Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-01


the multitude that the troops appeared as
mere splashes of color. The arrival at the
amphitheater of the viceroy OF India Lord
Curzon of Kedlestone, the princes and
other dignitaries 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.
Spectacle Most Striking.
The spectacle within the arena was most
striking and gorgeous. The Pathan chiefs
and the scidars were resplendent in bril-
liant raiment. Soldiers, civilians and visit
ors from far distant countries were in
cluded among those within the amphtheater.
Upon the entrance of the veterans Of the
Indian mutiny there was tremendous en-
thusiasm, and the arrivals marched to their
places, the bands playing national airs
The carriage of the Duke of Connaught,
who represents King Edward was escorted
by a detachment of cavalry, and as the
duke and duchess We're driven around the
arena the assemblage gave them an en-
thusiastic welcome. Amid the acclamations
of the people the duke took his seat at the
left of the throne, while the duchess pro-
ceeded to place behind the throne.
When the great amphitheater was filled
and the hour for the announcement drew
near the multitude within and without
awaited expectantly the first act of the
proclamation ceremony.
Then the approach of the viceroy was
heralded. Preceded by members Of his
body guard clad in white, blue and gold,
Lord CurZon appeared at the entrance OF
the arena in his carriage. The positions
wore uniforms of scarlet and gold and the
carriage was drawn by four bay horses.
The viceroy was escorted by Sir Pertab
FINCH. Alighting from his carriage, Lord
CurZon mounted the stairs to the throne.
which was decorated with golden lions, and
around which We're placed massive silver
footstoos.
The throne itself was surTnounted by
canopy of white and gold. When the vice.
roy reached the throne the national anthem
was played and a salute of twenty-onc
guns was fired. When the spectators had
resumed their seats after the anthem there
was a flourish of trumpets from the heralds,
and Maj. Maxwell, at the command of the
viceroy, read the proclamation opening the
durbar. The royal standard was then
raised on high and the imperial salute was
fired. The massed bands marched by play
ing bonfires were started by the troops out.
side and it was announced that King Ed.
ward emperor of India.
Speech by the Viceroy.
There was another flourish of trumpets
and Lord Curzon arose and stood for a
moment impassive. Then in impressive
tones he delivered a speech and read the
message from King Edward. In his ad-
dress the viceroy announced the coronation
of the king. He eXtolled the loyal Indian
people and prophesied prosperity for the In.
dian empire. He said also that II had been
decided not to exact interest for three years
on all loans made or guaranteed by ne
government of India to the native states In
connection with the recent famine. The
yiceroy 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
ma ajesty said that the Prince and Princess
of Wales would shortly visit India. The
prince regrette ed his absence from the dur-
bar and sent his greetings to his Indian
people.
In conclusion King Edward says: Il re-
new the assurances of my regard for the
liberties of the Indian people; of my re-
spcct for their dignities and rights; of my
interest in their advancement, and of my
devotion to their welfare. These are the
supreme aims and objects of my rule, which
under the blessing of Almighty God will
lead to the increasing prosperity of my
Indian empire and to the greater happiness
Of its people" AS the vieeroy finished read
ing the kings words the assembled people
broke into cheers for the king and emperor.
The cheering was taken. up by the multi
tu6e outside the amphitheater and was long
sustained.
Then followed the presentation of Indian
princes to the viceroy and the Duke OF Con-
naught and political officers paid homage
to the -avereign. This ended the ceremony
and the royal cortege left the arena follow
ed by the delegates from foreign powers
and the Indian princes.
Lord Kitchener. after the ceremonies, en-
tered his carriage and was driven to Delhi.
Weather Was Favorable.
The whole ceremony was favored with
brilliant sunshine.
Lady Curzop was dressed in pale blue
chiffon, trimmed with passementerie. She
wore a flower hat. Lord CurZon was in
full political uniform, with cooked hat The
Duke of Connaught had on field mar
shars uniform and the Duchess of Con-
nausht wore a costume of cream lace over
white silk. with silver trimmings, and
cream toQue.
When the Cursons reached the dais the
viceroy and the Duke of Connaught sa-
luted each other and Lady Curzon courte-
sled to the Duchess of Connaught.
Lord Curzon spoke for thirty minutes,
standing most of the time with one foot on
a silver footstool. During the reception OF
the princes and chiefs Lady CurZon and the
duchess stood behind their husbands, not
participating In that part Of the ceremony.
except in the case of the Begun of Bhopal.
a Mohammedan princess, who was heavily
veiled.
After the presentation Of the notabilities
the viceroy and the Duke of Connaught
stepped forward and shook hands with
Lady Curzon.