The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-01-02
EDWARD Is EMPEROR
His Sovereignty Of India Pro-
claimed at Delhi.
BEFORE BIG GATHERING
Of Rajah's, Common People,
Retainers and Elephants.

Delhi, lndia. Jan. liens OF 'neu-
sands Of people from the city and from
villages far and near began gathering at
daybreak this morning on the great plain
outside the city. There they waited pa
tiensly for the supreme announcement
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 fhronS
covered the space with gorgeous tucs-
The crowd was composed largely OF tho
common people. but among IL could be
seen the retainers OF the various 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 20 be
made. The amphitheater was adornei
with giided cupoias and surrounded by
batteries. squsdrons and battalions of the
Indian army. Beyond the amphitheater
I'm the distance could be seen great num-
bers Of elephants. horses and camels. So
vast was the multitude that the troops
appeared as mere spslshes OF color. The
IL
roy OF India. Lord Curzon OF Kedieston.
and other dignstries and the princes was
one OF the brilliant episodes of the day.
The princes were clad In silks and adorn-
ed with jewels and their horses and car
riages were brilliant with trappings OF
gold.
The spectacle within the arena was
most striking and gorgeous. The Pathan
chiefs and the sirdars were respondent
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 enthusiasm and the arriv
ais marched to their places the bands
played national airs. The carriage OF the
Duke of Connausht. who represents King
Edward. was escorted by a detachment Of
cavalry. as the duke and duchess were
driven around the arena. and the assem-
blage 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 10 a
place behind the throne.
When the great amphitheater was filed
and the hour for the announcement drew
near the multitude within and without
awaited expectantly the first act Of the
proclamation ceremony. Then the ap-
proach OF the viceroy was heraided. Pre-
coded by members Of his bodyguard clad
in white. blue and gold under the COM
mand of Major Grimston. Lord Curzon
appeared at the entrance OF the arena In
his carriage. The postillions wore uni
forms Of scarles and gold and the CARR
age was drawn by four bay horses. The
viceroy was escorted by Sir Pertab FINCH.
Alighting from his carriage. Lord Cur
zon mounted the dais 10 the throne which
was decorated with the golden lions and
around which were placed massive silver
footstools. The throne itself was sur
mounted by a canopy 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
ish OF trumpets from the heraids and
Major Maxwell. at the command Of tho
viceroy. read the proclamation opening
the durbar The royal standard was
then raised on high and the imperial sa-
lutte was fired. The rnassed bands march
cd by. the troops outside. and u was an
nounced tina; King Edward was emperor
OF India. There was another flourish Of
trumpets and Lord Crrzon arose and
stood for moment impsssive. Then in
impressive tones he delivered a speech
and read the message from King Edward.
In his speech the viceroy announced the
coronation Of the king. he extoiled the
loyal Indian people and prophesied pros
peri,y for the Indian empire. he said
also that II would be decided not "a ex-
sct interest for three years on all loans
made or guaranteed By the government
Of India 20 the native states IN connec-
tion with the recent famine. The vice.
roy announced also the abolition OF the
Indian stan corps. which has long been
an army sinecure.
IN the kings message. which was then
ead bT Lord Cur,on. hts majority said
that the Prince and Princess Of Wales
would shortly visit india lie regretted
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