The times., 1898-09-07
Youthful Sovereign Enthroned
Mid POmp and Glory.
CONSECRATES LIFE TO DUTY
The GirIish Queen SO1cmDIy Pledges
People - Brilliant and Imposing
Ceremonies Attend Her Assump-
ton of Royal Rights and Hon Irs.

took possession of her throne today and
received the pledge of allegiance from her
ministers council and people.
Like the Car of Russia. the sovereign
of the Netherlands is not crowned, but
personally assumes the royal diadem and
installs himself or herself in the seat of
power.
The formalities of the occasion, though
not difficult. could not fail to be trying
ordeal to young girl just entering wo-
manhood. but il must be said that she
acquitted herself in such a manner as
well befitted descendant of the house of
Orange.
The girlish delight which she evinced
at the plaudits of her people in the
streets of Amsterdam yesterday disap-
peared today and instead she bore her
self with the gentle dignity befittiIIg the
ruler of a people of splendid tradition.
simple But Impressive Service.
Following the simple functions of the
investment of regal power to the queen
came the Inauguration service at the
Nieuekirk, the Oldest chapel in Amster
dam. Here the somber aspects of the in
terror were brilliant with the glitter of
uniforms, dazzling costumes, and fash
ing of diamonds, worn by the ladies of
the court, the wives and daughters of
the diplomats, who are here TO 40 honor
TO the present occasion, and prominent
personages from all parts of civilized
Europe.
The character of the service was sim
pie, but very impressive.
The chorus from the choir accompany
ing the soothing melodies from the sweet
toned organ were invocations 10 heaven
for the welfare of the new queen and
the contentment and happiness of the
4 In 1,Hal h..
prayers of the ecclesiastic who conducted
the services met with earnest responses,
and the impressive and touching scenes
brought tears of emotion 10 the eyes of
many within the sacred structure
4 Great Historical Picture.
Everything combined to make the oc-
lowering in the morning. but a burst of
sunshine a few moments before the queen
entered the church gave a climax to the
brilliancy of the scene which made il
great historical picture.
All of the representatives of the Dutch
aristocracy. the political authorities of
| the day, the foreign ministers, and dele
gates from other royal houses were there.
A large dais was erected in the nave, and
above 1t was great crimson and gold
canopy suspended from crown. In the
center of the dais was the throne, which
was a crimson chair. with gold crown
fanl<ed by two golden lions rampant sur
mounting the back and the letter W.
worked in gold in the center of the vel
vet back. The decorations of the church
were historical, Dutch flags and palms
surrounding the columns.
To the left of the throne was a second
/ and smaller seat of less elaborate design
! for Queen Emma. who today becomes her
| daughters subject.
At 1915 The trumpets sounded and the
! cheers of the populace outside announced
| the arrival of Queen Emma and her suite.
Greeted With Deafenine Cheers.
A few moments later the trumpets
again sounded and the cheers without
We're deafening. Queen Wilhelmina, at
tended by a brilliant suite, entered the
| church by the east wing. The vast au-
dience rose and the choir burst into song
as the young girl advanced slowly. fol-
lowing the royal standards. her white
J gown almost hidden beneath a mag
nifcent dark crimson coronation robe,
| lined with ermine. Her train was borne
| by officers of the court and upon her
head was a crown of diamonds of superb
| luster All bowed low before her, in
/ Guiding the queen mother.
Before the choir had finished singing
| Wilhelmina, queen, seated herself. I'm
mediately on front of the throne was
| table bearing the official crown, the
scepter, the orb. and the constitution. but
none of these was used in the brief cere-
mony which followed.
The music having ceased. the queen
rose and read her address. In the course
| of her speech, she said:
Address of the Queen.
MY Dear People:
1.-The hour has now come when in
voking Gods holy name. 1 find myself
| in the midst of my faithful states gen.
eral to maintain the dearest rights and
freedom of the Dutch people. There
| fore. ], today, consolidate the close bonds
which exist between me and my peo-
pie and the ancient pact between the
Netherlands and the house of Orange
is to be resealed. High is my vocation
and beautiful is the task which God has
laid upon my shoulders
81 am happy and thankful to reign oy-
er the people of the Netherlands, who,
small in number, though great in vir-
tues, are strong by nature and .charac-
ter.
''It is a great privilege that it is my life
work and duty to dedicate my powers
TO the prosperity and interests of my
dear fatherland. l adopt the words of
my beloved father:
"'Yea, Orange can never do enough
for the Netherlands
''In fulfilling the task, I need your
help and cooperation.
Gentlemen and members of Paria-
ment, l am fully convinced that you will
accord me your help. Let us work to-
gether in behalf of the happiness and
prosperity of the Dutch people.
Let that be our goal May God bless
our work and may it conduce to the
welfare of the fatherland."
NiIhcImina Takes the Oath.
At the conclusion of her address, the
queen pronounced the oath, raising her
hand at the last words and with her
eyes turned toward heaven. pledging her
self solemnly and impressively to con-
secrate herself to the welfare of her
people.
After the pronouncement of the oath
there was a moments hush and then the
great assembly broke into cheers, crying
thrice Long live the queen" Then SOL
lowed the formal declaration of en-
thronement prescribed by the constitu-
ton.
Choice of 81 ConsOrt.
The choice of prince consort for the
lovely young queen. now that she is
gal rights and honors is undergoing the
considera ton of the higher dignitaries at
The Hague, and it may not be long be-
fore the maiden may become the wife of
one OF the younger scions of European
royalty.
The grandson of the Grand Duke of
Saxe-Weimar, Prince Bernard, has re-
Gently been visiting the royal chateau,
Soestdyk. and appears to have made a