The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-26
london's Famous CuiIdhalI Ablaze
Behind His Majesty.
PARADE THROUGH LONDON.
A Dull Day for Standing Crowds to See
King Edward and Queen Alexandra.
Boer Generals Were Among the
Spectators-The Troops.
(By Associated Press.)


LONDON. Oct. Fixing Edward and
Queen Alexandra started on the royal
progress from Buckingham Palace to
the Guildhall, in the city, shortly after
~ after their Majesties left the build
ing. The fire was In the dome Of the
Guildhall, some distance from the part
of the building where the luncheon was
held. The remen easily subdued the
flames.
The fire is said to have been caused
by fused wire. The outbreak of the
fire at the Guildhall caused intense ex-
element, A large number Of engines and
fire escapes dashed up, scattering the
crowds which still remained in the
streets. Many members Of the corpora
ton and number of visitors were still
in the precincts Of the building when
the alarm was given. These hurriedly
departed to make way for several hun
dred firenlen, who dragged ladders over
the crimson cloth on which the King
had so recently walked Several Of the
firemcn expressed the belief that the
fire was emouldering while King Edward
was actually at luncheon.
The weather was dull but the rain
kept off, and the temperature was suf-
fciently mild to make the day enjoy
able: Outside Buckingham Palace a
great crowd had been waiting for hours,
watching the arrivals and departures
and the forming OF the procession.
TROOPS ALL CLOAkED.
The brilliancy Of the latter was greatly
detracted from by the fact that all the
troops were cloaked. The only touch Of
color was from the lance pennants Of
the Lancers and tho brass helmets Of
the heavy cavalry. The khaki painted
guns Of the artillery and a naval gun
of the same hue added to the general
note Of sombreness. The procession
formed outside the gate and had already
moved off in silence. Lord Roberts and
his staff passed almost unnoticed.
There was somewhat tedious interval
before the appearance of their majesties.
who drew forth the first real cheers of
the day as they passed through the rows
Of blue jackets from the frst-clasS cruf-
ser Terrible, lining either side of the main
entrance to the palace. The King wore
a field marshals uniform with the cloak
thrown back, showing his decorations.
The Queen had on a violet colored toque
and fur collarette and cloak. Both the
King and Queen looked extremely we'll
and continuously bowed their acknowl-
edgements of the warm welcome extend
ed to them. The Kings escort Of Life
Guards, the equerries. ETC.. was about
the only detachment not wearing cloaks,
and these troopers made brilliant dis
play. in striking contrast with the gem
eral lack of color pervading the pageant.
BOER SPECTATORS.
Partly in consequence of the length OF
the route there was nowhere a great
crush Of people, With the exception of
y.1r fo1< 1rYa
the London County Council presented the
King with an address of welcome and
where the Boer Generals-Botha, Delarey.
and DeWet-were prominent among the
spectators, and at the city boundary. Tenn
pie Bar, where the Lord Mayor, sherlffs.
and other city officials welcomed His
Majesty and presented him with the city's
sword.
AT the Mansion House most Of the
procession stopped. their Majesties from
there being accompanied only by the
sovereigns and the Prince of Wales. the
Duke of Connaughtt and other princes.
equerries and aides to the Guildhall.
where they arrived without any extra
ordinary incident.
After lunch the common crier called
for a toast to His Majesty. the King,
and Nine. Albani, stationed in one of
the galleries. sang the National Anthem,
in which the whole company joined. At
ter other formal toast, the party left the
hall, the procession r-formed and started
on its progress across the river. The
pageant traversed several miles of streets
on the Surrey side of the river Thames.
There was no special incident. though
cended anything heard in the more aris-
tocratic portions of the route. Their
Majesties returned to the palace at
$3.50 P. NJ.