New-York tribune., 1901-02-15
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE.
KING CALLS ATTENTION OF LORDS AND
COMMONS TO THE AFFAIRS OF
HIS EMPIRE.

.bs new session Of Parliament II was 2:l5 D.
m before the King reached the Chamber. The
reers bishops and judges occupied the front
benches. The monotony of this Of red and
white was varied by the uniforms of the Am
l,assadors. sitting on the bishops benches, with
their sashes OF blue. crimson and green cf all
shades
The United States Ambassador. Joseph II.
,boate. was prominent on account Of his plain
svening dress. He was accompanied by j. r.
Garter the Second Secretary of the United
States Embassy, and ". Bayard Cutting, the
nriyate secretary Of the Ambassador. Mrs
Cboate was with the Ambassadors wives.
All present rose as the royal procession en-
tered. and all eyes Of this House of Peer
esses" as il was dubbed for the occasion.
,sntred on the Queens dress which. IL could
no seen. in spite OF the ernine cape was Of
seep black and glittered with Jewels. while
across her breast was the ribbon OF the order
os the Garter. her husbands latest tribute.
When Their Majesties reached the throne
.be Lord Chancellor stood on the Kings right
on the Queens left Lord Londonderry.
Lord Salisbury stood at the foot OF the throne
In the state chairs We're the Duchess OF Corn
wall ana York. Princess Charles of Denmark
Princess Christian of Schleswig- Holstein and
the Duchesses OF Connaught, Fife and Argyll
The Dukes OF Connaught and Cambridge stood
near Lord Salisbury
With a motion of his hand the King signifed
that the gathering should sit and the Queen
whom His Majesty had gallantly led 10 the
throne by the hand. was the first 10 do So
Then the Gentleman Usher OF the Black Rod,
after q deep obeisance, hurried 10 the House OF
Commons and in a few minutes the Speaker
wearing his state robes and attended by the
Sergeant alta Arms and chaplain. appeared at the
bar. Behind them surged the members OF the
House OF Commons.
In solemn tones the Lord Chancellor admin
istered the oath, with the King sitting. The
Lord Chancellor then kneeling, handed the
King a roll, which he signed. after which all
present once more stood up and the King put
on his Field Marshal's plumed hat rose. and IN
clear, ringing tones read his speech.
THE SPEECH OF KING EDWARD
The speech Of the King was as follows;
NV lords and Gentlemen: address you for
she tirst time at a moment OF national sorrow
when the whole country is mourning the iirep
arabic loss we have so recenug sussaIeo' . ~ g." 60
which has fallen with peculiar severity on my
self NV beloved mother during her long ano
glorious reign has set an example oeiore the
world of what monarch should be- IL Is my
earnest desire TO walk in her footsteps
Amid this public and private grief. IL Is satis-
factory 10 to be abe 10 assure you that my
relations with the other Powers continue
friendly. 49,,
The war in South Africa is not yet entirely
terminated, but the capitals OF the enemy anu
his principal lines Of communication are in my
possession and measures have been taken WEllch
will I trust, enable my troops TO deal enectuaily
with the forces by which they are sun opposeu,
greatly regret the loss OF life and expenditure
OF treasure due 10 the fruitless guerilla warfare
maintained by Boer partisans in the former
territories OF the two republics. Their early
suhr1ission is much 10 be desired in their own
interests as until il takes place IL VIII De I'M
possible for me 20 establish in those colonies
The institutions which Will secure the equal
rights OF all the white inhabitants and protec-
tion and justice for the native population.
The capture Of Peking by the allied forces.
and the happy release of those VINO We're pc
sieged in the legations, results TO which my
Indian troops and my naval forces largely CON
tributed, have been followed by the SUBMISSION
OF the Chinese Government 20 the demands IN
sisted on by the Powers. Negotiauons are pro
ceeding regarding the manner in which comph-
ance with these demands is 10 be effected.
The establishment Of the Australian Common
wealth was proclaimed at Sydney, January /,
with many manifestations OF popular enthusi-
and rejoicing. My deeply beloved ana Ia
mented mother had assented TO the visit OF the
Duke OF Cornwall and York 20 open the first
Parliament OF the new Commonwealth IN her
name. separation from my SON. especaIly al
such a moment cannot be otherwise than deeply
painful, but ! stin desire 10 give effect TO her
late Majesty's wishes. anG as evidence OF her
interest. as wen Of my own, in all that con-
Germs the welfare Of my subjects beyond the
seas. I have decided that the visit 10 Australia
shall not be abandoned and shall be extended
The prolongation Of the hostilities in South
Africa has leo me to make further call on the
patriotism and devotion Of Canada and Austral-
asia ] rejoice that my request mas met WIN
prompt and loyal response, and large additional
contingents from those colonies viii embark for
the seat OF war at early date
The expedition organized for the suppression
OF the rebellion at Asaantee was crowned with
signal success. The endurance and gallantry
OF my native troops. ably commanded by Sir
James Willcocks, and led by British officers.
have overcome both the stubborn resistance or
the most warlilxe tribes OF West Africa and the
exceptional difficulties OF the climate and season
OF the country in which the operations were
conducted. The garrison OF Coomassie, which
was besieged by the enemy. has been relieved
after prolonged and gallant defence. The
principal kings have surrendered, and the chlef
impediment 10 the progress Of the development
ot this rich portion of my West African posses
sions has now. hope, been finally removed.
The suffering and mortality caused by the pro-
longed drOuth in large portion OF my Indian
empire have been greatly aeviated by a sea-
sonabe rainfall but regret 10 add that in parts
of the Bombay Presidency distress of a serious
character still continues. which my officers are
using every endeavor to mitigate.
Gentlemen OF the House OF Commons: The
estimates for the year will be laid before you.
Every care has been taken 10 limit their amount.
but the naval and military requirements OF the
country, and especially the outlay consequent
upon the South African war. have involved an
inevitable increase
The demise OF the Crown renders il necessary
that renewed provision shall be made for the
posal those hereditary revenues which We're SO
placed by my predecessor. and have command
ed that the papers necessary for a full consid-
Grafton OF the subject shall be laid before you
My Lords and Gentlemen: Proposals viii be
submitted 70 your judgment for increasing the
eNlciency OF my military forces.
Certain changes in the constitution OF the
Court OF inal Appeal are rendered necessary
M consequence Of the Increased resort to IT.
winch has resulted from the expansion OF the
empire during the last two generations.
Legislation will be proposed 10 you for the