Arizona republican., 1894-09-20
ORIENTAL SPLENDOR.
Picture sque Ceremony of Install
 ing an Oriental Ruler.
An Interesting Description of the En- thronement of the Maharais of Kolhapur-An Event Ever to
 Be Remembered.

De hememDereu.
 All Kolhapur had put on holiday dress to grace this occasion. Two hundred mounted soldiers had been sent from Bombay, and white tents made pretty sight in camp where the English guests were entertained. For three nights the streets were illumi- mated, banners were flying, innumera- ble tapers twinkled from the English residency, the town hall, and the palace, outlining the buildings in light against the sky. By night and day, says the Chicago Tribune, the streets were crowded with people who had come miles and miles from the outlying dis tricts to witness the festivities.
 Within the palace our western eyes were greeted by scene unique in its oriental splendor. Imagine the interior of spacious building newly decorated in white, and gold mirrors at either end, flowers adorning walls and inches; overlooking the main floor or Darbar hall, lofty gallery where the four ladies of our party with those of the English missionary societies and Lady Harris had excellent seats. Below were seated over two hundred native chiefs in their richest regalia; robes of finest texture in white or scarlet, gilt tering with gems, turbans in purple, white, scarlet, green or pink, presented brilliant array of color.
 At the end of the hall, upon dais, stood the elegant carved sofa of rich gold brocade which constituted the gadi, or throne. Behind it were stand ing, like statues, four chief servants of the king, in their long red gowns se- cured at the waist by elaborate girdles, each holding his long gilt wand sur mounted with feathers. At either side of the gadi were two ancient retainers of the household bearing heavy maces of gold.
 As the hour of the installation ap- breaches the crowds outside lining the roadway become more excited, till finally shout from the people announces the arrival of the royal equipage. Servants spread a bright crimson cloth for a carpet from the steps to the hall, and, preceded by the political agents, the future king entered, led by the hand of Lord Harris, governor of the Bombay presi- dency. The dress of an English courier, including white silk stock ings, silver buckles and white knee brooches, with the gold-embroidered coat, had all the charm of novelty to one fresh from democratic America. think it will amuse you to note that his highness wore good English leather boots. His robe was of scarlet cloth bordered with gold braid; he wore ponderous, many-folded turban of the same color, nearly square in shape. This heavy headdress was ornamented with gold work and at one corner with 8 broocn of mammoth pearls; it was secured by cord passing under his left ear. Of course, you know, no Hindu removes his turban indoors. About his neck were dozen rows of costly pearls, lower came three of diamonds, while reaching to his waist was rope of gems. Under his arm he carried dhotar or scarf of cloth-of- gold. The dhotar of common cloth or muslin is used by all classes worn about the neck or shoulders
 The ceremony consisted of 8 speech in English by the governor, the trans lation in Marathi by the state secre- tary; response in good English by the Maharaja, an address by the Diwan relinquishing the administration of government. and then Lord Harris led his highness to the lontsvacant gadi, and, seating him there, pronounced Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaja of the state of Kolhapur, while the air of God Save the Queen" pealed from the band, salute of nineteen guns was fired, and glad cry went up from ten thousand threats.
 Following the installation came pre- sentation of gifts, richly bejewelled sword with Damascus blade, costing three thousand rupees, rare fabrics on gold trays. Then garlands of flowers were thrown about the neck of the rajah, one placed on each arm, and a boquet of tuberoses in his hands. Gar lands and drops of altar of rose were lavished on all present, including our