Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-08-14

apprehension that even at the last mo- |
ment some untoward event might once
more plunge the nation into CONSERVATION. |
When this was passed the unrestrained
jubilation was as much tribute to the
Kings personal popularity as II was an
evidence OF relief from the tension OF the
last few weeks. So while the scenes on the
streets were robbed of many Of those ele-
ments that usually accompany a great
pageant. they will long be remembered
perhaps somewhat tenderly, by those who
stood on the stands. at windows, and on
the sidewalks to see King Edward after
he had won. almost from tho jaws OF
death.
In Westminster Abbey the scene was
nothing less than marvellous. Nearly 1000
members OF the nobility. the clergy and
the gentry had gathered, with foreign
princes. ambassador, colonial rulers. In
dian potentates and leaders from the
farthest quarters OF the globe where the
union Jack flies. to do honor to the King
Two incidents in the service in the Alb
hey Will live in the memory Of all who
witnessed them. The first Of these, which
almost developed into a dramatic contre-
temps. conferred around the aged Arch
bishop Of Canterbury. From the COM
mencement Of the service the archbishop
had the greatest difficulty in reading and
remembering the prayers. The book from
which his almost blind eyes endeavored to
came to place the crown upon King Ed
wards head his huge frame, towering
above the seated King, swayed so violently
that the bishop of Winchester had to sup
port him, while the dean of Westminster
put a guarding hand under the crown.
1t was evident that the Archbishop of
Canterbury could not sec his Kings head,
and after cropping around he was just
about to complete the most important part
Of tho ceremony, when 1t was discovered
that he had the crown with the back to
the front. Slowly he raised it, but too late
to prevent the choir from prematurely
bursting out with a loud God Save the
King" Amid a tension that had grown to
a pitch of painful nervousness the arch
bishop finally managed to place the crown
correctly upon the Kings head.
l. a few minutes later came the climax to
| his feebleness. He was kneeling to do the
first homage of all the subjects of the
| King when suddenly he almost tainted,
and would have fallen upon his sovereign 8
knees had not King Edward tenderly, but
firmly, grasped both the preate's hands,
| and lifted him to his feet. The bishops of
Londen Winchester and Durham clasped
their arms around the Archbishop Of Cant
erbury. the King kissed his wrinkled hand.
the archbishop's head fell tx, his feet
moved slowly and mechanically, and thus
he was more carried than led from the
throne to King Edwards chapel, where he
!
was revived.
The tremor which this event caused had
scarcely subside6 when another exQuisitely
human touch varied the proceedings, ana
the King was forgotten In the father. IN
stead Of merely accepting the homage of
the Prince of Wales. King Edward put
his arms around the prince and kissed MIN
and then recalled him and wrung MS mana
with manlness of PARENTAL anectioh
that brought tears to many eyes TO those
who were able to see clearly tnese TWO
cpisodes. the magnfcense OF the peJew-
elled women, the spienoor Oh 'lie ul,I.o. ~ ~
4 cd men and even the historic grandeur OF
the coronation Office itself sank almost In
TO secondary interest.
King Edward was greatly unnerNu u!
the condition of the Archbishop or Canter-
bury, and his majesty sat In constant olea
of a contretemps. though outwaroiy caiin.
as could be Judged from the steahlness
with which he held his sceptre rod erect
during the ordeal. This brave show now
ever, did not deceive the Queen.
Throughout the service and especially as
the Archpish of Canterbury became more
and more nervous, her majesty paipap's
! dreaded that the King would break down
With keen anxiety she constantly turned
toward her husband watching him IN
tently throughout the ceremony. her
! graceful dignity and solicitude for King
Edward was one of the most charming fea-
! lures of the proceedings IN inc ApDtH. i'ei
ma jesty's appearance won cXtraVaEant ell
coniums, especially from the women, many
/ of whom declared that Queen Alexandra
did not look n day over 80.
J The Queens own browning was brlci
and simple. When the four duchcsses went
to hold canopy over her majesty mead
the Duchess of Marlborough and the
Duchess of Portland led the way. They
performed their duties excellently. AS The
critical moment for which the peeresses
had long practised, namely the putting OF
! Of their coronets at the momcnt the queer
was crowned approached fiutter of ner
/ vOusness ran through their ranks ano
I coronets were pulled out and patted anc
pinched into shape their faces hardene,
; with anxiety and then all their arms sud
denly went up. and coronets, large anC
small, were put in place, some crooked ant
some straight.
For the next five minutes the peeresse
|, disrcearded what passed before them, frs
one and then another turned around for ad
. vice and help, and then ensuod a mutua
pushing of each others coronets into place
Among the philosophic peeresscs was thu
American, Cora, Countess of STAFFORD
who placdly allowed her coronet to remain
quite sideways, neither asking nor recev
ing help
Among the curious features connected
with the American pecresses was thu
wearing by Lady Craven of old famil,
, robes once worn by the Queen of Bohemia
who married a former Earl of Craven.
Another incident relating to royalty wa.
the presence Of the Duchess of Meklen
hurg-Strelitz, who, at the express desire o
Queen Alexandra. sat at exactly the SAM
spot AS she occupied at the coronation o
Queen Victoria.
No stage effect could have equalled tn,
, climax that ensued the moment the crown
was placed upon King Edwards head, tn,
sudden illumination by hundreds OF cleo
trio lights making the thousands of price
less jewels, including those in the crow
itself to sparkle with dazzling brillancy
The instantaneous move Of tho pecresses
the placing Of the coronets on their heads
the choir's loud God, Save the King
with unharmonious yet genuine refrain
from thousands of male and female throat,
constituted such an outburst of pent- III
thankfulness and rejoicing as even West
minister Abbey, with all its historic tradi
: lions. never before witnessed.
Nearly 100 Americans must have witness
9 ed the ceremony in the Abbey. Anon,
: them We're Mrs Cushman Davis and Mrs
a Willard of Washington. Mrs. Davis ant
r Mrs Willard accompanying Sir John Az
new; Nine. Washington, who was Queer
AleXandra's specially invited guests; Mrs
4 Baylies, Mrs. Hartman, Mrs. Post, Mrs
t Dudley Leigh, Miss Astor. Mr.. and Mrs
- Charles 7. Yerkes, Lady Barrymore ant
= Mrs Michael Herbert.
i The only peers who paid homage to tn
s King on the part OF the various grades o
Q nobility were the Duke OF Norfolk, tn
d Earl Of Shrewsbury. who was promlnen
e in connection with international polo; tn
= Marquis of Winchester and Lord DeRos
g Until n very late hnur depSa rrOuda r