The daily morning journal and courier., 1903-01-02
EMPEROR OF INDIA.
KING EDWARD PROCLAIMED AT
 DELHI YESTERDAY.

l
 the CeIebratEOn-Great Enthusiasm-
 VtcerOy ExtOis the Loyal Indian
 PeopEe-A Message from the King
 of inc People.
 Delhi, Indian, Jan. liens of thou sands 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. There they waited patiently for the supreme announcement of the Durbar, that King Edward was Emperor of India. Soon the great plain was filled with crowd ing masses of people, and the brightly colored 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 it could be seen the retainers of the various rajahs who had assembled for the function.
 The attention of all was fixed upon
 
 the plain, where the announcement was to be made. The amphitheater was adorned with gflded cupolas and sur 1 rounded by batteries, squadrons 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 at the amphitheater of the viceroy of India, Lord Curzon of Kedleston 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 trappings of gold.
 The spectacle within the arena was most striking and gorgeous. The Pathan chiefs and the Sirdars were re- splendent in brilliant raiment. Soldiers, civilians, and visitors from far distant countries were included among those within the amphitheater Upon the entrance of the veterans of the Indian mutiny there was tremendous en- | thusiasm and as the arrivals marched to their places the bands played na- | tional airs. The carriage of the Duke of Connaught who represents King Edward, was escorted by detachment of cavalry, and as the Duke and the Duchess were driven around the arena the assemblage gave them an enthusi- astie welcome. Amid the acclimations of the people, the Duke took his sea- at the left of the throne, while the Duchess proceeded to a place behind | the throne.
 When the great amphitheater was ! filled and the hour for the announce ment drew near, the multitude within and without awaited expectantly the first act of the proclamation ceremony.
 Then the approach of the viceroy was i heralded. Preceded by members of his bodyguard, clad in white, blue and gold, and under the command of Major Grimston, Lord Curzon appeared at the entrance of the arena in his carriage. 1 The postilions wore uniforms of scar let and gold, and the carriage was drawn by four bay horses. The vice. roy was escorted by Sir Pertab Singh. Alghting from his carriage, Lord Cur zon mounted the dais to the throne, which was decorated with golden lions, and around which were placed massive silver footstools. The throne itself was surmounted by canopy of white and gold. When the viceroy reached the throne the national anthem was played and a salute of tWenty-one guns was fired.
 When the spectators had resumed their seats, after the anthem, there was a flourish of trumpets from the heralds. and Major Maxwell, at the command of the viceroy, read the proclamation opening the Dunbar. The royal stand ard was then raised on high, and the imperial salute was fired. The massed bands marched by playing, bonf1res were started by the troops outside and it was announced that King Edward was Emperor of India.
 There was another flourish of trum- pets and Lord Curzon arose and stood for moment impassive. Then in i'm pressive tones he delivered a speech, and read the message from King Ed ward In his address the viceroy an- nounced the coronation of the king. 1 He extolIed the loyal Indian people and prophesed prosperity for the Indian empire He said also that it had been l decided not to exact interest for three 1 years on all loans made or guaranteed /! by the government of India to the na- tive states in connection with the re- cent famine. The viceroy announced also the abolition of the Indian staff corps which has long been an army sinecure.
 In the kings message, which was then read by Lord Curzon, his majesty said that the Prince and Princess of Wales would soon visit India. He re- gretted his absence from the Durbar, and sent his greetings to his Indian | people. In conclusion King Edward 1 said: i
 T renew the assurances of my regard l for the liberties of the Indian people; of my respect for their dignities and rights; of my interest in their advance ment, and of my devotion to their wel- fare. These are the supreme aims and 1 objects of my rule, which, under the l blessing of Almighty Gou, will lead to 1 the increasing prosperity of my Indian l empire and to the greater happiness of 1 it's people" ;!
 As the viceroy finished reading the 1 kings words the assembled people . fo rir and