The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-01
ASSEMBLED
THOUSANDS.
Indian Princes and Peasants
from Far and Near.
Gather on the Plains of Delhi
for Great Ceremony.
PROCLAIMED EMPEROR
Edward VII Speaks Through
the Mouth Of the YicerOy.
FayOrs Granted in Way of Re-
mission of Taxes.
EMPEROR


villages far and near began gathering at
davbreak this morning on the great
plain outside the city. There they wait
ed patiently for the supreme announce
ment of The durbar that King Edward
was emperor of India. Soon the great
plain was filed with masses of people.
and the brightly colored clothing of the
throng covered the space with gorgeous
hues. The crowd was composed largely
Of the common people. but among It
could be seen the retainers Of the va
rious rajahs who had assembled for The
function
The attention Of all was fixed upon
the white amphitheater in the center of
the plain where the announcement was
TO be made. The amDhitheater was
adorned with silded cupolas and sur
rounded by batteries. souadrons and
battalions of the Indian army. Beyond
the amphitheater 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 a
Lord Curzon of <edleston. and other
dignitaries and the princes was one OF
the brilliant episodes of the day. The
princes We're clad in silks and adorned
with Jewels and their horses and caf>
riages were brilliant with trapDings OF
gold.
The spectacle within the arena was
most striking and gorgeous. The Pa
than chiefs and the sierdirahs were re.
! splendent in brilliant raiment- Soldiers
civilians and visitors from far distant
countries were included among those
within the amphitheater. On the ep
trance Of the veterans of the Indian
muriny there was tTeI1endOus enthu-
sissm and as the arrivals marched to
their places the bands played national
airs. The carriage of the Duke CT
! Ccnnaught who represents King Ell
ward was escorted by & detachment OF
cavalry. AS the duke and duchess We're
driven around the arena the assenlblage
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
q place behind the throne.
When the great amphitheater was
filed and the hour for the announce
ment drew near the multitude within
and without awaited expectantiy the
first act Of the proclamation ceremony.
Then the approach of the VicerOy was
heralded. Preceded by members of his
body guard clad in white blue and gold
and under the command of Major Grim
stOn, Lord Curzon appeared at the en-
trance Of the arena in his carriage. The
Positions wore uniforms of scarlet and
gold and the carriage was drawn by
four bay horses. The vicerOy was es
corted by Sir Pertab FINCH Alighting
from his carriage. Lord Curzon mounted
ated with golden lions and around
which We're placed massive silver foot
stools The throne itself was surmount-
ed by a canopy of white and gold. When
the viceroy reached the throne the ma
tional anthem was played and a salute
Of y guns was fired. When the specta-
tors had resumed their sea is after the
anthem there was q flourish of trump
cts from the heralds and Major Ma <
well, at the command of the viceroy,
/ read the proclamation opening the dur
bar The royal standard was then rails
ed on high and the imperial salute vas
fired. The massed bands marched by
playing; Ponhres were started by the
troops outside and it was announced
that King Edward was emperor Of In
dIa. There was another flourish Of
trumpets and Lord Curzon arose and
stood for a moment impressive. Then In
impressive tones he delivered a speech
and read the message from King Ed
ward.
In his address the viceroy announced
+ the coronation of the king; he extolied
the loyal Indian people and DroDhesied
prosperity for the Indian empire lie
said also that it would be decided not
to exact interest for three years on all
loans made or guaranteed by the gov
eminent 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 sinsecure.
/ In the kings message, which was
| then read by Lord Curzon his majesty
said that the Prince and Princess OF
/ Wales would shortly visit India. He re-
GREETED his absence from the durbar and
sent his greetings to his Indian peo-
pie. In conclusion King Edward said:
I renew the assurances of my re-
gard for the liberties of the Indian peO-
/ pie; of my respect for their dignities
and rights; of my interest in their ad-
vancement and of my devotion to thei1
! welfare. These are the supreme aims
and objects Of my rule which under
the blessing of Almighty God will lead
to the increasing prosperity of my In
dian empire and to the greater happi-
ness of its people"
AS the vicerOy finished reading the
kings words the assembled people
broke into cheers for the king and en-
peror The cheering was taken up by
the multitude outside the amphitheater
ard was long sustained There then
followed the presen ton of Indian
prices to the viceroy ard the Duke of
Connaught and political officers paid
homage to the sovereign. This ended
the ceremony and the royal cortege
then left the arena followed by the
delegates from foreign powers and the
! Irdian princes.
Lord Kitchener after the ceremony
entered his carriage and was driven to
Delhi
liH Wtt0te ceremony was Favored
with sunshine
Lady Curzon was dressed in pale
blue chiffon trimmed with PASSENGER
terie. She wore a flower hat. Lord
Curzon was in full political Uniform
Lord Curzon spoke for 80 minutes
standing most Of TIE time with one foot
on > silver foot stool
After the presentation of the nota bill
tiles the viceroy and the Duke of Con
naught stepped forward and shook
hands with Lady Curzon.
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