Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-02
midas RULER.
The Supreme Announcement
of Edward as Emperor.
Thousands Witness the Brilliant Spec
tacle on Plain at Delhi.
curzon Reads Message from Edward
to His Subjects.

Delhi, India, Jan. Items of thous-
lands of people from the city Of Delhi
and from villages far and near began
gathering at daybreak. Thursday
morning. on the great plain outside the
city. They waited patiently for the
supreme announcement of the durbar
that King Edward was emperor Of In
dia. Soon the great plain was filled
with crowding masses of people and
the brightly colored clothing of the
vast throng covered the space with
gorgeous hue. The crowd on the plain
was composed largely of the common
people, but among it could be seen the
retainers of the various rajahs who had
assembled for the function.
The attention of all was fixed upon
the white amphitheatre in the center of
the plain where the announcement was
to be made. The amphitheatre was
adorned with gilded cupolas and sur
rounded by batteries. squadrons, and
battalions of the Indian army. Beyond
the amphitheatre in the distance could
be seen great numbers of elephants,
camels and horses. So vast was the
multitude that the troops appeared
as mere splashes of color.
The arrival at the amphitheatre of the
viceroy of India, Lord Gurzon, of Ked-
lesion, and other dignitaries and
primes was one of the brilliant episodes
of the day. The princes were clad in
silks and adorned with jewels and
their horses and carriages Were bril-
liant with trappings of gold.
The spectacle within the arena was
most striking and gorgeous. The Pa
than chiefs and the sirdars We're re-
splendent in brilliant rainment. Sol
diers, civilians and visitors from the
far distant countries were included
among those within the amphitheatre.
Upon tine entrance OF the veterans of
the Indian mutiny there was tremen-
dous enthusiasm and as the arrivals
marched to their places the bands
played national airs. The carriages of
the duke of Connaught, who repre-
scented King Edward, was escorted by
a detachment of cavalry; as the duke
and duchess We're driven around the
arena the assemblage gave them an
enthusiastic welcome Amid the ac-
carnations of the people the duke took
his seat at the left of the throne while
the duchess proceeded to place be-
hind the throne.
When the big amphitheatre was filled
and the hour for the announcement
drew near the multitude within and
without awaited expectantly the first
act of the proclamation ceremony.
Then the approach of the yieeroy
was heralded. Preceded by members
of his bodyguard clad in white, blue
and gold, and under the command of
Maj. Grimston, Lord Curzon appeared
at the entrance of the arena in his car
rage. The postillions wore uniforms
of scarlet and gold and the carriage
was drawn by four bay horses. The
viceroy was escorted by Sir Pertab
FINCH. Alighting from his carriage
Lord Curzon mounted the dais to the
throne which was decorated with gold
ell lions and around which were placed
massive silver stools. The throne it.
self was surmounted by a canopy of
white and gold. When the viceroy
reached the throne the national an
them was played and q salute of 81
guns were fired. When the spectators
had resumed their seats after the an
them there was flourish of trumpets
from the heralds and Maj Maxwell
at the command of the viceroy read the
proclamation opening the durbar. The
royal standard was then raised on high
and the imperial salute was fired.
Then mass bands marched by playing,
bonffres We're started by the troops
outside and il was announced that
Kin& Edward was emperor of India.
There was another forri:jh Of tfY-a peis
and Lord Curzon arose and stood FOR II
noment impassive Then in impressive
tones he delivered a speech and read the
message from King Edward. In his adj
dress the yiceroy announced the corona
ton of tie King; he extolled the loyal
Indian People and prophecied prosperity
for the Indian empire. He said also that
it had been decided not to exact interest
for three years on all loans made or
guaranteed by the government OF India
to the native states in connection with
the recent famine The viceroy announced
also the abolition of the Indian staff corps
which has long been an army.
In the Kings message then read by
Continued on page 80