New York mail 2/2/1901

At the time of the Paris incident London had an approximate population of just under four million souls. The great quake and subsequent fire killed an unimaginable number, some guessing as much as quarter of the inhabitants. This is probably over estimated but nonetheless London became a shadow of its former glory.

Thirty years on and once again the city is the centre of a powerful nation. The population behind it's massive walls are now more than what is was. Citizens from all over the world shelter is this,  the greatest of fortresses.

But today it is a sad city, a city in mourning for its queen, for its mother. Today Queen Victoria is laid to rest at Windsor alongside her beloved Albert, attended by her heir Edward, and

Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany who made the dangerous  journey through wild Frisia to spend a last Christmas with the Queen.
Ambassador Anthony Hart from the Confederated Free States and vice president Roosevelt were also seen amongst the mourners.