The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-05-10
Twelve Thousand People Packed in
the Exhibition Building, Where
the Exercises Took Place.
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE
AND A BRIEF MESSAGE FROM THE
KING OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Hundredth Psalm Sung at the Open
ing and "God Save the King and
"RuIe Britannia" at the Close.


the first Federal Parliament, which took
place at noon, was a most impressive cere-
mony. The capacity of the exhibition build
ing, the scene of the ceremony, is 1900
people. All the available space was taxed
to the utmost. The decorations consisted
of regimental standards. trophies of arms
and floral festoons. The doors were opened
to ticket holders at 9 o'clock this morning,
and by IL o'clock the auditorium was filled,
except the royal dais. This was located be-
meath the great dome. 1t held a single row
of chairs. the largest. in the center. being
surmounted by a small gold imperial
crown. The whole was overhung with the
royal standard. In front of the royal chair
was small table on which telegraph
key by which the Duke of Cornwall and
York was to flash the opening signal
throughout the commonwealth, when the
union jack was to be simultaneously raised
in every settlement of the federation.
The audience was composed of ladies'
mostly clad in mauve-colored costumes but
many of them were dressed in white. Bril-
liant scattered groups of army and navy
uniforms gave color TO the scene. Facing
the dais was slightly raised platform
where seven rows of chairs accommodated
tic lHtiHDtiS VI the Inc
lofty north transept was devoted to the
members of the state parliaments. East
| and west of the dais grouped the min
isterial staffs. The remainder of the hall
and the galleries were packed with a we'll
dressed, earnest. expectant crowd. A great
orchestra enlivened the ante-meridian hour
with operate airs.
The audience was marvelously varied
white wigged judges; speakers wigged and
gowned similar to the speaker of the Brit
ish House of Commons; British and foreign
military and naval uniforms; bishops and
clergy of many denominations in their re-
spective canoncals and court uniforms con-
trasted with khaki-clad colonial officers
Surrounding all was a mass of civilian
spectators of all ages, the whole forming
memorable spectacle.
The formal proceedings were begun at
II 54 a. M. with the reading of the procla-
nation summoning the Senate and Repre-
sentatives. Noon was sgnalized by fam
fare of trumpets from the military band
outside. The royal party then entered and
was conducted to the dais, the orchestra
playing the national anthem. The Duke of
Cornwall and York wore an admirars uni
FORM with the ribbon of the Order Of the
Carter The Duchess of Cornwall and York
and Lady Hopetoun. wife OF the governor
general, the Earl of Hopetoun and the
ladies of the suites all wore black.
The duke, through Black Rod, then sum-
moned the two houses, in accordance with
the strict formula of the British Parlia-
ment, and the members filed in. The hun
dredth Psalm sung, with all present
standing. and the Earl OF Hopetoun read a
prayer after which the Duke of Cornwall
and York made a lengthy address and de-
clared Parliament open. In the course of
his remarks the duke referred TO the wishes
of the late Queen, who. before her death,
signed his commission TO open Parliament
He paid a tribute to the generous aid rem
dered by the colonies in the South African
war, the splendid bravery of the troops and
the services of the squadron in China and
expressed the interest taken by King Ed
ward VII in the Australian Parliament 1t
was his earnest prayer that the union, so
happily achieved, would prove instru-
ment for the further advancing Of the well
fare OF the Australian subjects of the King
and the consolidation of the empire. Pro-
longed cheering greeted the conclusion of
the speech, which was renewed when a
cablegram from King Edward was read, as
follows: My thoughts with you upon
this august occasion. l wish the common
wealth of Australia every happiness and
prosperity"
The members took the oath and sub
scribed their names to the roll. At the con-
clusion of this ceremony the Earl of Hope
toun dismissed them TO their respective
houses 10 elect officers The entire audi
ence thereupon rose as the first bars OF the
hallelujah chorus were played by the or
chestra and the chorus was sung by an
opera company. Rule Britannia" fol-
lowed, and finally the whole assemblage
Joined in singing God Save the King" A
fresh blaze of trumpets followed. the royal
party retired and the ceremony was over.