The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1903-01-04
N::,,.: .iHr"nt SIGHT Witnessed in F.
Away India city.
The !rriN al of British Ni~nitHrics in
til" Ampi'h""1rc of THAT III
tovir City Scene If n@I-
zlin% >pjrnd"r.


hi and from. villages far and near, be-
ian gathering at dayhl"aE New
Years morning on tie great PLATA
outside the city. Their" they waited
patiently for the supreme announce
mont OF the durbar, that King Edward
was emperor OF India. Soon The great
of people and the brightly cOlOreI
clothing of the vast tnrOng covered
the space with gorgeous hucs. The
crowd on the plain was composed
largely of the common people, but
among it could be seen the retaners
of the various rajahs. who had as
sembled for the function.
The attention OF all was fixed upon
the white amphitheatre in the center
of the plain where the announcement
was to be made. The amphitheatre
was adorned with gilded cupolas and
surrounded by batteries, squadrons
and battalons of the Indian army. Be
yond the amphitheatre, in the dis
lance could be seen great numbers of
elephants, camels and horses So
vast was the multitude that the
troops appeared as mere splashes of
color.
The arrival at the amphitheatre of
the viceroy Of India, Lord Curzon of
KedlestOn. and other dignitaries and
the princes was 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.
The spectacle within the arena was
most striking and gorgeous. The Pa
than chiefs and the Sirdars were re-
splendent in brilliant raiment.. Sol
diers, civilians and visitors from far
distant countries were included among
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 airs. The carriage Of
the Duke of Connaught., who repre-
sents King Edward, was escorted by
detachment Of cavalry; as the duke
| and the duchess were driven around
the arena the assemblage 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 to a
place behind the throne.
When the great amphitheatre was
| filled and the hour for the announce
ment drew neal the multitude within
and without awaited e:;pectantly the
| first act of the proclamation cere-
mOny.
Then the approach of the viceroy
was heralded. Preceded by members
OF his bodyguard clad in white, blue
and gold and under the command of
Major GrimstOn, Lord CurzOn appear
ed at the entrance of the army in his
carriage. The postillions wore uni
forms 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 Curzcn mounted the
dais to the throne, which was decor
ated with golden lions and around
which were placed massive silver foot
stools. The throne itself was sur
mounted by canopy of white and
gold. When the viceroy reached the
throne the national anthem was play
ed and salute of tWenty-One guns
was fired. When the spectators had
resumed their seats after the anthem
there was a flourish of trumpets from
the heralds and Major 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
playing, bonfires were started by the
troops outside and it was announced
that King Edward was emperor of In
dia.
There was another flourish of trum-
pets and Lord Curzon arose and stood
for a moment impressive. Then in
impressive tones he started a speech
and read the message from King Ed
ward In his address the viceToy an
nouncef the coronation of the king
he extolled the loyal Ineian people
and prophesied prosperity for the In
dianempire. He said also that it had
been decided not to exact interest for
three years on all loans made OF
guaranteed by the government of In
dia to the native states in connection
with the recent famine. The viceroy
announced also the abolition Of the
Indian staff corps, which has long
been an army sinecure.
In the kings message. which was
then Rad by Lord Curzon. his majes
ty said that the Prince and Princess
Of W. es would shortly visit India
He regretted his absence from the
durbar end sent his greetings to his
Indian people.