New-York tribune., 1902-01-17
KING G0PENSPARLIAMENT
ROYAL PROGRESS FRON PAL
ACE TO WESTMINSTER.
BRILLIANT SCENE IN THE HALL OF THE
HOUSE OF LORDS-THE SPEECH
FROM THE THRONE
Copyright; 1902: BY The Tribune Association1
IBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l

Copyright; 1902: BY The Tribune Association1
IBY TO TMBUNEl
Iordon, Jan. Il l a. m.-The opening of Par
lament brilliant spectacle, with splendid
effects Of color and stateliness The central
space was filled with scarlet robed peers and
the five benches and two long galleries were
thrOnged with peeresses either in white silk or
pink mauve purple, green or black court
dress, Respondent with jewels. The Commoners
were either behind the bar or seated comfort
ably in the Strangers Gallery. The diplomatic
corps was represented fully, and the only vacant
seats We're the benches of the lords below the
gangway. The tableau of last February was
reproduced with larger group of court digni-
taries and officials. six princes and princesses
being on either side the throne-a more brill
liant display of color and the same reverence
for the traditions of the storied past. The
queen, in black, seemed handsomer. younger
ana more gracious than ever. ard her diamonds
sparkled in the dimIy lighted hall The King
with the uniform Of a field marshal under gor-
geous robes % crimson and crnine, was COM
rnandinE figure whose appearance was the sig
ral 70. ti.e rising of all the spectators.
Etiquette required unhroken silence when the
King. without removing his plumed hat ris-
ing from his seat, read his speech but there
was 81 involuntary lutter and a murmur OF
assent when The passage relating TO the human
ity Of the so di5rs was slightly emphasized. His
voice rang out in clear and penetrating tones
throughout the speech, which unusually
well written and effective. especially the pas
sages relating 10 the loyalty Of Canada and the
other colonies, the progress of the campaign IN
South Africa, the Sugar Conference and the
Canal Treaty. The legislative programme was
unpretentious. but large enough for a coronation
year II was A stronger and less cclorless speech
than is ordinarily drafted for the opening of
Parliament. Comment upon it in the Commons
during the evening favorable stress being
laid upon its imperial character. and also upon
the phrasing Of the reference to the Sugar Con-
ference. It was reported that Mr.. Chamberlain.
who had been singled out for special honors at
the Guildhall in view of the gross affronts re-
ceived from the German Reichstag, mad
marked that the government for once meant
business in dealing with the sugar bouu;ies.
The pageant outside was witnessed by an i'm
mense throng all the way from the palace to the
Houses Of Parliament. The scene from the Alb
hey stand opposite Victoria Tower was brilliant
Notwithstanding the murky gray shy. One car
riage followed another with gorgeous liveries
and flashing glimpses Of peeresses richly
dressed peers in scarlet robes and court officials,
in gold lace. Now and again royal carriages
trundled by and hats were raised when the
Prince ar. Princess of Wales drove by in a
magnificent carriage. escorted by life Guards
There was unbroken silence when the Lord
Mayor Appeared in traditional state, and modest
little "Bobs." driving by in homey hansom
with helmet in hand, was recognized but not
chcered. II not until the cavalcade with
The royal carriages, splendidly horsed, had
passed and the gorgeous chariot of George III
drawn by the famous creams was well abreast
that the spectators were ready to cheer. There
while the Queen was bowling graciously and the
King was sitting more rigidly than is his usual
habit the soldiers were saIuting silently. bells
were Ginning, bands were playing and guns
were booming from St James's. In moment
the flag above Victoria Tower was futtering
and a vast concourse of spectators, every head
uncovered, cheering Justify.
The pageant greatly exceeded that of Febru-
airy in stateliness and beauty of color and the
crowds delighted with the brilliant trap
pings Of liveries and uniforms. The state chariot
instead Of threatening to fall to pieces like
Holiness ''one-hOss shay" seemed to have re-
newed its youth with the freshnesss Of YER
million paint and the iridescence of varnsh.
The debate on the address in Parliament was
for the most part stale. fiat and Improbable
In the House of Lords. however, it enabled Lord
Rosebery TO show that he intends to conduct a
policy of resolute opposition 20 the government.
In the House of Commons Sir William Harcourt
broke the silence which he has long maintained
on political questions.
The official Liberal amendment to the address
mas been conceived in the spirit of the Chester
held policy. II expresses readiness on the part
OF the Opposition to support an effective prose-
cution Of the war but represents that the course
pursued by the government has not conduced to
an early termination of hostilities fairly
united Liberal vote will be secured for the
amendment. but the Irishmen will not support it,
TO Sir Wilfrid Laurier will. IL is said be Of
Tered the freedom Of Swansea when he visits
england in connection with the coronation.
]. n. +.