the gravity Of the
condition, or else they had hoped 10 defer surgi-
cal treatment until the Abbey service had been
held. The promptness with which the Prime
Minister had announced the indefinite post
ponement of the coronation functions was also
regarded py members of Parliament an indi-
cation OF the seriousness of the Kings condi-
ton.
The renewal Of the decorations from MARI
borough House and the orders received from
the Lord Mayor for the taking down Of the
stand In front Of the Mansion House were Off
ciaI hints that the celebrations were at an end,
and that the normal condition of the streets
should be restored possible
Two incidents Of the day revealed the igno-
rance Of the court of the Kings real state Of
health. One was the presence of the Duke Of
connaught at the review Of the colonial con-
fingents at Alexandra Palace in the morning
He seemed TO be cheerful and IN high spirits in
talking with the colonial officers. and obviously
evoiutions of the Canadians. Australians. Sikhs
and other contingents If he had been aware Of
the fact that critical operation was imminent
at Buckingham Palace The other incident was
the rehearsal of the choir and orchestra in
Westminster Abbey by direct order OF the Earl
Marshal This rehearsal was brought TO close
by the Bishop OF London with startling effect
and converted into pathetic service for the
Kings restoration health. The Bishop Of
Bath and Wells, who would have been selected
TO intone the Iitany at Thursdays service to
TaIlis's setting, rendered this office with the ac
compartment Of the choir. and the hymn 20
God, Our Help IN Ages Past" was sung. Those
present were deeply impressed with the fact
that this the closest approach to the
nation service which would be made for many
weeks.
Diplomatic circles terribly shocked by
the announcement Of the Kings relapse. One
OF the best informed diplonatists told me late
Monday afternoon with emphasis that there
was not a word Of truth in the alarming reports
Of the Kings health. adding that he ailing
and overworked. but would be equal after
weeks rest to the physical requirements Of the
ceremony at the Abbey. Intense sorrow was ex-
pressed by the members Of the regular and spe-
cisl embassies over the Kings sudden failure
Of health. There were similar expressions at the
Hotel Cecil and Grosvenor Hotel, where Premier
Laurier. and Ministers Mulock. Fielding Pat
erson, Ross, Dunsmuir Murray and Twedle
were staying There a general impression
that the Acting Lord Chamberlain would
nounce to-day or tomorrow the indefinite post
ponement of ali functions connected with the
coronation but that the imperial conference
would be held on an earlier date than had been
set for It.
Many complex questions Of insurance law are
likely to arise from the postponen1ent of the
coronation. Stand owners. caterers. tradesmen
and conductors Of business enterprises Of all
kinds n London and throughout the country
were underwritten against losses from suspen-
sion Of the coronation functions. An immense
amount Of insurance had been effected at high
rates on the Kings life. and risks that had been
taken by underwriters for enormous amount
On special clauses providing for security against
loss from postponement of the coronation for any
cause. Many prominent stand owners had sold
seats with the understanding that the money
would be refunded if the professions were de-
ferred. but this was not the general practice The
business oe providing seats had been heavily
overdone. and a slump in prices had been gen.
orally predicted by the middle OF this week
Great losses Will be caused by the postpone
merit of the coronation fates and II &c not
likely that preparations VIII ever again be made
on 20 large scale The amount of money
expended for coronation robes and Jewels
for peeresses and costumes fer women Of
rank, and fashion cannot be estimated Con-
tracts for livery and horses had also been made
at exorbitant rates and it is not certain r1pon
whom the bulk Of the losses will fall These
questions are momen:arfly left out of consider
alton in the intense sympathy everywhere ex-
pressed for the royal family
An old story that the King had been warned
by a clairvoyant that he would never be
crowned was revived at the clubs last night A
more opposite theme the curious discovery
recently made by a student of English history
that no Prince Of Wales certainly for four hun
dred years. and possibly for six hundred or
even eight hundres years, had attended coro-
nation OF King.
The Stock Exchange was demoraiized ves,er
day. There was. however, reckless selling
Members were seemingly too much dazed by the
sad news to estimate the financial significance
and consois fell only about 10 shillings
AT a late hour last night an Official bulletin