Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-02-17
King Edward and Queen Alex
andra Open Parliament
With Royal Ceremony
SPEECH FRoMTHETHRoNE READ
Large Crowds Gather on the Mall to
Watch the Procession-Ancient Ger
emony of Searching the Vaults for
Imaginary conspirators Carried Out
Kings Speech Has Hopeful Tone.

London. Feb. fixing Edward ac-
conpanied by Queen Alexandra and
surrounded by the court and all the
officials OF state, opened parliament this
afternoon. Early in the morning the
vaults of the houses were searched for
imaginary conspirators. as usual, by
the yeomen of the guard, carrying an
cient lanterns and useless weapons.
Troops took UP positions along the
route OF march and the procession fol-
loved. The great crowds, attracted by
The fine weather and desire to witness
the royal pageant, did not lack enter
tainnent. The royal carriages, escorted
by life guards, left Buckingham palace
Mt 1880. Their majesties, in the last
carriage, were drawn by eight Hano-
verian horses, which figured in all the
recent royal ceremonies. The king and
queen reached the tower thru the Mall,
where they were met by the Horse
Guards in White Hall. All the great
officers Of state, in varied uniforms, as
d
receive the king. The procession, iden-
teal to that of the recent similar cere-
1mony. formed and, headed by pursui-
wants and heralds, marched to the
1obing room, their majesties being i'm
mediately followed by the sword of
state carried by the marquis of Lon
donderry. The procession. with blast
of trumpets, advanced to the peers
chamber. the duke of Devonshire, lord
president of the council, preceding their
majesties with the royal crown, which
he carried on a cushion. The king
seated himself on the throne, the queen
on the left and the prince of Wales on
the right. Members of the house of
commons were then summoned and on
the arrival of the lord high chancellor.
the earl Of Shaftesbury, who, kneeling,
handed the speech to The king, who
read it from the steps of the throne az
follows:
s.My Lords and Gentlemen: My
friendly relations with all the for
eign powers continue fr:enly.
THE blockade of the Venezuelan
ports has led to negotiations for ad-
justment Of ell matters in dispute.
arrived ut which has justified the
blockading powers in bringing all hos
tile naval operations to a close.
Negotiations have taken place for the
adjustment of all questions which have
arisen in regard to my possessions in
North America and that of the terri
tory of ALASKA. A treaty providing fo:
reference Of the difficulty to an arbi-
tration tribunal has been signed and
ratified"
The speech then referred to the
Balkan question, saying the situation in
European provinces of Turkey give
cause for serious anxiety. II have
used nay best efforts" the king con-
tfnues, 10 impress upon the sultan and
his ministers the urgent need OF con-
servative, well considered methods of
reform" After noting that Austria
and Russia have been considering re
forms which the signatories to the
Berlin treaty should recommend to the
sultan the king adds: Il trust the pro-
posals will prove sufficient for the pur-'
pose, and that shall find it possible to
give them my hearty support"
The kiEg also states his satisfaction
at the course of affairs in South
Africa.
The speech concluded with an init
nation that the budget estimate of
expenditures would inevitably be large.
and with the promising Of the introduc-
tion of bills dealing with the Irish land
! question. London education, sugar
bounties and London docks.
In regard to the Irish measure, the
ling said: Il will, l trust. complet..
series OF measures, which have al
ready done much to substitute single
ownership for costly and unsatisfactory
conditions attached to the tenure of
agriculture land over large portion
OF Ireland
The king and queen returned to
Buckingham palace at o'clock.