MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
The following message was sent Friday night by H. R. H. the Duke of Connaught, Governor-General of Canada, to Right Hon. R. L. Borden, Prime Minister:
“On behalf of the Duchess and myself, I desire to express to you our deep grief at the terrible disaster to the Empress of Ireland, and our heartfelt sympathy with the families of those who have perished.”
GRIEF IN ENGLAND
The British public, which went home Friday night believing that the greater part of the passengers on board the Empress of Ireland had survived the disaster in the St. Lawrence, was greatly shocked Saturday when it was learned that the loss of life had reached one thousand, and that many of the victims were from the United Kingdom.
King George early in the morning sent a messenger to the European manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway expressing his sorrow at the disaster and the great loss of life.
LORD MAYOR OF LONDON STARTS FUND
The Lord Mayor of London, upon learning of the extent of the disaster, decided to open a fund toward the relief of the widows and orphans as well as the dependents of those of the passengers and crew who had been lost. The King donated $2,500; the Queen, $1,250; the Prince of Wales, $1,250, and the Queen Mother Alexandra, $1,000. The Mansion House Fund was also turned to the aid of the sufferers, and a Liverpool Relief Fund started.
SYMPATHY EXTENDED BY KING AND QUEEN
King George cabled to the Duke of Connaught, Governor-General of Canada, as follows: