The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-18
Quaint Ceremony Of Ancient
Times Was Followed.
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE
King Edward Referred to the Ratifica-
ton of Alaskan Boundary Dispute
and the Troubles in the Balkan
Peninsula Irish Land.
nv Associated Press,)


LONDON, February liking Edward,
accompanied by Queen Alexandra and
surrounded by the court and all the off,
g GERS of state. opened Parliament this
afternoon.
Early in the morning the vaults Of the
houses were searched as usual for i'm
aginary conspirators by the yeomen Of
the guard carrying ancient lanterns and
useless halbards. The King and Queen
reached the Victoria Tower through the
Mall All the great officers of the State,
in varied uniforms, We're assembled at
the royal entrance Of the House of Peers
to receive the King. The procession
formed and marched to the robing room,
their Majesties being Immediately pre-
coded by the sword of State, carried by
the Marquis Of Londonderry. After the
robing the procession reformed, and, with
u blast of trumpets, advanced to the
peers chamber, the Duke of Devonshire,
lord President of the Council, preced-
ing their Majesties with the imperial
crown, which he carried on a cushion.
The King then seated himself on the
throne.
The members of the House of Com
mons were then summoned and on their
arrival the Lord High Chancallor, Earl
l1alsbury, kreeing, handed the King the
speech, which His Majtsey read from
the steps of the throne as follows:
Ny Lords and Gentlemen.-My rela-
tons with all the foreign powers con-
tiuuc friendly.
The blockade of the Venezuelan ports
has led to negotiations for the ADJUST
ment of all the matters in dispute. L
rejoice that settlement has now been
arrived at which has justified the block
aiding powers in bringing all hostile
naval opera lions to an immediate close.
Negotiations have taken place for an
adjustment 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 these
questions to an arbitral tribunal has
been signed and ratified"
BALKAN PENINSULA.
The speech next referred to the Bal
Ian question, saying:
- Tho condition of the European prov
inces of Turkey gives cause for serious
= anxiety. I have used my best efforts
TO impress on the Sultan and his minis
ters the urgent need Of practical, we'll
considered measures OF reform.
1.-The progress of events in South
African has been sd Hsfactory. The Visi,
of the Colonial Secretary has already
been productive of .he happiest results
. and the opportunity II has provided fol-
personal conferences with Lord Milnel
md the minister OF the self-govcrnins
colonies and the representatives OF al
interests and opinions has greatly con
iuced TO Il smooth adjustment of man.
Ilitticult questions and to the removal o.
many occasions of misund rstanding."
The speech concluded with an inti1na
ton that the budget estimates of the eX
pcnditurcs would inevitably be large ant
TIT, II srtr Of ht
bills dealing with the Irish land question
London education, sugar bountes ant
the London docks,
III regard TO the irish measure the Kim
Guid.
y, Nil. / trust. complete the serle
much to Substitute single Ownership 70
the costly :nd unsatisfactory condition.
Sill attaching to the tonuro Of asrlcultu
rel land over large portion OF Ireland
~ HOUSE Or LORDS
Tho scene IN the upper chamber wa
!hiy Striking, ON the woG,Snck fronting
t,in throne We're the Lords. Justices an,
Y wnr lords, IN blue and red robes. respect
lively.
10 the right or the throne was IN
space reserved for the diplomats, anon,
whom was Ambassador Choato, who oc
curied a front seat
Or either side OF the house the tw,
4 IFpHt .btHNIips WERE Occupied by peers
some OF distinguished bearing and other
of quaint appearance and seeming alto
gether out Of place In their red robes
slGshad with ernine. Behind them sa
TIE peeresses, all in fun court dress
giitering with jewels and wearing thel
coronets, which sparkled with ever
movement
The side galleries were filled with dis
= t!ngnished Visitors. apparently from a
countries, The rest Of the house was OF