The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-09-07
A SCENE OF SPLENDOR
ON FOOT DECKED WITH THE
EMBLEMS OF ROYALTY.
R0ARS OF Joy FROM A LOYAL PEOPLE
In The Interior of the Church Amid Almost Bar
baric Pomp and MagnifceEca WiIhel-
nina was Invested with The
Powers of Queen.
Powers Of Queen.

AmSlefuam, sept. O.-Ine events oI
yesterday were but the overture for far
more important ceremonies to-day, upon
the occasion of the enthronlng Of Queen
Wilhelmina. The day began with a
salute of 101 guns and a majestic Choir
ale performed by trumpeters from the
churches of Amsterdam.
BY 10 o'clock the Damplatz presented
a magnificent spectacle. The multitudes
We're kept back by lines or troops of all
arms.
From the principal gate of the palace
to the church. between lines of naval
cadets, was stretched a gay awning
decorated with streamers, and velvet car
peting was laid over the short distance
which the Queen had to traverse.
At 1895 the princely families of Sake
Weimar and Wied drove to the church
escorted by cavalry with pands playing.
drums beating and the troops presenting
arms.
Almost Immediately afterwards the
Queen Mother appeared in state coach
which was surmounted by gilt royal
eeiyed an ovation.
About ten minutes later Queen Will
helmina left the place, and ar that very
moment the sun burst from the clouds
in brilliancy. which was looked upon as
being happy augury for the young SOW
ereign.
The procession was headed by the
Kings-of- Arms with the heralds in their
gorgeous, antique costumes and bearing
long trumpets adorned with pendant
flags. But all the splendor of the Royal
regime was overlooked by the vast
crowds of people, whose eyes were turn
ed upon the central figure OF this inn
posing 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 dis
played in gold embroidery. The mantle
was bordered with ermine.
The sword of state was carried before
the young Queen by a general.
The jewels worn by the young Queen
were part of those stolen in Brussels on
September 9th, 1929.
1t is impossible to adequately describe
the acclamations which greeted the
Queen The roars of loyal cheers grew
louder and more sustained, Her Ma
jesty proceeded to the church, which,
in the meanwhile. had been filled with
brilliantly robed ladies and uniformed
civil and military authorities. naval
officers and members of the diplomatic
corps The interior of the church dis
closed magnificent wealth of drapery.
banners palms and flowers In front of
the chancel was the throne, of gorge
Gus crimson and gold velvet. with the
crown, orb, sceptre and sword occupy
ing stools.
Suddenly the King-of-Arms. from the
portal of the church. heralded the ar
rival Of Queen Wilhelmina, who enter
cd the building escorted by train of
generals, each bearing an emblaZoned
banner.
The choir which included the greatest
artists of Holland. sang "Wilhelmina
Van Nassauwe." The Queen looking
very well in her robes of state, bowed
from side to side as she passed on to
the throne and, reaching it, she turned
aud again bowed and took her seat
moment later Her Majesty arose and, in
q clear and perfectly calm voice, made
short address, pledging herself to the
people Of the Netherlands TO maintain
their rights and privileges.
After the Queens speech, in accord
ancc with tradition, Van Eemnes, Presi
dent Of the First Chamber, advanced tc
the throne and said:
I'VE receive and invest You, in the
name oe the Netherlands people and il
virtue Of the Constitution, as Queen
We swear we will maintain your invio-
liability and the rights Of your crown.
We swear to do all that good and faith
fHl States General should do. SO help
It's Almighty God"
The usher then announced the names
Of the members Of the Chambers loudly,
each member rising us his name was
called and responding: $50 Help me
Almighty Cod" save the Baptist mem
bers, who replied: 81 promise it,"
The Queen sat for II few moments
and then again arose and rccitcd, in the
same clear tones. the usual onth to mp
hold the Constitution, defend the inn
portance Of the country. protect the
liberty Of her subjects. using therefor
all legal means, ''as good King
sh0uld"
Later in the day the Queen drove
around the city and viewed the decora-
tione Her carriage WAS drawn by six