Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1903-02-18
ENGLAND IS NOW At PEACE
King Calls Attention to Fact in Speech
from Throne.
PARLIAMENT OPENED WITH CEREMONY
Royal Procession of King ana Queen
and Omcers of Court Witnessed
by Great Crowd in
the Streets.

panied by Queen Alexander and surrounded
by the court and all the officers Of state,
opened Parliament this afternoon.
Early In the morning the vaults Of the
houses we're searched for imaginary con-
spirators. as usual by the yeoman Of the
guard carrying ancient lanterns and use
less halberds. The troops took up posi-
tions along the route of the procession.
The crowds. which had been attracted
by the fine weather and desire to witness
the royal pageant, did not lack entertain
ment during the long wait. The royal
procession, consisting of six state carriages
escorted by Life guards. left Buckingham
palace at so p. m. Their majesties we're
seated in the last carriage, which was
drawn by the eight Hanoverian horses !
which have figured in all the recent royal |
ceremonies.
The king and queen reached the Victoria |
tower through the Mall, the Horse Guards |
and White Hall. All the great officers of
state, in varied uniforms, were assembled |
at the Royal House OF Peers to receive !
the king.
The procession. which was identical with
that Of the previous ceremony, formed, and,
headed by the pursuivants and heralds,
marched to the robing room, their
majesties being Immediately presented
with the sword OF state, carried by the
marquis Of Londonderry. After the robing
the procession reformed and with blast
of trumpets advanced to the peers cham
Der, the duke of Devonshire. lord president
Of the council preceding their majesties
with the imperial crown, which he carried
on a cushion.
The king then seated himself on the
throne, with the lords bearing the cap of
maintenance and the sword of state stand
ing on his right and left The queen sat
on the left Of the king and the prince Of
Wales on his right.
Members of House Summoned.
The members of the House Of Commons
we're then summoned and on their arrival
the lord high chancellor, earl Of Halsbury,
kneeling, handed the king the speech. which
his majesty read from the throne as fol-
lows:
My Lords and Gentlemen: My relations
with all the foreign powers continue
The blockade OF the Venezuelan ports
has led to negotiations for the adjustment
OF all the matters in dispute. l rejoice
at which has Justified the bIockading pow
ers in bringing all hostile naval operations
to an immediate close.
Negotiations have taken place for an ad-
justment of the questions which have
arisen In regard to the boundary of my
possessions in North America and that of
the territory Of Alaska.
A treaty providing for the reference of
the Venezuelan difficulty 10 an arbitra ton
tribunal has been signed and ratified.
The speech next referred to the Balkan
question. saying;
of Turkey gives cause for serious anxiety
| / have used my best efforts to impress
urgent need of conservative, we'll considered
methods of reform.
Reforms in the East.
After noting that Austria and Russia
have been considering the reforms which
| the signatories of the Berlin treaty should
recommend to the sultan, the speech adds;
| trust that the proposals will prove
| sufficient for the purpose and that ! shall
! find IT possible to give them my hearty
/ support.
The king next mentioned the Alden Hin
terland dispute and the Southland expedi-
/ tion and then turned to South Africa, on
which subject he said:
! The progress of events in South Africa
! has been satisfactory. The visit of the
! colonial secretary has already Oeen pro-
! ductive of the happiest results and the
| conferences with Lord Miner and the min
listers of the self-governing colonies and the
! representatives of all interests and opinions
| has greatly conduced to a smooth adjust
| ment of many difficult questions and to the
4 removal of many occasions OF misunder-
| standings.
After referring to the Kano (Nlgeria) ex-
pedition and the Indian durbar, the king
said:
/ am glad to state that the latter i'm
| posing ceremony coincided with the dis
| appearance OF the drouth and great
poets for both agriculture and commerce
| throughout my Indian empire are more
encouraging and satisfactory than for
| some time past
The king and queen returned to Bucking-
ham palace at o'clock. The crowds every
where greeted them with enthusiasm.
Reads COngratuIatOry speech.
When the House Of Commons assembled
for the transaction of business this after
noon. the speaker, Mr.. Gully. read the
congratulatory speech to a small. slim
house. Mr.. Grafton, conservative. moved
the address in reply to the speech and in
so doing expressed satisfaction at the ter
mination OF the Venezuelan blockade and
at the fact that throughout the dificult
affair cordial relations had been main
tained with the United States.
Mr.. Grevlle, conservative, seconded the
motion. He referred in so doing to the
Irish land bill in terms which elected ap-
proving cheers from the Irish members
The liberal leader, Sir Henry Campbell
Bannerman. who was loudly cheered. fol-
lowed. He said he desired information
on the subjects OF Venezuela and Mace
donia and on the great question OF IN,
settlement Of affairs in South Africa.
. In Venezuela he said the cloud had hap
PLY passed but It was a black cloud an,
one which many people thought nigh
have been avoided II might have ha,
: dangerous consequences and it was the dut!
Of the country to inquire how it had beef
led into such a dificulty.
Sir Henry commented on the speech II
connection with Venezuela There ar
people in this country who we're of tn
opinion that Great Britain should not as
sociate with Germany under any circum
stances, but he did not sympathize wit
that view, although Re admitted Their
had been much abuse and slsnder OF thi
country in the German press. The speake
% was opposed to cooperation with German
, in a matter like the Venezuelan. German
= was strong but rough. Germany also wa
, not favorable TO the Monroe doctrine.
there had ever been a case for arbitra
. tion the Venezuelan affair was one and
U this course had been adopted in the frs
place a great precedent would have bee
e established toward a peaceful settlemen
e OF international questions.
p Referring 20 South Africa Sir Henr
q ] aafd thav rnfghf have dinarad In the mas