The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-08-09
On Eye of the Great Event Thousands Ell Lon-
 dOn's Streets
CITY IS GAILY DECORATEDi
 KING IS IN FINE SPIRITS
Parades VIII Be Gorgeous-carriages to Contain Princes and Princesses of the Land-His Majesty and
 Queen to Occupy State Coach.

London, August s.-The eve of the cor onation of King Edward VII was marked in London by large crowds which wandered all the evening somewhat aim lessly through the semi-illuminated streets. Down Whitehall, where the Canadian arch was the centre of attrac- tion, around Westminster Abbey and along the Strand the sidewalks were blocked with the expectant populace.
 The people were deterred from any signs of rowdyism by the acute recollec- tion of the recent postponement of the coronation, and those who had seen the unrestrained exhibition which occurred upon the slightest pretext during war times could not fail to notice rne diff ferent temperament shown tonight With few exceptions it might well have been said of the metropolis of the empire that it was living up to the national reputa- tion of taking its pleasure somewhat sadly.
 The absence of blatant horns and an- moving features was pleasantly atoned for by the lighting up of many buildings. The brilliancy of the illumination held the country visitors to the city so spell bound that vehicuar traffic became more and more difficult as the night wore on. Until very late hour the stand specu- lators did thriving business, and around those stands occupying good locations there were lines of people anxious to get seats at the last moment. Many of the da xrlaa wa rod fbrOTVh the streets exhibited unmistakable signs of an intention to sit up all night in the hope of securing a free coign of vantage from which to view tomorrow's procession.
 Workmen Still Busy.
 Worlxmen were still busy putting the finishing touches to the abbey and its ap- breaches and every detail of this work was watched eagerly by the spectators in an undramatic sort of way. London has been transformed by the multitudes wishing to see any part of the cere- monies into a city of great unrest. The idea of sleep an adequate allowance of time for rest has been quite given up by the people in the streets and under lying this intensity of expectation there is curious nervousness among the major ity lest they should awake from their shortened slumbers to find the great event once more postponed.
 Among the many incidents of the night one of the most curious occurred at Scotland Yard, where a Scotch magnate, 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 to the police to help him hire or borrow the clothes necessary for admittance.
 All signs point to an orderly celebra- ton under doubtful weather conditions and with public enthusiasm tempered by heartfelt relief over the passing Of the shadow which so recently overcast lne empire.
 King Edward at Palace.
 King Edward passed a busy day at Buckingham Palace and did not appear to the public at all. At a late hour to- night he was reported as feeling quite strong and as looking forward to to- morrows ceremonies without the slight est misgiving.
 Acting upon medical advice, Lord Sails bury has obtained the kings permission to absent himself from the coronation. The former premier will shortly leave for the continent
 One of the most curious incidents of the coronation will be the appearance of the uniform of the Salvation Army in Westminster Abbey. King Edward direct ed that representative of the Salvation Army should be invited to the coronation and Bramwell Booth has been appointed to attend the ceremony.
 A difficulty arose about the uniform he should wear and the earl marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, intimated he was not authorized to recognize the uniform of the Salvation Army. MT Booth there upon wrote to King Edward requesting permission to wear the uniform of the army, this his majesty readily gave.
 Parade at 10:30.
 The first section of the procession to the Abbey will start from Buckingham Palace at 10:30 clock and will consist of dress carriages and pairs containing members of the royal family headed by trumpeters' the Royal Horse Guard band, the First Life Guards and the Royal Horse Guards. Then comes the carriages, occupied as follows:
 1. The Grand Duke of Mecklenbure Strelitz, the Grand Duchess of Mecklen- burg Strelitz, the Duke of Cambridge an6 Prince Frederick.
 2. Princes Andrew and George of Greco, and Princesses Victoria and Louise o Battenberg.
 8. Princes Maurice, Leopold and Alex ander of Battenberg, Princess Victoria Eugenic of Battenberg and Princess Bea trice, Princess Henry of Battenberg).
 4. The Duchess of Albany the Duches: of Argyll and the crown prince and crowr princess of Roumania.
 5. Princesses Louise and Augusta Vic toria of Schleswig- -Holstein and Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig- -Hol stein.
 G. The Princess Victoria Patricia ana Margaret of Connaught, the Duchess o Connaught and the Grand Duke of Hesse T. The Duke and Duchess of Sparta anC Prince and Princess Henry of Prussia.
 8. Drawn by six black horses, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Charles of Denmark. Princess Victoria and the Duchess of Fife.
 Prince of Wales In Line.
 After the foregoing will come the Prince of Wales procession which will start from York House at 10:45. The ad- vance guard will consist of detachment of the Royal Horse Guards followed by two carriages containing official members