The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-06-25
Streets Were Packed With Peo- p'e in Holiday Attire and
 All Chssred Monarch
NEW RULER FEELS HIS
 GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY
Throughout the Welcoming Ceremonies He Never Smiled, But Simply
 Shock Hands With Ills Min
 isters-speaks to People.

Belgrade, June 2s.--On a dull, cold day, the depressing effects of which were some what mitigated by the gayety of profuse- ly decorated buildings and streets lined with banners and venetian masts and thronged with people in holiday attire King Peter arrived at the servian capital to assume the throne made vacant by the assassination of King Alexander and Queen Draga on June 10.
 The streets were packed with people in holiday attire and a great throng was massed about the railway station when the royal train rolled in from Vienna at 10 oclocl this morning. If any one, by gravity of demeanor suggested that mem- ories of the tragedy of fortnight ago fingered, it was the new king himself who throughout the scenes at the station and subsequently at the palace. maintained an expression of solemnty that at times seemed to result from nervousness. The official welcome at the station was extend- ed by the members of the cabinet and the chief military and civil functionaries In the background were ranged the troops.
 d0C c NNOItllJ OOiltNiH
 The king, who wore the uniform of servian general. descended from his car amid a fanfare of trumpets. He shook hands with Premier Avakumovics, who ended a powerful speech of welcome with calling for cheers for King Peter, which the crowd responded to with the great est enthusiasm. The king read his an-
 
 what low tones, thanking him and prom ising to do his utmost for the good of the kingdom. He expressed his pleasure at coming to Servia after 40 years ab- sence from his beloved fatherland, and added that his soul was niled with grati- tude to God and with d consciousness of the duties that awaited him as king. He then thanked the ministers for hay ing fulfilled their duties to the father land as the interests of the country de- manded. He was happy to nave this op- portnuity of renewing the expression of his deep gratitude for their services.
 The King Welcomed.
 Replying to an address of welcome de- livered by M Paulovics, a member of the communal council, King Peter said he would see to it that Belgrade became worthy center of Servian life.
 The conclusion of the kings speech was marked by a renewal of cheering.
 The presentation or the ministers fol- lowed. Colonel Maschin wore Inc full uniform and all his decorations King Peter throughout the presentations was extremely glave. He did not speak a word and did not smile, but simply shook hands with those who were presented to him. The introductions were followed by the traditional, picturesque ceremony of the offering of bread and salt by the mayor of Belgrade
 From the station the monarch passed through the streets at the head of the officials and troops, receiving the cheers of the crowds along the way At the new palace he was we lcomed by the members of he slfupschtina and senate. After response delivered with the same gravity and determination which had character ized his remarks at the station. he re- tired for luncheon. The afternoon was spent in consultation with the ministers, and the King dinod quietly.
 Torchlight Procession.
 An immense torchlight procession was the feature of tonight's illumination. When the procession reached the konak the kings appearance on the balcony surrounded by the ministers, was greeted with tremendous outburst of cheering from a dense mass of people gathered in front of the palace. His majesty then read a speech in which he said that In accordance with the traditions of the Karageorgevitchs and helped by the ex- perionce he had gathered during the for ty-five years he had spent abroad he would try to give the people the govern ment they required
 After patriotic songs had been sung by choral societies. the king retired and the crowd dispersed