The Portland daily press., 1901-02-15

An usher. walking baokwards heraided
the approach Of the King. The Duke OF
Dsvonshire, president of the council, Inn
mediatsIy preceded min. carrying In his
arms the cushion o. which rested the
crown. Lord Londonderry, with equal
DINGHY, clasped tue sword Of stats
Smiling genialIy the King lowed right
and left. lie never looked better. His
huge ermine cape gave an enormous
breadth to his shoulders and set OF the
healthy color Of his faoe.>
Queen Alexandra, wearing an ermins
cape and q small diamond crown, formed
remarkable contrast to her husband.
The palor OF her faoe and her down.cast
eyes enhanced the idea OF mourning given
by the long, crepe veil hanging down her
back and hiding the costly ermine.
Before the end OF the procession had
passed out Of the royal gallery the king
had entered the House OF Lords and the
central feature of the day commenced'
1t was 2. 10 p. M, before the King ar
riv ID In the chamber, where one OF the
most striking things was the curious re-
versal Of the customary appearance OF the
ser. Here for once, ths women were
sombre looking, in black relieved only BY
their white arms and shoulders ana the
Jewels In their ooronets, while the men,
usually In black. were radiant with
brilliant robes OF scarlet and ermine.
The United States ambassador Mr..
Joseph Ii. Choats, as usual, was promi-
nsnt on account of bis plain evening
dress.
All present ross as the royal process on
entered, thankful that the long walt was
over aud all eyes of this "Houss of Peer
esses" as 10 was dubbed for the occasion,
oentered on this Qusen'P dress which, 1t
could be seen, In spite of the ermine cape
was OF deep black and glittsred with
Jewels, while across her breast was the
ribbon OF the Order OF the Garter, her
husbands latest tribute.
When their majssties reached the
throne, the king signified that the us
tinguishsd gathering should sit and the
Queen whom his majesty had gslisntly
led TO the throne by the hand, was the
first to do So. Her example was followed
on all sides.
Then the gentlemen ushers of the Black
Rod after deep obeisanoe, hurried to
the House Of Commons and. In few
minutes, the Speaker, wearing his state
robes and attended by the sergeant-at-
arms and chaplain, appeared at the bar
Behind them surged the members of the
House OF Commons. Ssldon had Great
Britain's Legislators presented such a
| turbulent spectacle. Several hundred OF
them struggled tisroeIy to get in space
which could scarcely hold tifty persons.
In solemn tones, the Lord Chancellor
administered the oath, with the King
sitting. The Lord Chancellor then,
knseling, handed the King roll which
he signed, after which all present stood
up and the King put on his Field Mar
shal's plumed hat, rose, and, In clear,
ringing tones, read his speech, turned to
the Queen, helped her to rise and led her
out OF the chamber, preceded by the pro-
cession through the royal gallery again
and into the robing room, whence, with
in few minutes they emerged. entered
the state carriage and drove away, amid
tn multi OF cheers, to buckingham
palace.
The Kings speech was as follows: Il
my Lords and Gentlemen-I address
you for the frat time at a moment OF
national sorrow, when the whole country
is mourning the irreparable loss we have
so recently sustained, and which has fall
len with peculiar severity on myself. My
beloved mother during her long and
glorious reign, has set an example before
the world OF what monarch should be.
1t Is my earnest desire to walk in her
footsteps.
sit is a satisfaction to be able to assure
you that my relations with the other
powers continue friendly.
'The war in South Africa Is not jet
entirely terminated, but the capitals Of
the enemy and his principal lines of COM
munication are in my possession and
measures have been taken which Will,
L tInst, enable my troops to deal effect
ually with the forces by which they are
still opposed
~ greatly regret the l6s~of life and
expenditure OF treasure due to the fruit
less guerilla warfare maintained by Boer
partisans in the former territories of the
| two republics. Their early submission
is much to be desired In their own inter
ests. as, until 1t takes place, 1. will be
impossible for me to establish In those
colonies the institutions which will So
cure the equal rights of all the white in
habitsnts and protection and justice for
the native population.
''The capture OF Pekin by the allied
forces and ths happy release of those who
were pesieged In the legations, results to
which my Indian troops and my naval
forces largely contributed, have been fol.
lowed by the submission n OF the Chinese
government to the demands Insisted on
by the powers. Negotiations are proceed
ing regarding the manner in which COM
pliance with these demands is to be
effected"
After referring. among other matters.
to the usual appropri ations, the King
continuad.