The Monticellonian., 1902-08-14

separated, the peers going to the right and the peeresses to the left.
 Even when practically empty, the abbey presented an interesting, pie turesque effect, the oldest feature of which consisted in every seat being practically covered by a large, white otficia programme, in the center of which was placed a small, deep red book of service. Without the tapes tries or light furnishings of tiers up- on tiers of seats winch rose 50 feet high, the combination of white and red programmes by itself produced q gala effect.
 Peculiarly Beautiful Effect.
 A peculiarly beautiful effect was presented by the kings and the queens boxes. comprising half dog en rows of chairs in white satin re- lieved only by the crimson of the seats. Beyond the structural decora- tions for the seating of the specta- tors, there was little attempt at any display, and the old gray arches lent their stately perspective to the scene, untouched by flags or any gleam of color.
 The various chairs to be used by the king and queen in the service at tracted special attention, but what inevitably caught the eye was the glittering array of gold plate. brought from various royal depositaries. ranged along the chaneel and behind the altar. Amidst these surroundings the earl marshal, the duke of Nor folk, resplendent in white knee brooches and heavily embroidered coat. hurried to and fro, directing the final touches.
 By ten o'clock the interior of the abbey presented a blaze of color. Along the nave. which was lined by grenadiers, every chair was taken up and others in equally handsome equipment.
 Americans Present.
 On top of the arch separating the nave from the ehaneel sat the sur pIced orchestra. In stalls within, with the other ambassadors. were the United States ambassador, Joseph Il. Choate and Mrs. Choate, and many officials.
 During the long wait. Edwin A. Alp bey. the American artist. who was commissioned to paint the coronation scene in the abbey. and who wore court uniform. took careful note of the surroundings for the historic pie ture ordered by the king.
 The peeresSeS took advantage of the long interval to stroll mp and down, but the peers sat stoiIdly awaiting the arrival of the sover- eign. their ermine capes presenting q solid mass of white.
 The Ceremonies Begun.
 The ceremonies began with the re- consecration of the regalia. The pro- eession of clergy with the regaIia then proceeded from the altar to the annex. all present standing up and the choir singing 70, God, Our HelT In Ages Past" Preceding the regalia came the boys of Westminster abbey followed by the children of the chapel royal and the choir in royal uni. forms.
 The duke of Connaught took his place beside the prince of Wales in the abbey as the procession entered lowing as he passed the prince.
 The King md Queen Arrive.
 The archbishop of Canterbury took his seat in front of the coronation chair. and the earl of Halsbury, the lord high chancellor, seated himself by his side. Several minutes elapsed however. before the king and queer came in sight of those gathered about the throne. Suddenly "Nivat AleXan dra" was shouted by the boys ot Westminster. and the queen. walking slowly to the left of the throne gained her chair and lnelt at a silkeI prie dieu, her magnificent train oi eloth-ofgold being lifted out of hei way by six scarlet-coated pages. Two or three minutes later came tho hoarse cry from the Westminster boys of "Nivat Rex Edwardus," witt blasts from trumpets. Yet there was another wait. What has become ol the king?" was asked by the people who were slut off from sight of the nave. The queen waited patiently the organ ceased and then resumed there was another fanfare eff trum pets, another chorus of "Nivats." ant King Edward appeared and walked tt his chair in front O. the throne, bow ing to the queen as he passed, aEe then knelt down in prayer.
 The Recognition.
 After removing his somewhat unbe coming cap, his majesty stood up, anG the archbishop of Canterbury. in 6 trembling voice, read the Recogni ton, beginning: "Sirs, l here present unto you King Edward, the undoubt ed king of this realm etc. There was hoarse shout, and the blending of the choir and the people, womer and men, in the cry: God save King Edward Several times this was re peated, and the abbey rang with louc fanfares.
 Again the king and queen knelt ant the archbishop of Canterbury walked to the altar and commenced the com munion. While the gospel was being read the king stood erect, supported on each side by the bishops in theil heavily embroidered eopes. During the singing of the creed all the mem bers of the royal family turned east