The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-06-26
KING PETER TAXES
 OATH OF OFFICE
Servia's New Monarch Takes
 ReinS With Firm Hand
PEOPLE SHOW GREAT JOY
After the Ceremony of Accession to the Throne the New King Went to the Parade Grounds and Re-
 viewed the Troops.

Belgrade. June 25.-The second day spent by Peter Karageorgevitch in the servlan capital was marked by his formal accession to the throne. The new king took the oath of office and later in the day reviewed the troops, a large part of the servlan army having been drawn to Belgrade for the review As on yester- | day. the city was in holiday attire and the passage of the monarch through the streets was eagerly watched for by large crowds.
 King Peter rose early but did not leave his apartments until informed that the senate and skupschtina had assembled in joint session, and after completing more formalities were awaiting his appearance to take the oath of office.
 It was remarked on all sides that the king seemed hourly to assume a more commanding attitude and that he gains a flrmer grasp on affairs.
 Proceedings Were Solemn. 1 The proceedings today were marked by solemnity. The old parliament building, a bare barn-like structure, with flimsy decorations, was crowded with representa- lives. officials, clergy and civilian spec tators who loudly cried Long live the king" as he appeared. The king glanced sharply, almost sternly, at the deputies, some of whom were in peasants garb, | while others were dressed in the height of western fashion.
 | Taking a seat in front of the throne, over which his own portrait hung, the king waited with calm assurance for the ceremony to begin.
 Lighted candles had been placed on a table in front of the king on which also rested a richly bound Bible, the text of the oath on engrossed parchment, and the metropolitan's jeweled cross.
 King Stood Erect.
 King Peter stood erect while the metro- poltan proceeded with the religious cere- mony, the responses to which were chant ed by the presbyters When the prayers were ended the king kissed the Bible and then took the oath. When he had finished his majesty auvanced amid the profound silence of the assembage and signed his pane to the document. frenzy of cheers followed. The king again kissed the Biz ble and the cross proffered by the metro politan, and without the slightest relaxa- ton of the stern lines of his face, turned quickly on his heel and walked out to his carriage amid salvos of cheers which also greeted him as he passed through the streets to the parade grounds where the troops were awaiting. On the parade ground, which is situated three miles from Belgrade, four regiments of infan- try, two regiments of cavalry, four field batteries of artillery and one horse bat tery were drawn up before a large | crowd of people A large pavilion was | filled with the ministers and their fam ilies. Both the Russian and Austrial mli- tary attaches were present.
 Wore Uniform of General
 King Peter wearing a generals uni form and mounted on a white horse for merly ridden by the late King Alexander and surrounded by a brightly uniformed staff, took up a position In front of the pavilion while the troops marched past. They were fine body of men but their equipment was not practical
 King Peter after the march past rode off, followed by shouts of Long live King Peter" He returned direct to the palace, cheered everywhere along the foute.
 During the day the king had several conference with the ministers. and A royal proclamation was issued and was well received. It was announced that the appointments of the ministers had been confirmed and that the provisional cabi- net will be retained
 It Is believed that the question of the punishment of the assassins of King Alexander and Queen Draga will be al- lowed to lapse. Ii was remarked today that Colonel Maschin, minister of public works, who took leading part In the assassnations, kept in the background during the ceremony at the parliament building
 A considerable number of the noorer classes of the people have placed candles on the tomb of King Alexander and Queen Draga.