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.