Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-03

rounded by the usual retinue of eouer-
ries and outriders. yeomen of the
guards, exercising their ancient right
to be in close attendance on the SOW
ereign and an escort of household cav
airy. The prince and princess of
Wales had small procession of their
own from Marlborough House.
After entering the house of lords by
the royal gate beneath the Victoria
tower. Their Majesties were robed and.
preceded by the state regalia. passed
i'll procession to the chamber where
the lords had assembled TO hear the
Kings speech. Many progresses were
present and their feathers, Jewels and
bright dresses with the vari-colored
robes of the legislators of the upper
house and the brilliant diplomatic uni
forms combined to make up an effect
i've scene.
Ambassador Choate was confined TO
his house by slight cold and was I'M
able to attend so the United States
embassy was represented by Secretary
White ana Second Secretary Carter.
On the arrival of the members of the
House of Commons King Edward read
inc speech IIolIl lIie throne,
The document was somewhat color
less from an international point of
view. The most interesting features
We're clauses dealing with the Alaskan
boundary decision and the crisis in
The Far East.
Touching on the Alaska decision the
Kings speech said that on some points
the verdict was favorable to the Brit
ish claims ard on others it had been
adverse. Much as this last circun-
stance was to be deplored it must
nevertheless be u matter for congrat-
ulation that the MISUNDERSTANDING, III
which ancient boundary treaties, made
i'll Ignorance of geographical facts, are
50 fertile. have i'll this case been finally
removed from the field of controversy.
The crisis in the Far East is touched
upon briefly in the Kings speech as
follows:
II have watched with concern the course
of the negotiations between the govern
mcnts of Japan and Russia in regard to
their respective interests in China and
tDrca and Il disturbance of the peace in
those regions could not but assistance
which my government can uscfully render
| towards the promotion of a pacific solu-
ton will be gladly afforded"
Another point OF interest to the United
| States was Il reference to cotton as fol-
lows:
tn" inSufiicicncy of the supply of raw
| material. upon which the great cotton in
dust"y Of the country depends. has in
spircd me with deep concern. trust the
empire to increase the area Of cultivation
may be attended with a large measure of
success.
The speech makes the usual reference to
the satisfactory character of foreign rcla
tiuns. touches upon the conclusion of the
Ang,o-French arbitration treatment as
being ~ happy illustration of the friend
| ~ feelings Of the two countries" and re-
fcrs to the Somaliland expedition and TO
| the Macedonian reforms, expressing the
hope that the practical measures for the
anclioraton, so &ore!y needed, of thos,
unhappy relations will he carried out
during the present respite in the disturb
anccs.
After mentioning the political mission
which. with the concurrence of the Chi
territory in order to secure due obscrv-
ancc of conventions saying that Il party
| had been dispatched to meet the mission
and expressing belief that a peaceful so
luticn would he obtained. the King con-
cludes with the warning that although the
estimates have been framed with the ut
most desire for economy the burden i'm
posed by the necessities of naval and mil
itary defence lis undoubtedly serious"
and mentions some Of the proposed domc.;-
tic legislation as already forecasted in
these dispatches.
No suggestion of legislation concerning
Ireland was contained in the King 5
speech.
At the conclusion Of the ceremony in the
House of Lords. Their Majesties returned
to the palace and the members of the
House of Commons repaired to their own
house and adjourned at o'clock.
The Americans present in the house
of Lords included Mrs. Choate, Mrs.
Carter. Miss White, the Duchess OF
ter. Lady Cunard. Lady Marlborough,
Mrs. George Corvallis West and Miss
YZnaga.
Inc King redd tne speech III Il cledl
voice and appeared to be in excellent
| health and spirits.
When the House of Commons as
scmbIed later for business the house
| was crowded in all parts and there
| was great animation in striking con-
traSt with the listessness generally
| characteriZing the opening Of a ses-
sion. Joseph Chamberlain was warm
| ly cheared by the bulk of the Conser-
! Natives as he entered and took a seat
| below the gangway. The other par
| iamentary leaders were accorded!
| hearty receptions by their followers.
! The secretary OF state for home af-
! fairs, Mr.. Akers-DOuglass, in the all
/ sence of Premier Balfour. temporarily
assumed the duties of leader of the
| House.
| Tho moEcr and sccont;cr Of The address;
| in reply to the speech from the thron.
both referred with satisfaction to the set
| Element of the Alaska dispute and paid
| tribute to the manner in which the award
! was received by Canada.
| Laurence Hardy Conservative. mover
/ of the address, lluded to the war which
was threatening vast area Of the Far