Before leaving Buckingham Palace, the Queen gave the signal for the transmission to all parts of the Empire of that gracious message which is now engraven on the hearts of her people. A private telegraph wire had been erected between the Palace and the Central Telegraph Office. Her Majesty touched a button attached to a small telegraphic instrument in connection with this wire, thereby giving the signal to the officials at the Telegraph Office; and before the Royal carriage had passed through the Palace gates, the royal message was being flashed along ten thousand thousand miles of wire to the farthest outposts of British civilization. Characteristic alike of the monarch and of her people were the simple words:-- "FROM MY HEART I THANK MY BELOVED PEOPLE. "MAY GOD BLESS THEM. "V. R. and I." Several replies from distant Colonies were found awaiting Her Majesty when she returned to her Palace. Thus the witchcraft of science added another touch of splendour to these unique festivities. [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by F. Frith & Co., Reigate._ THE PIPERS OF THE LONDON SCOTTISH VOLUNTEERS ESCORTING COLONIAL TROOPS. The stand on the right, in front of the National Gallery, is occupied by Peers and their Ladies and friends. The whole of the north side of Trafalgar Square (from the steps on the left of the picture to the corresponding steps at the other end of the terrace) was occupied by the London County Council Stand, one of the largest on the route. At this spot the roadway was lined by Bluejackets and Marines.] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_By A. H. Brunell._ THE COLONIAL PROCESSION: ZAPTIEHS FROM CYPRUS PASSING LUDGATE CIRCUS.] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by the London Stereoscopic Co._ THE HONG KONG POLICE AND OTHER TROOPS FROM THE CROWN COLONIES PASSING DOWN KING WILLIAM STREET.] [Sidenote: The Colonial Procession.]