The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-03-21
lmprGsSiVGSCenGS Mark CORVeR-
ing Of Japanese Parliament
EMPEROR READS ADDRESS
States That Nation Cannot Hesitate
Until object Of the War Is At
taned-Money VIII be
Appropriated.

Toxic. March 2O-with stately cere.
mony the special session of the parlia-
ment convened to provide the money need
ed to wage the war against Russia was
opened this morning The emperor, clad
in the uniform of general Issamo. rode
in great stage coach from the palace
to the parliament house. and personally
read his address to the peers and COM
moners. For the first time the crown
prince attended the ceremony. He fol-
lowed his father to an improvised throne
In the peers hall and stood close by
his right side while he read his appeal to
his subjects
The emperor left the palace at 1870
o'clock, accompanied by a group of Inn
perial princes, aides and members of the
imperial household. His escort consisted
of two troops Of lancers. one preceding
and the other following. Following, came
the coaches carrying the emperor, prince
and staff. The brilliant coaches and PEN
nants of red and white silk carried by
each lancer made the imperial procession
an attractive spectacle. Lines of gendar-
mes kept the streets clear and walled
back the popuace which received its ruler
In absolute silence-the highest mark of
respect
Members In Their Places.
Long before the emperor reached the
peers chamber the members we're in their
places. The peers, all uniformed, occu-
pied the right side of the chamber. and
the commoners, all in evening dress, filled
the left. The ceats which occupied ris-
Ing tiers. had been removed and the
members stood in semi -eirces with the
presidents and vice presidents of each
house In advance of each main group.
The members of the cabinet, headed
by Premier Katsura, occupied a position
on the right platform, close to the throne.
The diplomatic gallery was filled, nearly
every legation and stan being esent.
Sir Claude Mcdonald, the British min
ter, George Hamilton and Col. Home rep
resented Great Britain Minister Girls
com, Col Wood, Commander Marsh and
Secretaries Ferguson and Daughlin of the
United States legation were also officially
present. The other galleries were filled
with Japanese civil officials and military
and naval officers. No women were pres
ent.
The Emperor Enters.
When the emperor entered the members
of parliament bowed low. The emperor.
advancing to the front of the platform.
bowed to them and Immediately ascend
ed the throne. Premier Katsura ad-
vanced to the throne and handed the adj
dress to the emperor. The latter read
Ii in a voice low but firm, which carried
to every corner in the chamber.
Following Is the speech from the
thrones:
1--WE hereby open the imperial diet and
address each and all the members of the
house of peers and the house Of repre-
sentatives We announce with high sat
isfaction that our relations with the
treaty powers steadily growing In
cordiality and understanding. Prompted
by earnest desire to maintain a par
amount peace In the extreme east our
government by our command. entered
into negotiations with Russia, but we re-
greet that owing to an absence of SINGER
ity on the part of Russia In her peaceful
professions we have been compelled to
appeal to arms and having taken that
step. we cannot hesitate until the object
of the war Is attained.
Forces Are Loyal.
Our forces In the presence of unwont-
ed hardship and privations, now dis
playing their steadfast loyalty and valor,
and we hope that all our subjects will
cooperate In perfect unity for the en-
hancement of the glory Of the empire.
We trust that you will. In compliance
with our will, fulfill the duty incumbent
upon you and give cordial consent to
those budgets and bills which are special
ly urgent In connection with the situation
and which we have ordered the ministers
OF state to lay before you.
The members remained with bowed
heads until the reading was concluded.
| The president OF the house of peers then
ascended the platform, advanced to the
throne. and received the address OF the
emperor. The emperor then stepped to
the front of the platform. bowed left
the chamber and returned to the palace
direct.
In view of the extraordinary reply to
the throne, passed at the opening OF the
last session In December, wherein the
house of representatives. condemned the
policy of the cabinet. which was declared
to be incompatible with the progress of
the empire. President Katsura appointed
a committee to prepare q response Af-
ter the joint session the committee met.
prepared and presented the following
Committees Reply.
1--WE. your majesty's humble servants of
the house Of representatives, respectfully
express our gratitude for your majestys
gracious action in opening the imperial
diet, and for the words addressed to us
by your majesty. This empire has invari-
ably endeavored to maintain the peace
In the far east, but Russia has violated
its treaty with China, and its repeated
declarations to the powers.
1--WE are extremely impressed with the
fact that your majesty has declared war.
The executive arms at the front are re-
peatedly obtaining victories This is sole
ly due to your imperial majesty's infiu-
ence.
1T shall be our continual endeavor to
bring to the dischage of our executive
| functions the utmost care and circum-
| spection. so that your majesty's august
| instructions made be obeyed, and the I'M
portant trust reposed In us by the nation
made by safeguard properly.
| with profound respect and humility,
| the president OF the house of represent
| tattves. Mashima Katsura, presents his
The peers will meet tomorrow to pre-
| -. Z. rnrnnnsn To the sneech from the