The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-02
INDIA PROCLA|MS EDWARD EMPEROR Tens of Thousands Gather at
 Delhi for Celebration A GORGEOUS SPECTABLE In His Message King Edward Renews His Assurances of Regard for
 the Liberties of the ln-
 dian People.
IA GORGEOUS SPECTABLE

Delhi, India, January liens of thous- ands of people from the city of Delhi and from villages far and near began gathering at daybreak this morning on the great plain outside the city. They waited patiently for the supreme an- nouncement of the Durbar that King Edward was Emperor of India. Soon the great plain was filled with crowded masses of people and the brightly color ed clothing of the vast throng covered the space with gorgeous hues. The crowd on the plain was composed largely of the common people, but among 1t could | be seen the retainers of the various rajahs, who had assembled for the func- ton.
 The attention of all was fixed upon the white amphitheater in the center of the plain, where the announcement was to | be made The amphitheater was adorned | with gilded cupolas and surrounded by batteries, squadrons and bataions of the Indian army. Beyond the amphitheater, in the distance, could be seen great num- bers of elephants, camels and horses. So vast was the multitude that the troops appeared as mere splashes of color.
 The arrival at the amphitheater of the viceroy of India, Lord Curzon of Kedles- ton, and other dignitaries and the princes 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 brilliant with trap pings of gold.
 A Gorgeous Spectacle.
 The spectacle within the arena was most striking and gorgeous. The Pathan chiefs and the Sirdars were resplendent in brilliant raiment. Soldiers, civilians and visitors from far distant countries were included among those within the amphitheatre. Upon the entrances or the veterans of the Indian community there was tremendous enthusiasm, and the ar rivals marched to their places as the bands played national airs The carriage of the Duke of Connaught, who repre- sents King Edward, was escorted by a detachment of cavalry. As the duke and duchess were driven around the arena the assemblage gave them an enthusiastic welcome. Amid the acclamations of the people the duke took his seat at the left Of the throne while the duchess proceeded to place behind the throne.
 When the great amphitheatre was filled and the hour for the announcement drew near the multitude within and without | proclamation ceremony
 Royal Standard Unfurled.
 The approach of the viceroy was her aided. Preceded by members of his body guard, clad in white, blue and gold. and under the command of Major Grinston Lord Curzon appeared at the entrance or the arena in his carriage. The postilions wore uniforms of scarlet and gold, and the carriage was drawn by four bay horses. The viceroy was escorted by Sir | Pertab Fingh. Alighting from his car riage Lord Curzon mounted the dais to the throne, which was decorated with golden lions. and around which were placed massive silver foot stools. The throne itself was surmounted by a can opy of white and gold. When the viceroy reached the throne the national anthem | was played and salute of twenty-one guns was fired.
 When the spectators had resumed their seats after the anthem there was four sh of trumpets from the herads and Major Maxwell. at the command of the viceroy read the proclamation opening the Dunbar. The royal standard was then raised on high and the imperial sa- ute was fired. The massed bands march ed by playing, bon-fires were started by The troops outside, and it was announced that King Edward was emperor of India
 There was another flourish of trumpets | moment impassive. Then, In impressive tones, he delivered a speech and read the message from King Edward. In his ad- dress the Viceroy announced the corona ton of the King. he extolled the loyal Indian people and prophesied 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 guar anteed by the government of India to ha ct a in wi fha recent famine. The viceroy announced also the abolition of the Indian staff corps which has long been an army sinecure.
 The Kings Message.
 In the Kings message, which was then read by Lord Curzon, his majesty said that the Prince and Princess of Wales would shortly visit his Indian people. In conclusion King Edward said
 'I renew the assurances of my regard for the liberties of the Indian people; of my respect for their dlgnities and rights; of my interest in their advancement, and | of my devotion to their welfare. These are the supreme aims and objects of my rule, which, under the blessing of the Almighty God will lead to the increasing prosperity of my Indian empire and to the greater happiness of its people,
 At the end of the reading of the | Kings words the assembled people broke Into cheers for the King and Emperor. The cheering was taken up by the multi tude outside the amphtheatre and was | long sustained.
 There then followed the presentation of Indian princes to the Viceroy and the Duke of Connaught and political officers paid homage to the sovereign. This end- ed the ceremony and the royal cortege then left the arena followed by the dele gates from foreign powers and the Indian princes.
 Lord Kitchener, after the ceremonies