The age-herald., 1898-09-07
was looked upon as being a happy augery for the young sovereign.
 

was looked upon as being a happy augery for the young sovereign.
 Procession Formed
 The procession was headed by the Kings of-Arms with the heralds in their gorge ous antique costumes and bearing long trumpets adorned with pedant flags. But all the spendor of the royal retinue was overlooked by the vast crowds of people whose eyes were turned upon the central figure of this imposing function-the young queen on foot amidst the people, decked with all the emblems of royalty. At her ! head was a diadem of diamonds, crown shaped. Her robe was of white silk with a long train under a mantle of rich red velvet, on which the lions of Nassau were displayed in gold embroidery, The mantle was bordered with ermine. The sword of state was carried before the young queen by a general.
 Her majesty carried herself with grace and fortitude, but her blanched cheeks were evidence of the profound emotion inspired by the greatness of the occasion.
 As the procession of the queens mother entered the church the assembly rose and remained standing.
 Suddenly the King-of-Arms from the por- tai of the church heralded the arrival of Queen Wilhelmina, who entered the build ing escorted by a train of generals, each bearing an embazoned banner
 The choir, which included the greatest artists of Holland, sang "Wilhelmina's Van Nassauve" The queen, looking very well in her robes of state, bowed from side to side as she passed on to the throne,S and reaching it, she turned and again bowed and took her seat. A moment later her majesty arose, and in clear and perfect ly calm voice spoke as follows:
 Queen Speech
 "Gentlemen of the states general: Since the death of my ever lamented father and until have completed my eighteenth year, the government has been in the hands of my mother. I have now assumed the gov ernment and I have issued proclamation to my beloved people. The hour has now arrived when, amid the faithful states gen. eral and invoking the holy name of God, I shall pledge myself to the people of the Netherlands, to maintain their rights and priyileges On this date I draw more close ly the solemn tie existing between myself and my people. The very ancient union of the Netherlands and house of Orange Is confirmed after this. Beautiful is my voca- tion, beautiful is my task. am happy and grateful to be able to govern the Nether- lands people, nation small in numbers, but great in the virtue of its strength of character. I esteem it a privilege and pleasing duty to devote all my strength to the prosperity and welfare of our father land. The house of Orange can never, yea, never, do enough for the Netherlands I need your support and cooperation and am convinced you will lend me these in or- der that we may be able to work together for the honor and prosperity of our Neth- .erlands people. May this be the aim of our life and may God bless you and my labors for the salvation of the fatherland."
 In accordance with tradition, Van Em- mes, president of the first chamber, ad- vance8 to the throne and said:
 "Wesreceive and invest you, in the name of the Netherlands people and in virtue of the constitution, as queen. We swear we will maintain your inviolability and the rights of your crown. We swear to do all