DEATH OF THE MIKADO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 63, 1 August 1912, Page 5

DEATH OF THE MIKADO.

THE SCENE IN TOKIO. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Tokio, July 30. During the Mikado's closing hours the crowds surrounded the palace and the priests from the shrines and temples erected makeshift altars and led the people in prayer and exhortation. Hundreds, with lant-.i'ns, knelt with heads on the ground, and thousands on the outskirts of the crowd stood bareheaded. Policemen every twenty yards, with red and yellow lanterns, kept an open way for officials and diplomatists hastening for news. It was a weird scene.

THE NEW E.MPEROR. Received 31, 11 p.m. Tokio, July 31. 1 Koyto, the new Emperor, after many quaint accession ceremonies, has retired to the Toyama Palace for five days. The deepest mourning is being observed. The coronation of Koyto will take place in 1013. King George condoled with the new monarch, and the Ambassador conveyed Sir E. Grey's and the Government's expression of Britain's deepest sorrow. ENGLISH MARK OF RFSPECT. London. July 20. Many flags in England are half-masted in (consequence of the Mikado's death.

AMERICAN SYMPATHY. Received 31, 5.5 p.m. New York, July 31. President Taft called at the Japanese Embassy to-day as a mark of sympathy with the death of the Emperor. The new Mikado, Yo-slii-hito and Prince Karuko cabled their thanks. FEELTNG IN AUSTRALIA. Received 1, 12.45 a.m. Sydney. July 31. Flags flew at half-mast to-day for the Mikado. Many messages of condolence were sent to the Consul-General. The latter received a cable announcing that the Crown Prince was proclaimed seventeen minutes after the death of the Mikado.

REFERENCES IX PARLIAMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon Mr. Massey moved that an address be presented to the Governor, to be conveyed to Japan, expressing the House's deep sympathy with the Empress, the Royal family, and the Japanese nation in the death of the Mikado. The Mikado was, said Mr. Massey, one of the greatest men in modern times. He was a progressive statesman and patriot. He had witnessed the rise of Japan from barbarity to civilisation. Japan was an ally of Britain, and that alliance was a good thing for Britain.

Mr. Mackenzie seconded the motion, which was carried.