Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-02-05
Usual Retinue Accompanies Edward
to House of Lords Where He
Reads Opening Speech.
BRITISH RULER TOUCHES ON
MANY SUBJECTS IN HIS ADDRESS
Reviews Alaskan Boundary Decision
and Speaks mt Length on situation
Between japan and Russin-Great
Animation at Opening Session of
House of Commons.


since his accession to the throne. None
of the familiar outdoor features was
lacking. The weather conditions, how
ever were too depressing to permit of
much enthusiasm
Early in the day occurred the time
honored search Of the vaults of the
house of parliament for conspirators,
and later came the crowds, under for
est of umbrellas, always eager for any
thing in the way Of pageantry, but their
ranks were thinned by the Indictment
weather. In the passage of the royal
procession along the troop-lined route
from Buckingham palace to st. Ste
and the effect was sadly married by the
drenched appearance of the cortege.
Half dozen state carriages with suites
preceded the ornate coach of state,
drawn by eight cream-colored Han
overians, and bearing the king and
queen. The procession was surrounded
by the usual retinue of equerries, out
riders, yoemen of the guard, exercising
their ancient right to be in close attend
ance on the sovereign, and an escort Of
household cavalry The prince and
princess of Wales had a small process
sion of their own from Marlborough
house.
Scene n Brilliant One.
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
in procession to the chamber where the
lords had assembled to hear the kings
speech. Many peeresses were present,
and their feathers, jewels and bright
dress. with the vari-colored robes Of
the legislators of the upper house and
the brilliant diplomatic uniforms, COM
bined to make up an effective scene.
Ambassador Choate was confined to
his house by slight cold and was un-
able to attend, SO the United States en-
bassy was represented by Secretary
White and Second Secretary Carter.
On the arrival of the members of the
house of commons King Edward read
the speech from the throne.
Treats ON Various Subjects.
Touching on the Alaska decision, the
kings speech said that on some points
the verdict was favorable. to the British
claims and ON others ii had been adj
verse. Much as this last circumstance
was to be deplored, 1t must neverthe-
less be matter for congratulation that
the misunderstanding, in which an
cient boundary treaties, made in ignor-
ance OF geographical facts, are so fertile,
have in 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 fol-
lows:
Il have watched with concern the
course of the negotiations between the
governments Of Japan and Russia in
regard to their respective interests in
China and Corea, and a disturbance of
the peace in those regions could not
but have deplorable consequences. Any
assistance which my government can
usefully render toward, the promotion
of pacific solution will be gladly af-
forded"
The speech makes the usual reference
to the satisfactory character of foreign
relations, touches upon the conclusion
of the Anglo-French arbitration agree
ment as being "a happy illustration of
the friendly feelings Of the two coun-
tries" and refers to the Somaliland ex-
petition and to the Macedonian re-
forms, expressing the hope that the
practical measures for the ameliora-
ton, so sorely needed, of these unhappy
regions" will be carried out during the
present respite In the disturbances.
At the conclusion of the ceremony in
the house OF lords, their majesties re-
turned to the palace and the members
of the house Of commons repaired to
their own house and adjourned at four
o'clock
When the house of commons assem-
bled later for business, the house was
crowded in all parts and there was great
animation, in striking contrast with the
listlessness generally characterizine
the opening Of a session Joseph Cham
berlain was warmly cheered by the bull,
Of the conservatives as he entered and
took a seat below the gangway. The
other parliamentary leaders were &C
corded hearty receptions by their fol-
lowers.