Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-17
KING EDWARD WI
Opens Parliament With Speech
Not Noted for Force.
Regrets That Boer War Is Still on
and Announces Canai Treaty.
Reference to Humanity Of British Troops
Cheered 10 the Echo.

/ London. Jan. liking Edward
\ opened Parliament. Thursday after
noon, with a ceremonial in all respects
similar to that Of February last. The
procession to the House Of Lords was
Of the same character as that witnessed
on the occasion of the opening of the
first Parliament Of King Edwards
reign, while within the upper House
was seen the same state pageantry. the
same historic dresses and the same re-
viyal of ancient forms.
After robng. King Edward and
Queen Alexandra entered the House of
Peers and occupied their thrones, be-
meath a canopy with the Prince and
Princess of Wales on either side Of
them. The other members of the royal
family We're seated on chairs at the
foot of the steps leading to the thrones.
The gentleman usher Of the black
rod. Gen. Sir Michael Biddulph. hav-
ing summoned the Speaker and the
members of the House Of Commons.
His Majesty read the speech from the
throne.
The speech was not an important ut
terance. His Majesty referred in graft
fled terms to the world tour of the
pressed regret at the fact that the war
in South Africa was not ended, said
he hoped the decision of the sugar con-
of bounties and noted the conclusion
OF the isthmian canal treaty.
The speech opened with reference
to the tour Of the Prince and Princess
of Wales.
-.
King. received with demonstrations OF
the liveliest affection and am con-
WINGED their presence served to rivet
more closely the bonds of mutual re-
gard and loyalty by which the vigor Of
the empire is maintained"
Referring to Great Britain's relations
with foreign countries the King said:
MY relations with the other powers
are friendly"
Contrary to expectations. the Kings
reference to the war was just as indefi-
mite as the statements on the subject
made in the last half dozen messages
from the throne.
Il regret" said His Majesty. that
the war in South Africa is not yet con-
cluded, though the course Of the opera
tions has been favorable to our arms,
the area of war largely reduced and in
dustries are being resumed in my new
colonies. In spite Of the tedious char
acter of the campaign my soldiers
throughout have displayed cheerful
ness in the endurance Of the hardships
incident TO guerilla warfare and hui
mainly, even. to their own detriment
in their treatment Of the enemy. which
are deserving Of the highest praise
The necessity for relieving those of my
troops who have most felt the strain OF
war has afforded me the opportunity Of
again availing myself Of the loyal and
patriotic offers of my colonies and fur
Their contingents will shortly reach
South Africa from the Dominion OF
Canada, the commonwealth of Austria
lia and New Zealand"
In regard to the sugar conference the
speech says:
Il trust it's decision may lead to the
abandonment of the system by which
the sugar producing colonies and home
manufacturers of sugar have been I'M
fairly weighted in the prosecution or
this important industry
Then came the following clause:
II have concluded with the President
OF the United States a treaty. the pro-
visions of which will facilitate the con-
struction Of an inter-oceanic canal I'M
der guarantees that its neutrality will
be maintained and that 1t will be open
to the commerce and shipping Of all
Next followed references to the Anglo
Continued from page 3.)