DEATH OF KING EDWARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 384, 9 May 1910, Page 5

DEATH OF KING EDWARD

THE END COMES SUDDENLY WORLD-WIDE SORROW AND REGRET * GREAT BRITAIN DAZED His Majesty King Edward VII. died at Buckingham Palace at midnight on Friday from bronchial trouble, in the presence of all the members of the Royal Family, excepting the Duchess of Albany (niece of the King).

BEFORE HIS DEATH.

THE MEDICAL BULLETINS. EAGERLY AWAITED Hi 7 LARGE CROWDS. STOCK EXCHANGE AFFECTED. London, May 6. It is reportted that the King is in good spirits, but at the instance of his physicians only members of the Royal Family were allowed to see him today. Telegrams of enquiry and -warm concern are being received from all parts of the world. Newspapers are unanimous that the King's wise counsels and moderating influence are more than ever required if there is to he a speedy and satisfactory solution of the .political crisis. They declare that the nation's sympathy is assured him in a fuller measure than ever before.

His Majesty informed a friend that lie caught cold in a theatre and the bronchial trouble he experienced at Biarritz returned. .

There have been a phenomenal number of callers at Buckingham Palace, including the Primate, Lord Kitchener, Lor I Rosebery, Lord Milner, the of Devonshire, Archbishop Bourne, uiplomatists, and Mrs. Asquith. The King'st illness is the sole topic ill business circles and the clubs.

Solicitude for his welfare is general and many references have been made to it in speeches at public meetings. A bulletin issued in the morning staged that the King passed a comparatively quiet night, but the symptoms had not improved, and his Majesty's condition gave rise to grave anxiety. \The publication of the bulletin was edEgerlv awaited bv large crowds, whp displayed intense disappointment at the unfavorable news.

A detailed examination showed that the bronchial tubes had not improved, but that they were somewhat more seriously affected. The Queen and the Prince of Wales are in constant attendance. Dr. Bertrand Dawson and Dr. St. Clair Thomson have joined the other physicians, and all five signed the bulletin. A reassuring incident was that the band clayed as usual during the changing of the guard in the Palace courtyard. The stock markets are much depressed. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duohess of Fife lunched with tlft Queen as previously arranged. When his throat is affected the King 5s liable to spasmodic contractions, ■which are somewhat alarming for the moment, but not necessarily grave. Nevertheless, the- sudden strain which the spasms put upon the blood vessels makes it wise that release should be given at the earliest moment. Later. There is no change in the King's health.

Special prayers will be offered in all cathedrals to-day.

The Qpeen, in reiplv to the Lord Mayor's svmpathy. said she ■was most grateful. "Please to conveyto the citizens of London my heartfelt thanks." she added. The Primate addressed the following message to all Bishops:—"The prayers of the Church and people of Ensrland are desired on behalf of the King in his grave illness." The Queen, being obliged to shorten lier cruise in the Mediterranean, was unable to fulfil a promise to attend the Milan Exhibition and excused herself on the ground of the shortness of time at her disposal. The stock markets closed flat. Consols were quoted at 80%. At 7.30 p.m. a bulletin was issued statin" that the symptoms were worse during the day and that his Majestv's condition was critical.

All the members of th» Royal Family have been summoned.

It was reported at 8.40 p.m. that his Majesty's condition was very grave. The Attorney-General and Mr. Winston Churchill have arrived at the .palace in response to a special summons.

The Primate, who had left the Palace, Teturned at 0.30 p.m.

All the Royal Family are in attendance except the Duchess of Albany. The King died at midnight. The King's filly Witch of the Air, •when winning the 'Spring Plate at tha Kempton Park meeting, evoked tremendous enthusiasm, the cheering lasting several minutes.

The Premier and Mr. McKenna have abandoned their visit to Gibraltar and are hastening to London from Seville. Ther® were two thousand callers at Buckingham 'Palace to-day. Dr. St. Clair Thomson is not one. of the King's regular physicians. He is Professor of Larnygologv and throat specialist at King's College. There is a .general weakening of prices on the bourses.

KING DECLINED TO REMAIN INDOORS.

AND CAUGHT A CHILL. OPERATION CONSIDERED UN- , NECESSARY. Received May 8, 5.5 p.m. London, May 7. v On arriving at Sandringham on Saturday., after a heavy rainfall, King Edward felt so well that .lie declined to remain indoors. He inspected the alterations to the grounds, being anxious to have all in order before Queen Alexandra's return. He again caught a chill. Returning on Monday, he dined privately at Grosvenor Crescent. The chill developed on returning to the Palace, and' he was never again in the open air. The asthmatic cardiac affection gradually increased, and oxygen was administered at intervals since Thursday night. The medical examination was first directed to .possible complications of the throat. , Professor Thomson was suirfmoned, and declared that an operation was minecessary.

THE PRINCE AND PBINCESS MOVED. The Prince of Wales and Queen Alexandra were deeply moved at the unfavorable morning bulletin on Friday. Both visited the sickroom for a fewminutes, but the relatives did not Drolong their stay, the doctors stating that quiet and repose were essential. Throughout the day King Edward sat in a chair. He suffered frequent PAROXYSMS OF COUGHING, and had two fainting fits between the attacks. Notwithstanding, he insisted on transacting public business, including arrangements for the reception of Prince Fushime, the Mikado's representative at the opening of the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition. He insisted on several alterations during the afternoon. BAD SYMPTOMS APPEAR. His condition steadily became worse. The constant strain of coughing affected his heart, the left ventricle iailing to act. Oxygen gave no relief.

QUEEN'S GRIEF PATHETIC. It is reported that Queen Alexandra's grief is pathetic. Passing in and out of the death chamber, she refuses to take any rest. The official announcement states that Queen Alexandra is sustaining her trial with great fortitude, and her health is satisfactory. SPECIAL PRAYERS AT THE CASTLE. Canon Sheppard read special prayers in the private chapel of the Palace.

The Prince of Wales was at Marlborough House throughout the morning. The Earl of Crewe and others called.

THE POPULACE'S ANXIETY. J A long queue of society people waited I in Pall Mall to sigjn the visitors' bgok. i Many motor carriage, with occupants in evening dress from the theatres and opera stopped at the Palace till late tit, night to scan the bulletins, and were dee pi moved. | I THE FIRST NEWS. Mr. Winston Churchill sent the me*-' saae to the Lord Mayor requesting the tolling of the great Paul's hell, which is onlv tolled for the Kinjr and Archbishops. As it struck, the Citv police-: men -stood at the salute. The tolling j convened to thousands of early workers i the first news. , !

LOXDOX TXDFSC'RIBABLY SHOCKED. London to-dav is indescribably shocked. Mourning is universal, and business is at «. standstill. All markets, stock exchanges, law courts, theatres, and music-halls are closed, and all snorting fixtures have been abandoned, including Tsempton. where the Lite King? liorse is entered for the Jubilee and Newmarket next week. Social and political events luive been postponed. Most of the shorts have blackboards in the •windows. Drapers and milliners have replaced their colored goods with mourning. READING THE OFFICIAL NEWS.

Thousands stopped at the Mansion House and Buckingham Palace to read the official announcement. Flags are everywhere half-masted, including those at the New Zealand office and Australian agencies. Church-bells tolled simultaneously throughout the Country.

EXHIBITIONS, ETC., AFFECTED. The King's death is certain to seriously affect the Pageant of Empire, military tournament, "Japanese Exhibition, horse show, and other functions. •Mr. Roosevelt's programme will be considerably modified. The West Australia dinner has been indefinitely postponed.

AT WINDSOR CASTLE,

THE KING'S LAST MOMENTS. THE QUEEN'S FORTITUDE.

"There is profound regret at Windsor. The bell in the Curfew Tower tolled, and the Koval 'Standard was halfmasted. At Sandringham the news created consternation. MINUTE GUNS AND MUFFLED BELLS.

Minute guns were fired on all warships around the coast. The muffled hells of the Town Hall gave Manchester the news. Crowds waited outside the Birmingham newspaper offices until THE LAST MOMENTS. PEACEFUL AND QUIET. Received 7, 6.15 p.m. London, May 7. The Primate of England was pres. when King Edward died. He .passed away quite peacefully and quietly. Princess Maude alone of Jiis children was absent. She arrives on Sunday. King Edward was in a comatose state. He rallied slightly between nine and ten. Thereafter there was no return to consciousness.

* DIED IN HARNESS. I INCIDENTS OF THE ILLNESS. I THE KING'S COURAGE AND . DETERMINATION. Received 7, 6.15 p.m. London, May 7. The Times states that the King died ;as he lived, namely, in harness. He re- . fused to stay in bed. Yesterday morn- * ing he rose and transacted business. He faced his illness with courage and determination. He experienced a bad paroxysm of coughing in the forenoon, and in the evening it took the form of failure of breath. Oxygen was thereafter freely administered. The Times proceeds to state that, except during attacks of coughing and choking, the King conversed as usual. The bad paroxysm of coughing in the forenoon recurred in the afternoon, till in the evening it took the form rather of failure of breath, and the King became comatose, but throughout he remained up. Oxygen was freely administered and the air in the room thoroughly oxygenated.

The Times adds.: "We have lost a great constitutional King. He lias left us a successor in whom we may confidently repose our trust." \ THE QUERN'S DEVOTION. WATCHES BY HER HUSBAND. Received May 8, 0.5 a.m. London, May 7. Queen Alexandra watched by the King's bedside with the utmost devotion since his return to London.

THE TRUTH LEAKING' OUT. THE KING DANGEROUSLY ILL AT BIARRITZ. 4. Received May 8, 0.5 a.m. London, May. 7. • The Daily News' Biarritz corresDondent states that at one time the King's health was so had there that Sir .Tames Reid (His Majesty's physician) did not dare to undress him for three days or nights. Only those of His Majesty's immediate entourage were aware that the state of his health had been bad for some time.

'INDESCRIBABLE OUTBURST OF GRIEF. THE VICTIM OF LOVE FOR THE OUTDOOR LIFE. Received May 7, G.lo p.m. London, May 7. There was an indescribable outburst' of grief on the King's death being known, and unanimous tributes of affection displayed. The earliest public impression was that Kins; Edward was the victim of his exceeding love for outdoor life.

THE ENGLISH PEOPLE DAZED. PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLES IMMEDIATELY. Received May 7. 3.10 p.m. London, May 7. It is officially stated that King Edward died at midnight. The fact was soon apparent on the Princess of Wales leaving the Palace. The people are.silent, being dazed with the terrible sensation and the nation's bereavement.

Parliament assembles at the earliest moment.

QUESTIONING THE REPORTERS,

AWED SILENCE,

OUTSIDE THE PALACE.

LONDON'S PROFOUND EMOTION. MESSAGES TO THE QUEEN AND THE NEW KING. Received May 7, 6.45 p.m. 1 London, May 7. The Prince of Wales telegraphed to j the Lord Mayor informing him of the death of the King. The Lord Mayor, in acknowledging! the Prin»* ef Wales' intimation, ten- [ dered the citizens' true sympathy and j condolence. He also telegraphed Queen j Alexandra the city's; profound emotion. • The message stated: "God has called to i Himself your august husband, our most ! gracious and beloved King. I wish te express our loyal devotion to you and ! our deep sympathy for you. Mar God j bless and comfort you and those dear i to you in your hour of need and sorrow." i THE TIME OF THE DEATH. I Received Ma}' 7, 8 p.m. London, May 7. Sir F. Laking and Sir James Reid and Dr. Powell and Dr. Dawson certified that the death took place at 11,-1." p.m. Mr. Winston Churchill (Home Secretary), in notifying the Lord Mayor of the death of the King, also fixes the time of death at 11.45 p.m. The official notice of the death of the. ' King was not posted at Buckingham j Palace until 5 o'clock this morning. j ■SUMMONING OF THE ROYAL i FAMILY. !

Received May S, ~> p.m. London. May 8. The Royal Family was summoned, and nearly all arrived by 7.30 p.m. The condition of the King not improving, it was arranged that all should stay for the night, and rooms were prepared. . The Archbishop of Canterbury a'F the bedside administered the last rites of the Church. Four were present, also Nurse Fletcher, who attended at the operation in 1002 and attended His Majesty at Biarritz when he suffered from bronchitis ear'y in March.

THE DOMINANT TONE OF THE PEOPLE. Received May 8, 5 p.m. London, May 7.

The Queen and the Royal Family constantly journeyed to and from the sickroom.

The King did not recognise anvone, but a Dicker of consciousness was observed about 10 o'clock, and His Majesty then relapsed into a state of coma, peacefully expiring. The Prince of Vales' departure at 12.15 caused a great crowd waiting in the drizzling rain to FEAR THE WORST, and soon aftenva'rds a number of Pressmen hurried from the exit of the Palace. The crowd eagerly thronged,

■'What is the news?" they said. "Do tell us?" "'The King is dead!" was the reply. The crowd appeared stunned, and doubted if it was quite true. "Qune true," the pressmen replied. Half an hour later motor-cars brought special editions of the morning papers announcing the death. Earlier in the evening the crowd hefore the Palii.ce was intensely thrilled fljhen the buglers at the Wellington barracks blew the "retreat."

The Royal Standard on the roof of the Palace 'was gradually lowered in accordance with custom, and the crowd in

fearing it would stop at half-mast, breathed again as it disappeared from sight.

The dominant note and the all-per-v? .ing tone of the vast crowd outside Buckingham Palace was of personal loss. Rich and poor turned mutually for sympathy.

RUSSIA'S GRIEF. STRIKING TESTIMONY. St. Petersburg, May 7. Deep regret is expressed in St. Petersburg. The Novoe Yrcniya says: "King Edward was a faithful friend of Russia and of universal peace. .May his successor have his inherent love of peace, loyalty to friends, and i>ruad comprehension of the needs of humanity and the State."

WORLD-WIDE SYMPATHY. London, May 8. The Foreign, Indian, and Colonial Offices are receiving world-wide expressions of condolence and sympathy. Queen Emma of the Netherlands has arrived on a visit to the Duchess of Albany.

Rome. May 8. The Italian Senate and Chamber adjourned.

.The Duke of Connaiwht learned the news at Suez, sailing immediately lor Naples. He is journeying overland.

KING'S CONSIDERATION FOR THE COLONIES. AND DEVOTION TO PUBLIC DUTY

London. May 8. The newspapers comment on the fact that Lord Islington (New Zealand's newGovernor) and Mr. T. D. Roliinsifi were the last to see the King alive. King- Edward's consideration for his overseas dominions lasted until the very end.

Mr. T. D. Robinson, interviewed before tile news of his death, stated that he had experience of the King's graciousness ami kindness to his overseas subjects when he had the honor of making a presentation of Queensland's gift. He was offered -m opportunity of gi'vin«r the King a message from Queensland showing the a flection in regard of the peonle. Despite obviouslv .poor health, he insisted 011 asking 111 any questions regarding products, particularly pearl shells and gold. Mr. Robinson was nnich touched with the devotion to public duty the King showed in seeing him under the circumstances, and of the kindly interest he took in Queensland affairs.

THE UNITED STATES' SYMPATHY.

CANADA MOVED.

NEW 7 ZEALAND'S MESSAGE TO KING GEORGE.

Received May 8, 5 p.m. London, May 7.

"OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO OUR KINSMEN." Received May 8, 0.40 p.m. London, May 7. President Taft cabled to Queen Alexandra: "I offer your Majesty and son the profmuidest sympathy of the people and the Government .of the United States, whose hearts go out to their British kinsmen in their national bereavement. To this 1 add my personal appreciation of those high qualities which made the life of the late King' so potent an influence towards peace and justice among the nations."

The President sent his military aide to condole with the Right Hon. .Tames Bryce (British Ambassador at Washington). who was deeply affected. Mr. Knox (Secretary'of State) cabled to the Embassy in London: "Please express to the British Government the sympathy of the President, Government, and people of the United States with their British kinsmen in the loss? of a ruler so beloved and distinguished anions; the nations for his influence, kindliness, and wisdom towards all that was best."

The members of the United States Cabinet called on the Right Hon. James Brvce.

The news was received everywhere throughout the States with genuine regret.

COXSTERXATIOX IX SOUTH AFRICA MR ROOSEVELT SHOCKED. Received May 8. 5 p.m. London, May 7. There was consternation in South Africa. Roth Boers anl British are united in their common sorrow. The bulletins shocked and grieved exPresident Roosevelt, who was journevir>g from Stockholm. Tt is expected in Berlin that the Kaiser will attend the funeral. MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. FROM ALL COUNTRIES. Received May 8. !U0 a.m. London. Mav 8. ■•Messages of warm sympathy " have been received from all countries "and the dominions of the Empire, with tributes to King Erlward's consistent policv in respect to the maintenance of the equilibrium between the great European forces.

The event was a tremendous shock to all heads of States and Governments. The feelincr manifested throughout Fr::neo w:v- ufcin to real affectj>n.'

MESSAGES FROM ALL 'PARTS OF THE EMPIRE.

THE GREATEST LOSS THE EMP'.KE COULD SUSTAIN. Received May S, 11.40 a.m. Ottawa. May. 8. The Premier (Sir Wilfrid Liurier) was intensely affected bv the news of the King's death. He refrained from making anv statement until to-morrow. Sir Frederick Borden (Leader of the Opposition) said that Canadians believed that King Edward was the greatest living force for right within the Empire. In him died the greatest statesman ot diplomatic Europe. The Hon. W. S. Fielding (.Minister for Finance) said the King would be mourned throughout the Empire, for his services as a constitutional monarch would be remembered, throughout the world as "Edward the Peacemaker." The Hon. R. Lemieux (PostmasterGeneral) said King Edward was a great King and peacemaker and •flefcuder of minorities. Ilis death was the greatest loss the 'Empire could sustain at this juncture. French Canadians would regret his death. In every home there would ibe sorrow.

Special editions of the newspapers were published in all the cities of Canada.

•Special -services will be held in the churches to-morrow. Newfoundlanders were startled and grieved.

The Hon. William Hall-Jones has written to King George V. as follows: "It is my painful duty as New Zealand's representative to convey to your Majesty the profound grief of the people of New Zealand at the lamented death of their beloved King. Though living in the most distant part of your Majesty's realm, the people of New Zealand, both 'British and Maoris, are as devoted in their loyalty and intense in their sorrow as those of the Homeland, and ioi:i in universal mourning at the great less the Empire has sustained."

THE COMMONWEALTH'S MESSAGE.

Sir G. Reid, as Commonwealth representative in Britain, has written to Lord Crewe: "May I tender most humbly, with feelings of profound sorrow, my ■heartfelt sympathy with the Royal Family and the Imperial Government in the sudden termination of the illustrious reign of the late Sovereign. The passing away in the midst of health, strength, and full performance of duty, of the Empire's brightest life and most powerful influence for -■■<]•) ? an.i univarsal peace and frienikY i v.-' ' . M to the sense of public loss ;,:\< ioiis tributes of a grief that follows 'the loss of one well beloved of all hi* subjects."

Directly the King's death was «.u----nounced Lord Crewe telegraphed to the Governors of the dominions, states, colonies, and protectorates. Messages of sorrow, in reply, are arriving every minute from all parts of the Empire. The texts of the messages will not be published until the King has read them.

A BOER'S TRIBUTE. Colonel Scely, at a Sheffield banquet on Friday, quoted General "Botha's remark that he believed it was due to the King's magnetic personality more than any other factor that the' Boers b'">an to -see that the British were not only able to fight, but could be just and generous afterwards.

THE WORLD'S GREATEST STATESMAN. Mr. Will Crooks at Wei worth requested the audience to sing the National Anthem, and said: ''The King was the greatest statesman in the world. I ca»« for him more iha.n any other because 1 know he cares for the common people. He is a father to us all."

NATIONALISTS SHOCKED. Nationalist newspapers are shocked at'i the abrupt termination to an active life, and say that during the nine years of the King's reign he was never the obiect ' of more critical attention than at the ! ■present, when the world 'was looking with anxiety for the King's decision in | a constitutional crisis. I

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ST. PAUL'S

A memorial service was held at St. Paul's this morning. The Lord Mayor, Mr. John Burns, and other representatives of the Government were present, and the nave was crowded. The "Dead March in Saul'' was played, and the service closed with a verse of the National Anthem.

Melba's and all other concerts have been abandoned.

"CALM AND PEACEFUL. - ' VIEWING THE KIIVG'S BO -V. THE GENERAL AIOI'LUMNC. Received May !), 12.4.) a.m. London, M.iv 3 The Royal Household was admitted this afternoon to see King Edward lying on the bed in which he died. The features are calm and peaceful. King Haakon and Prince Olav accompany Princess Maud to England.

A -battery of Royal Artillery at Saint .]nines' Park t'liis afternoon tired a farewell salute for King Edward. A supplicatory devotional service was held later at St. Paul's Cathedral. Sir Edward Grey and Mr. John Burns attended the service.

The House of Representatives at Washington adjourned after recording a vote of sympathy with Britain i)t the loss of a wise and upright ruler, whose l gioat purpose was the cultivation of friendship with all nations and the .nreservation of peace. Mr. Taft and all the diplomatists in Washington visited the Richt Hon. .Tames Bryce. The Danish Court will observe twelve weeks' mourning. The Danish sovereigns now in the Riviera will start for Loudon on Monday.

Prince .Tosef and the Areli Duke Tiainer. witn ministers and other;:, visited the British Fnibassy. anil Prince Franz Ferdinand will represent Prince Josef at the funeral.

GRIEF AND DISTRESS IN INDTA. Calcutta. Mav 7. The utmost grief and distress is felt in Tndia. The Viceroy ordered State mourn'ns. and all society fixtures h n ve ■been r.l;r.r.;lo::td. E::ronc -n firm.? in Ca!-