The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-25
Three Months May EIapse Before His Majesty
Can Be EnthrOned, if He ReCOvers
Work of DemoIshing Stands and Removing Decora-
tions Begun-Last Night Spent by London
Hoodums in Riotous .'MafCking.''

LONDON. June 24-The Gazette this
evening contained the official announce
ment that the coronation ceremonies had
been indefinitely postponed owing TO the
critical condition of King Edward and the
uncertainty as TO when he would be able, in
case of recovery, to withstand the strain
of the exercises incident to his enthroniza-
tion
The sudden announcement of the post
ponement of the coronation, just on the eve
of the coronation, caused the utmost con-
sternation everywhere. The news spread
like wildfire- The tens of thousands of the
occupants of the streets suddenly stood still
under the sudden shock and gazed at one
another in silent dread Of what might come
next.
Tonight, however, in spite of the shadow
that hangs forebodingly over the nation,
the lower element of London ''maficked'
through the fag-decked streets and por-
ton Of society in coronation gowns and
jewels gathered at what was called a gala
coronation dinner at one Of the fashionable
hotels Even at the gates of Buckingham
Palace, within which the ablest surgeons
hope of saving the sovereigns life. the toot-
ing of horns and the sound of other revel-
ries could be plainly heard. That slim
gathering which remained beneath the far
ing palace lights seemed more bent on cele-
brating than on sympathizing. Wagon
loads of boisterous rowdes were on the
streets; they were driving all sorts Of We
hicles and waving flags and hugging demi-
johns of liquor. They made their noisy
way from the West End to Whitechapel.
They represented that section of the Brit
ish public which no tragedy can sober into
decency. They have tasted license unre-
strained by law in the celebrations in con-
nection with the war, and, king or no king,
be admitted that the revelers have been
misled by the technical language of the
bulletins They seem to have no conception
of the gravity of King Edwards condition.
The thinking portion of the nation, how
ever. has gone home numbed by the events
which the day has brought forth.
As heretofore stated. indescribable con-
sternation prevails throughout the country,
and this CONSERVATION is reflected in the
cablegrams received from all the centers OF
the universe The Pope and the King OF
Italy and other monarchs have cabled anx-
ious inquiries concerning King Edward S
progress and dispatches received from all
parts of the world reflect the intensity OF
the feeling occasioned by the unexpected
news of his Majesty's illness and sympa-
thy with the British nation.
The note printed in the Gazette this
morning is dated from the earl marshal's
office and reads as follows:
''I have to announce that the sOlemnity
/ of the coronation OF their Majesties, KinG
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, is
postponed from the 26th to a date hereafter
| TO be determined
The best informed opinion places the date
/ of the coronation in about three months
! time provided King Edward progresses
well in the meantime.
/ In spite of the royal wish that the pro-
vincial celebrations be carried out as ar
ranged. many towns have abandoned the
festivities which were to be held. although
| at Liverpool and other large cities hur-
ried meetings were called and il was de-
cided to carry out all the charitable ar
rangements as previously made. The lead
ing business houses OF London have decided
] to keep open June 2s and q. although the
banks will probably be closed those days
Among the hundreds of postponements
caused by the sudden illness Of the King is
that Of the publication of the list of cor.
onation honors.
Portsmouth is perhaps the keenest sur.
ferer among all who lose financially as q