The Chinese Benevolent Society of British Columbia gathered for a special
meeting to draft a letter sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies
Joseph Chamberlain in London. The message stated that:
The Chinese Benevolent society of British
Columbia on behalf of the Chinese in Canada desire to extend their sympathy
to the royal family and the British nation for the irreparable loss that
has been sustained by the death of Her Most Gracious Majesty, and they join
with all faithful subjects in profound grief for one who, beloved by all
classes and nations, labored for the good of mankind, whose name will ever
be referred to with love and reverence and whose noble work will endure
forever.11
Lee Cheong - President of the Society
It was decided unanimously at City Council that a message of sorrow would
be sent on January 23 1901 on behalf of the citizens of Victoria by the
Mayor to London through the Governor General. The message stated:
The people of Victoria express deep sorrow
at the magnitude of the loss the Empire has sustained in the death of a
Sovereign who for over sixty years has commanded the highest esteem and
affectionate homage of millions of subjects and the universal respect of
mankind, and whose life has been a noble example of truth, purity, and goodness
and now remains a treasured legacy for all time to come.
And they also desire to express their
loyalty and devotion to her Illustrious son and successor His Majesty Kind
Edward VII and royal consort and earnestly pray that their reign may be
long, peaceful, wise and good.12
Chas. Hayward Mayor of the City of Victoria, B.C.
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