Norfolk and Portsmouth

By Mayoralty Proclamation These Cities Go into Mourning.

(Special Dispatch to The Times.)

     NORFOLK, VA., Sept. 18.—Acting Mayor of Norfolk Tazewell Taplor to-day by proclamation called upon the citizens to suspend all secular business between the hours of 1 and 4 o’clock “as a befitting tribute” to the late President, who fell as a martyr to duty after a noble life spent in the service of his country.
     Business will be suspended to-morrow. The city is in mourning and gloom and grief is everywhere apparent.
     Mayor of Portsmouth Baird has issued a proclamation suggesting the suspension of business to-morrow during the hours appointed for the funeral of Mr. McKinley, and also that citizens attend the services, which will be held in the various churches. This will be generally observed.
     The Norfolk and Western Railroad Lambert’s Point coal piers will suspend operations to-night until Friday morning. Not even steamers calling for bunker coal will be supplied. This is most unusual. All business houses here will be closed to-morrow afternoon. There will be services in all the churches. Sadness like a pall covers these cities.