The Topeka state journal., 1897-09-28
QUEEN GIVEN THE KEYS
Magnificent Spectacle at the
Queens Pavilion
When Her Royal Majesty Re-
eeiYes the Keys
To the City of Topeka Over Which
She is to Reign Festival Week

Before an assemblage of thousands,
surrounded by a splendid setting of
courtiers and ladies in the costumes of
the French capital five centuries ago.
attended by the prime minister. his at
tendant and pages, the Festival Queen
yesterday afternoon received from the
hands of Mayor Fellows the key of the
city and thereby formally declared the
opening of her reign.
The platform which the throne
was placed and where the opening cere-
monies took place occupies a position
directly in front of the grand stand in
the quarter stretch of the fair grounds
BY the time the procession arrived at
the grounds the grand stand was al
most an unbroken bank of humanity,
and hundreds of those who partlcip pated
in the parade formed a circle at the
rear of the platform extending far in
to the quarter stretch.
The three carriages bearing the gen
tlemen members of the Queens court
arrived in order of procession at the
grounds first, and entering the race
track at the east of the grand stand
moved abreast to position directly in
front of the canOpied platform. Here
the courtierS dismOunted, and remained
in exact position after the carriages
moved away awaiting the carriages of
the court ladies.
In the same manner as the carriages
of the gentlemen of the court, the car
riageS bearing the court ladies moved
abreast to the same position in front
OF the platform, and there the ladies
were by the gentlemen assisted to dis
mount. The carriages moved away
and the two lines of the members of
the court closed and moved in sideStep
manner towards the platform until
those nearest it arrived at the edge of
the first step
A roll of canvas was then quickly
spread down between the Two lines of
court members, and the carriage of the
prime minister and his attendant ad-
vanced. DismOunting at the edge of
the canvas they awaited the arrival of
the Queen.
The Queens carriage had during this
time remained at the entrance of the
track, and not until all was ready for
her reception did it move forward. As
it came in sight of the grand stand
cheers broke f Orth, and up to
the time of the Queens arrival at
the canvassed pasSageway to the
throne the applause continued This
the Festival Queen acknowledged by
graciously bowling.
At the edge of the canvas the Queen
was assisted to dismount by the prime
minister, and as she stepped from the
carriage the ladies and gentlemen of
the court executed the minuet bow. The
train of her gown was caught up by
the two pages in white silk suits and
accompanied by the prime minister and
followed by his attendant she advanced
to her throne on the stage.
As the Festival Queen turned and
faced the grand stand, applause, pro-
longed for several minutes, again broke
forth
Immediately following the Festival
Queen, the members of the court ad
vanced in couples, those fartheSt from
the platform taking the lead. On the
edge of the platform each couple bowed
before the Queen, and arranged them
selves on either side in diagonal lines
extending from the steps of the throne
to the corners of the platform.
When the last couple had taken their
places, the Queen and court, at a sign
from the prime minister took seats.
The gown of the Festival Queen was
of beautiful lavender brOcade satin
with borders of royal purple. The train
was of royal purple, and the high col
lar of the same material. A crown of
gold set with diamonds. valued at S20,-
600, was worn, and jeweled bracelets
and armletS sparkled in the sunlight.
In readiness for the opening ceremon-
les the Queen and court presented a
picture of regal splendor.
Mr.. A. K. Wilson, master of ceFe-
monies and representative of the Com
mittee of Fifteen, here stepped to the
front of the platform, and made a pre-
liminary address
Mayor Fellows then stepped forward
and holding in his hand a large silvered
key representative of the key of the
city. said, addressing the Festival
Queen:
Most Gracious Queen: The citizens
and guests of this central capital city
of the greatest of republics are pleased
TO greet thy Royal Highness. There
has been profound joy in anticipation
of thy coming.
The pulse of thy people is bounding
with an ecstacy of supreme delight The
fragrance OF the flowers of thy beauti-
full realm fill the air and all the earth
with sweetest perfume From Key West
to klondike and from Plymouth Rock
to the Golden Gate. all thy subjects will
be told that Topeka has been hOnored
as thy seat of government.
Thy rule will be as serene as the scent
of the rose is fragrant. All prejudices
will be forgotten. 1t will mean a sea-
son of peace on earth, good will toward
all mankind
Gracious Queen, accept this key to
the city, and be assured that this
change of administration will be unani-
mously endorsed. And now as thy
humble and devoted subject, 1 await
thy command.
Mayor Fellows bowed and extended
the key 1t was taken by Mr.. ChaS. w.
Guild, the prime minister, who then ad-
vanced to the edge of the platform, and
made respioSe in the name of the Festi-
val Queen. He said:
Her Majesty directs me to make re-
sponse; as her shadow, obey; as her
echo, / speak.
The visitor whose feet tread the tuft-