Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1903-01-02
GORGEOUS PICTURE.
GATHERING FOR THE SUPREME
AvsouscEaEsr or THE DURBAR.
EDWARD EMPEROR OF INDIA.
Announcement Duly Made. with
Great Form ard Ceremony. By the
viceroy-Brii1iant costumes-Daz-
rling unfforms and TrappinEs-
The kings Message.

DELHI. INDIA. Jan. Items of thous-
tnds OF people from the city of Delhi and
from villages far and near began
sa1hering at daybreak this morning on the
great plain outside the city. There they
matted patiently for the supreme an
nouncernent of the Dtirbar that King I'd
Eard was Emperor Of India. Soon the
great PLAIN was filed with cro"ding
masses Of people. and the brightly col
pred clothing Of the vast throng covered
the space for gorgeous hues. The crowd
on the plain was composed largely OF the
common people, but IN it could be seen
The retaipers Of the various Raja,hs who
had assembled for the function.
The attention Of all vas fixed upon the
white alnphitheatre in the centre of the
plain where the announcement was TO be
made The amphitieatre vas adorned
with ,-iided cpDolas and surrounded by
/ batteries. squadrons and battallons Of tho
Indian army. Beyond the amphitheatre
IN The distance could be seen great num-
bers Of elephants. camels and horses. 50
vast vas the multitude that the troops
appeared Us mere splashes Of color. The
arrival at the amphitheatre Of the vice
roy of India, Lord Curzon Of Kedleston,
the princes and ether dignita,ies. 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
geld The spectacle In the arena was
most striking and gorgeous. The Pathan
chiefs and tho sfrGars were respondent in
brilliant raiIaeat Soldiers, civilians and
visitors from far and distant countries
were included among those within the am
plllt1catre
VETERANS OF MUTINY.
Tron the entrance of the veterans of
The Indian mutiny there was tremendous
enthusiasm, and as the arrivals marched
TO their places the bands played national
air.
With the carriage Of the Duke of
Cornaueft, who represents King Edward.
there was an escort of a detachment Of
cavalry, and as the duke and duchess
were driven around the arena the as
seGnblage gave them an enthusiastic well
coYae Amid the acclamations of the pco
pie the duke took his seat at the left
Of the throne while the duchess pro-
sGeded to place behind the throne
When the great amphitheatre was filled
and the hour Tor the announcement drew
aear. the multitude within and without
waited cxpectantly the first act of the
PROCLAMATION ceremony.
DAZZLING UNIFORMS.
Then the approa oh Of the viceroy was
Anral1ed. Preceded by members Of his
,odyguard clad in white, blue, and gold,
Lord Csurzon appeared nj the entrance
af the arena IN his carriage.
The positions wore uniforms OF scar
let and gold, and the carriage was drawn
by four bay horses. The viceroy was
escorted by Sir Pertab FINCH. AIight-
ing from his carriage, Lord Curzon
mounted the stairs to the throne which
was decorated with golden lions and
around which were placed massive silver
foot-stnols. The throne itself was sur
mounted by canopy Of white and gold.
When the vicsroy reached the throne
The national anthem was played and a
salute Of twenty-one guns was fired.
When the spectators had resumed
heir seats after the anthem. there was
flourish OF trumpets from tho heralds
snd Major Maxwell, at the command u1
the viceroya read the proclamation open
ing the Durbar. The royal standard was
then raised on high and the imperial
aalute was fired. The massed bands
marched by playing. bon-fires were start
I'd by the troops outside and it was an
nopnced that King Edward was emperor
Of India.
TT4T. JT-FRoY sppAES