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Several men at the left of the image are obviously officials on this solemn public occasion.

Here, a closer look at two of them. Both have white (or at least very light-colored) placards perched on their top-hats. Since black was the color of mourning, it is likely that these cards were meant to communicate some other message. Are they a badge of office? Directions to the public? Unfortunately, the resolution of this image does not permit us to read what–if anything–was written on them.

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