The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-29
DURBAR OPENS.
Lord Curzon, of KedlestOn, the
VicerOy of India,
Makes State Entry Into Delhi,
the MOgul Capital.
ACCESSION OF EDWARD
Is Celebrated in Indian Empire
With Oriental SplendOr.
The CurzOns Rode on an Ele-
plant ID Feet High.
ACCESSION OF EDWARD

Delhi. India, Dec. 2e.-The viceroy, Lord
Curzon. of Kedleston made his state
try into the capital of the mogus today.
This constituted the official opening Of
the durbar held to celebrate the accession
of King Edward as emperor of India.
1t was a splendid pageant, probably
unparalleled in its magnificence. At the
head of the elephant procession rode
Lord and Lady Curzon on the state
grand tusker," u feet high, the largest
elephant in India. Their howGah WAS
decked with gold and silver and the ele
plant itself was almost hidden beneath
a gold worked saddle cloth. Surround
ing them were footmen in scarlet and
gold hveries and bearing massive silver
slaves. The Duke of Connaught, who
represented King Edward and TIN.
Duchess of Connaught followed. Their
elephant was equally gorgeously COM
parisoned. Then, in order of -reced-
ence, came from the Nizam of HYDRA
bad, the Mana jarah of TraVancore, and
the ruling chiefs, 20 in all, their huge
elephants forming a line a quarter of
mile in length. This glittering process
sion started from the railroad station
preceded by dlagoon guards and artil-
y
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 roval salute as the
Viceroy passed with the heraldS and
trumpeters sounding at intervals spirit
ed fan fares. The cortege passed in
front of a line of $50 elephants carry
ing the brilliantly dressed retainers of
the ruling chiefs. The colossal beasts all
saluted by trumpeting and throwing
their trunks in the air presenting
truly imposing sight, and afterward fell
in line behind the official procession.
Huge crowds of onlookers witnessed the
spectacle. which, it is asserted has new
er been surpassed in magnificence even
in this country of oriental splendor.
The heralds. pursuivants and trumpet
ers who followed the escort and Immcd-
lately preceded the vice regal procession
were conspicuous by the splendor of their
attire. They were followed by the newly
constituted imperial cadet corps, com
prising thirty maharajahs. The excite
ment was at fever heat as the first ele
plant, with gold and silver howdahs, and
the staff officers came in view and COM
menced to circle around the mosque. The
finest elephants in Asia passed in front
of the great jumma musjid, the steps of
which were thrOnged with distinguished
personagcs, including the delegates from
the colonies from other parts of the en-
pire. The enormous animals shuffled
slowly by, many of the massive howdahs
of quaint and rich design being SurmOunt-
ed by magnificent canopies of gold en-
broidered and bejeweled tapestry. The
bodies of the animals were almost 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 hang
ing from their neck chains and their
heads were painted and decorated in ev-
cry conceivable color. The mahouts were
I clad in the hr ,a
attendant spearsmen who marched by
the elephants side.
In the rear OF the procession rode Gen
eral Lord Kitchener the commander-in-
chief of India, surrounded by a brilliant
! STAFF and followed by the heads of
province with escorts of Indian cavalry
and leaders from beyond the border line.
Down the main street, moved the cor
tege through lines of saluting soldiers
and excited, surging salaming thronEs
! of natives; through the ancient city
with the balconies and house tops tenn
ing with life and through the Moor gate to
the open park beyond. There. after a 4
mile march. the elephants of the vfceroy
by side and the pageant was concluded
with the great princes filing by three
elephants trumpeting a salute.
The viceroy was in state uniform Lady
Curzon was dressed in grey, the duke of
/ COnnaught had on a field marshal's uni
form and the duchess of Connaught was
attired in blue. They received a flattering
welcome at all points
The vicerOy and the duke of Connaught
| subsequently drove to the main camp.
! The roads, after the passage of the pro-
cession presented scene of chaos. as
! the camel carriages, mule carts. landaus,
ward in strange confusion. There were
I many breakdowns and many hours
I elapsed before the people were able to re-
| turn to their camps.