While the great man’s funeral was being held, Canadians outside of Nova Scotia were reading detailed descriptions in their newspapers of the wreaths and more that had adorned Thompson’s casket the late PM lay-in-state the day before. Below, for example, is some of the coverage of the sad events provided readers of the Ottawa Citizen. The article is worth quoting at length.

“The casket which contains the remains of Sir John Thompson has gold mountings, and on the cover is a gold crucifix and & heavy shield with the following inscription: ‘The Right Hon. Sir John S. D. Thompson, P. C., K. C. M. G., M. P., Q. C., Premier and Minister of Justice of Canada, died at Windsor Castle 12th December, 1894, aged 50, R. I.P.’"

The Citizen’s coverage continued.

“On the foot of the coffin is a large wreath of tinted maple leaves from Countess Aberdeen, and on the head the wreath that was placed there by Queen Victoria. The display of floral tributes is magnificent, consisting of roses, crowns, wreaths and sheafs. Besides these there are many, palms and plants tastily arranged about the mortuary. A large number of additional floral offerings were received today. One was from Queen Victoria. This is the third wreath donated by Her Majesty. It stands five feet nine inches high, and is composed of a background of holly, with white flowers and white silk ribbon attached, bearing the inscription: ‘A mark of deep regret and sincere respect from Victoria, R. I.’”

“One of the wreaths presented by Queen Victoria did not come across. Others received today were from the (British Secretary of State for the Colonies) the Marquis of Ripon and the Colonial Office. Lord Ripon’s tribute is a wreath of white immortales. It is very pretty. The floral offerings from British Columbia are a wreath from the British Columbia M.P.'s, wreath from the Speaker and Legislative Assembly, and floral cross from the Executive Council of British Columbia.”