Here the circle of the world was completed and the Anthem had come back to the place of beginning.
Thus were the fellow-colonists, hand in hand and voice to voice, linked in one continuous line around the world, and the historic but ideal "drumbeat" of the "Martial Airs of England" changed into the absolute fact of the "Diamond Anthem" with which they encircled the earth and accompanied the hours throughout the Diamond Jubilee Accession Day of their beloved Queen.
One of the great records of Her Majesty's reign was the marvellous increase of her colonial kingdom. It was largely through her own personal influence that during those sixty years it had been extended and cared for. Gladly has this tribute of affection been given by her grateful colonists to their Queen by thus joining "Hands all Round" in their rejoicings, in a way which was impossible at the beginning of her reign, but which, by her broad-minded advance, she had herself made practicable, and which therefore marks a record of her great life-work.
Thus was completed in every particular the Diamond Anthem of the Sons of England. A "Service" which was so universally and ardently adopted, is absolutely unique in history, and one which is capable of being carried out only by our British Nation, upon whose Sovereign's Dominions the sun never sets.
A diamond star was added to Mr. Cumberland's Past President's Jewel as a token of appreciation, and every commendation must be given to the officers of the Lodges and kindred associations, to the clergy and municipal, and to the naval and military authorities who so earnestly co-operated in carrying out the celebrations which will long last in the thoughts of those who had the happiness of sharing in them. It was a memorable event.
DIAMOND JUBILEE OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA,
SUNDAY, JUNE 20th, 1897.
