The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-15

something seemed to happen. Guns boomed somewhere and the curious dull explosive note of a maroon echoed through the dull November air And then as if by concerted signal, streets and windows, doorways and balconies became crowded. An eruption of flags burst out upon the face of nature and you knew what had happened without any further yelling of newsboys or speeches from public places. It was really very thrilling and horribly ex- citing" Of course we all knew it was going to happend and from Lord Mayors s day (the 9th inst) until the eleventh hour of the eleventh day. everybody had been ''whooping it up pretty thoroughly.
 One of the greatest settlements was when the London lights went up on peace night. At their present pressure this old city's illuminations would look like a rush light in comparison to the glorious glow of New York in normal times. But to Londoners who for more than four years have lived literally fin a city of dreadful night" the unshielding of windows and the half normal pres sure of the electric current made a dag zling effect upon eyes unused to such radiance. Actually Piccadilly Circus Is once more glittering, and pretty soon no doubt we shall see once more the Q6uCdI5 HlIl6 DTOilH6 OI l16 WlHBcu Mercury standing a-tiptoe on top of the fountain that the Earl of Shaftesbury presented to that historic heart of town life.
 I was one among a crowd of people standing at the feet of Gladstone s statue in the Strand when the King and Queen drove to St. Paul's for the first service in celebration of peace. As those who know London probably remember, the four corners Of the plnth of the memorial to the great statesman has symbolic figures emb odying progress, education, sympathy and unity. Each one of these was chosen as resting places by scores of girls and soldiers steep stone and sat upon the arms and legs and shoulders and necks of the bronze groups. Two or three wounded American officers contented themselves with standing on the steps, while hundreds of girls in white caps from neighborng teashops and restaurants clustered about the foot of the statue. It was fine position from which to view the approach of the little royal procession. The King and Queen have been very familiar and popular figures in London during the past few days. I think they have come closer into touch with the actual public than ever be- fore in the history of a monarchy. On peace day itself through a dripping rain King George and Queen Mary drove unattended in an open carriage through cheering multitudes of their subjects, while on this occasion, when they went in the sunsnine to St. PauFs, all the panoply of state carriage and splendid liveries did not make any the less human and simple their appeal to the people.
 i I had very excellent view of their majesties from my shelter by Glad stone's statue, and it was really pleas ure and heartening appeal they made to everyone's spirits. Queen Mary was wearing a red velvet cloak trimmed with heavy bands of skunk that l have seen her wear on more than one oc- casion, but somehow 1t seemed the right color to wear at this particular time, But the prettiest flower in the bouquet of royalties who went to St. PauPs to give thanks was Princess Patricia of Connaught, who drove with her father, the duke, In one of the royal carriages. She was sitting slightly forward, smil- ing and beaming upon the crowds and looked really adorable in big blue velvet hat fringed with cream colored feathers. She's. q peach and no mis- take" I heard couple of American boys in khaki remark after she had passed Say she smiled straight at us. and it makes you feel good.' Ger tainly, this pretty princess has "a way with her. and London is beginning to regard her as one of its prize beauties.
 Oddly enough, Princess Patricia. until she returned from Canada. was not specially well known in her native land People when they saw her said she was pretty girl and wondered what prince