Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-23
CORONATION WEEK
Opens With Sunshine After
Weeks of Bad Weather.
His Majesty's Appearance Bellies the
Rumors of Poor Health.
London Crowded With Visitors for the
Coronation Festivities.

of rain ana murky weather, gave "
the first day of Coronation week an
air of unusual gaiety and gladdened
the hearts of thousands of British sub
jects from all parts of the empire and
the thousands of foreigners who are
pouring into London.
The announcement that King Ed
ward, Queen Alexandra and the court
would return to London from Windsor, |
tomorrow at noon, increased the uni
yersal anticipations for that day and |
served to quiet to some extent the
flood Of extraordinary rumOrs concern |
ing the Kings physical condition
voiced in quarters by the wierd tales
OF plots to assassnate His Majesty, |
and other fictions, all of which have
been promptly denied by the officials |
most intimately connected with the
King.
King Edwards health was authori- |
tatively declared TO be good at Wind |
sor Castle, today, and, this morning, |
His Majesty attended Divine service, |
accompanied by other members of the
royal family. This evening, he en-
joyad a drive through the royal gar
dens of Windsor Castle in closed
carriage The court will arrive at
luncheon time.
At the command of the King many
persons were admitted to the east
terrace of Windsor Castle, this after
noon for the Sunday band per-
formances. The terrace was crowded.
The King and the Queen listened to
the music from the windows of their
private apartments. King Edwards
appearance does not justify the SEN
satonal rumors Of his illness.
The congested condition of the
streets of London throughout today
furnished an omen of the conditions
of travel through these streets, the
latter days of this week. The bar
riers across the streets which inter-
sect those through which the corona
ton procession will pass and which
have now been completed, are proving
an impediment to ordinary traffic. The
omnibus companies have increased
previous fares two and three times
and further increases in these rates
are probable. The obtaining of seat
on an omnibus however, was more a
question of physical than financial
ability.
The crowds out were sngularly good
natured; accidents were few and of mi
nor character. The police are distinguish
ing themselves by their courtesy and
alertness in the interests OF pedestrians
KenSington Gardens and the beautiful
groves about the Crystal and Alexandra
palaces are filled with colonial and native
troops clad in scarlet, white khaki anu
blue uniforms.
The throngs in the streets at night find
much to engage the eye. The fronts of
innumerable buildings are hung with light
decorations and the Venetian maStS are
covered with garlands and connected by
strands of roses The streets are filled
with mile after mile Of many coloreI
lights, and the various stations of the
royal coronation procession are marked
with arches representing Great Britain's
colonies. American flags were in evidence
at a great number Of windows. Some no.
tells are fying both American and Brit
ish flags from their STATS In honor Of the
many American visitors domiciled within
Count Won Walderse. one of the German
representatives to the coronation, the
Duke and Duchess of Aosta from Italy,
and many other distinguished represent
atveS of foreign royal perSonageS arrived
in London. today.
officers with him were entertained at din
ner. tonight. by Field Marshal Lord Rob
crts. In toasting King Edward and the
British army Count Won Walderse paid q
high compliment to Earl Roberts. He
said
I'VE German soldiers know how difficult
and arduous was the task the British ar
my had to accomplish in South Africa
and this task was accomplished with
bravery, humanity and the utmost deVo-
ton to the country.
Replying to the German officers re-
marks. Earl Roberts complimented Count
Won Waldersee upon his distinguished
services in China and warmly thank go
linn in behalf of the British army for his
illusions to its work in South Africa
Lord Roberts said also
II can assure your excellency that we
soldiers are deeply sensible of the kindly
feeling which prompted you to speak OF
ba N
Earl Roberts concluded by calling for
toast to Emperor William and the Ger
man army.
intended to be present at the dinner Civ
to the German officers, but was pre-
vented because of slight indisposition.
King Edwards daily life for the past
week has been regulated to conform very
closely to his physicians advice ana TINS
regime has had a very beneficial effect
in bringing about his rapid recovery from
his recent indisposition. His Majesty re
tires earlier and rises late: he break
faSts alone and receives the feweSt posi-
BILE guests He has even failed to attend
some of the private morning services in
the chapel at Windsor castle. All state
business possible has been put aside and
His Maiesty has occupied the spare hours
of the past week in playing quiet games
with members of hiS own household IN
his room.
Many of the privileged persons who will
occupy seats in Westminster Abbey next
Thursday will see little if anything Of the
actual coronation ceremonies. Quite
number of the people who Were admit
ted to the abbey 10 witness the recent
coronation rehearSalS We're chagrined to
find how little could be seen from the
seats allotted to them. and in consequence
they have decided not to occupy these
seats but to accept, in preference, invI-
tations to view the procession from points
along the route of march where they will
not have to wait SO long and where there
will be less restraint \ number of seats
in the abbey. including those of the
judges only command "A view of the roy
al procession as il enters the building.
Queen Alexandra was seen riding on
horseback in Windsor park, yesterday.
for the first time in many years.
Such an enormous crowd gathered at
Alexandra park. Saturday night, to wit
ness the military tattoo of the colonial
troops that the people invaded the reserv-
ed space and became uncomfortable. The
tattoo became a farce and resolved inset;
into an attempt at n torchight parade
Another unruly crowd which gathered.
today to witness the military church pa
rade had to be scattered by stream of
water from a fire hose before the parade
was possible.
Various wild rumorS current in Londor,
tonight, concerning the health of King
Edward were referred to Sir Frances
Knollys. private secretary to the King
To these queries Sir Francis ba rels