The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-29
The Largest Elephant in India Bears
Lord and Lady Curzon Into
the Moguls' Capital.
The Official Opening Of the Durbar
Was a Gorgeous Pageant Al
- most Unparalleled.
After the Duke Of Connaught Came
the Nizam of Hyderabad and
Maharajah Of Travancore.

Delhi. India. Dec. 29.-The viCeroy Lord
Culzon of Nedleston. made his state entry
to-day into the capital of the moguls. This
constituted the official opening of the
durbar held TO celebrate the accession Of
King Edward Emperor of India.
1t was Il splendid pageant. probably UNI
pareleled in its magni1cence. At the
read of the elephant procession rode Lord
and Lady Curzon on the state grand
1usker.' twelve feet high. the largest elo
rrant in India. Their howdah was decked
with silver and gold. and the elephant it
self was almost hidden beneath gold
worked saddle cloth. Surrounding them
We're footinen In scarlet and gold liVeries
and bearing massive silver slaves.
The Duke of Connaught. who represent
ed kjng Edward and the Duchess of Con-
nausnt followed. Their elephant was
equally soreeously caparsoned
Then in order of precedence. came the
Ni1am of Hyderabad, the Maharajah OF
1Tavancore and other ruling chiefs. seven
ty In all. their huge elephants forming a
line a quarter of mile in length.
This glittering procession started from
the railroad station, preceded by dragoon
guards and artillery, the viceroys escort,
and by heralds and trumpeters. The route
was entirely lined by British and native
troops. From the saluting battery, posted
at the fort commanding the Lahore gate.
guns Numbered out royal salute as the
vceroy passed with the heralds and
trumpeters sounding at intervals spirited
fanfares.
The cortase passed in front Of line Of
$50 elephants carrying the brilliantly
dressed retainers of the ruling chiefs.
The colossal beasts all saluted by trumpet
ing and throwing their trunks in the air,
presenting a truly imposing sight. and
afterward fell in line behind the official
procession.
spectacle, which it Is asserted, has never
been surpassed in magniflcenCe even in
this country Of oriental splendor.
The Finest Elephants In Asia.
The heralds, pursuivants and trumpet
ers who followed the escort and immedi-
stely preceded the viceregal procession,
were conspicuous by the splendor of their
attire. they were followed by the newly
constituted imperial cadet corps. compris-
lug thirty njahara jaFs. The excitement
was at a fever beat as the first elephants
with gold and silver howdahs, of the staff
officers. came into view and commenced
TO circle around the mosque. The finest
elephants ii. Asia passed In front of the
gteat Jumna. Musiid. the steps of which
were thronged with distinguished person
ages. including the viceroys American
and British guests. and the delegates
from the colonies and from other parts OF
the empire. The enormous animals shut
fed slowly by, many Of the massive how
dahs Of quaint and rich design being sur
mounted by Magnificent canopies of gold
embroidered and bejewelled tapestry. The
bodies Of the animals a lr11ost hidden
by their trappings Of crimson, purple and
gold. Bands Of gold encircled their tusks
golden bracelets were on their ankles
gold and silver bells were hanging from
their neck chains. and their heads We're
Ioairted and decorate in every conceiya-
color m cloJ in,
brightest attire, as were the attendant
spea rn1cn who marched by the elephants
side.
Then Comes Lord Kitchener
In the rear of the procession rode Cen
eral Lord Kitchener, the commander-in
chief In India, surrounded by brilliant
staff and followed by the heads of prov.
jnces with escorts of Indian cavalry anc
tribal leaders from beyond the border line
Down the main street moved the cor.
tege through lines of saluting soldier:
and excited. surging. salaaming throngs
Of natives; through the ancient city will
the balconies and housetops teeming will
open park beyond. There, after a four
mile march, the elephants of the viceroy
and the Duke Of Connaught halted side
by side. and the pageant was concluded
with the great princes filing by, their ele
plants trumpeting salute.
And Lady curzon In Gray.
The vceroy was in state uniform. Lad,
Curzon was dressed in gray. the Duke o.
Connaught had on a field marshal's uni
form and the Duchess Of Connaught wa
attired in blue. They received a flatterins
welcome at all points.
The viceroy and the Duke Of Connaugh
subsequently drove to the main camp
The roads. after the passage of the pro
cession. presented scenes of chaos as tn,
camel carriages, mule carts landaus. bi
cycles and bullock carts pressed onward
in strange confusion There We're mali.
breakdowns, and many hours elapsed be
fore the people were able to return +.