The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-06-26
ACCESSION TO THRONE
KING PETER FORMALLY AS
 SUMES OFFICE.
Believe Now That Matter of Punish ing the Murderers of Alexander and Draga will Be Allowed
 to Lapse.

Belgrade June 25.-The second day spent by Peter Karageorgevttch in the Servian capital was marked by his for nal accession to the throne. The new King took the oath of office and later In the day reviewed the troops. large part of the servian army having been drawn to Belgrade for the review. AS on yes terday the city was in holiday attire and the passage of the monarch through the streets was eagerly watched for by large crowds. +
 King Peter rose early, but did not leave his apartments until informed that the Senate and Skupschtina had assem- bled in joint session. and after complet- ing certain formalIties, were awaiting his appearance to take the oath of office.
 It was remarked on all sides that the King seemed hourly to assume a more commanding attitude and that he gains a flrmer grasp on affairs.
 The proceedings today were marked by solemnity. The old Parliament building, bare barn-like structure, with f1imsy decorations, was crowded with represen- tatives, officials. clergy and civilian spec tators. who loudly cried, Long live the King as he appeared. The King glanced sharply, almost sternly, at the deputies, some of whom were in peasants garb. while others were dressed in the height of Western fashion.
 Taking a seat in front of the throne, over which his own portrait hung, the King awaited with calm assurance for the ceremony to begin.
 Lighted candles had been placed on a table in front of the King on which also rested a richly-bound Bible, the text of the oath engrossed parchment and the IT netropolitans jeweled cross.
 King Peter stood erect while the Me tropolitan proceeded with the religious ceremony. the responses to which were chanted by the presbyters. When the prayers were ended. the King kissed the Bible and then took the oath. When he had finished. his majesty advanced amid the profound silence of the assemblage and signed hls name to the document. A frenzy of cheers followed. The King again kissed the Bible and the cross proffered by the Metropolitan, and. with out the slightest relaxation of the stern lines of his face. turned quickly on his heel and walked out to his carriage. amid salvos of cheers. which also greeted him as he passed through the streets to the parade grounds. where the troops were awaiting.
 On the parade ground which is situ- ated three miles from Belgrade. four regi- ments of infantry, two regiments of cavalry. four field batteries of artillery and one horse battery. were drawn up before a large crowd of people. A pretty pavilion was filled with the ministers and their families Both the Russian and Austrian military attaches were pres ent.
 King Peter. wearing a generals uni- form. and mounted on a white horse. formerly ridden by the late King Alex ander and surrounded by a brightly uni formed staff. took up a position in front of the pavilion. while the troops marched past. They were a fine body of men. but their equipment was not practical.
 King Peter. after the march past. rode off. followed by shoute of Long live King Peter" He returned direct to the palace. cheered everywhere along the route.
 During the day the King had several conferences with the ministers and a roy al proclama ton was issued and was well received. It was announced that the ap- pointments of the ministers had been confirmed and that the provisional cabi- net will be retained.
 It is believed that the question of the punishment of the assassns of King AL exander and Queen Draga will be allowed to lapse. It was remarked today that Colonel Maschin, Minister of Public Works, who took leading part in the assa ssinations, kept in the background during the ceremony at the parliament building.
 considerable number of the poorer | classe of the people have placed candles on the tomb of King Alexander and Queen Draga.