Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-21
JAPANESE DIET MEETS
ASKS CONSENT TorHE WAR PRO-
GRAM OF MINISTRY.
Emperor Reads His Speech From the
II II
Throne-Imposing Ceremonies
Recounts Jap Prowess.

A cablegram from Tokyo last night says
With stately ceremony the special session
of parliament, convened to provide the
money needed to wage the war against
Russia, was opened this morning. The EN-
peror, clad in the uniform of generals
simo. rode in the great state coach from
the palace to the parliament house, and
personally read his address to the peers
and commoners.
For the first time the crown prince at
tended the ceremony. He followed his
father to an improvised throne in the peers
hall and stood close by the emperor's right
side while he read his appeal to his sub
jects. The emperor left the palace at 1885
o'clock. accompanied by group of i'm.
per1al princes, aids and members of the i'm
perial household. His escort consisted OF
two troops Of lancers, one preceding the
other.
Following came the coaches carrying the
emperor, princes and staff The brilliant
uniforms, coaches and pennant of red and
white silk carried by each lancer made the
imperial procession an attractive picture.
Lines of police and gendarmes kept the
streets clear and walled back the populace,
which received its ruler in absolute silence
the highest mark of respect.
An Imposing Audience.
Long before the emperor reached the
peers chamber the members were in their
places. The peers, all uniformed, occupied
the right side Of the chamber and the COM
moners, all in evening dress, filled the left.
The seats, which occupy rising tiers, had
been removed and the members stood in
semi-circles, with the presidents and vice
presidents of each house in advance of
each main group. The members of the
CABINET, headed by Premier Katsura, occu-
pleu position on the right platform, close
to the throne.
The diplomatic gallery was filed nearly
every legation and staff being present Sir
eau Macdonald, the British minister:
zen Hamilton and Col. Hume represented
Great Britain. Minister Griscom. Col.
Wood. Commander Marsh and Secreta RES
ferguson and Laughlin of the United States
iegatlon We're also officially present The
otner galleries. were filled with Japanese
civil omclals and military and naval Of
hcers. NO women were present.
Emperor Delivers Address.
"hen the emperor entered the members
OF parliament bowed low. The emperor,
advancing to the front of the platform,
bowed to them, and Immediately assembled
the throne. Premier Katsura advanced 10
the throne and handed the address to the
emperor. The latter read it in voice low.
bul nfm. which carried to every corner 1T
the chamber. ~
Following is the speech from the throne:
we hereby open the imperial diet and
ADDRESS each and all theI members of the
hcuse OF peers and the house of represent
atiVes. we announce. with high satisfac-
ton, that our relations with the treaty
powers are steadily growing in cordially
and understanding.
prompted by an earnest desire to NAM
tar. permanent peace in the extreme
east. our government, by our command, en-
tered into negotiations with Russia, but we
regret that owing to an absence of sincerity
on the part of Russia in her peaceful pro-
LESSONS we have been compelled to appeal
to arms and having taken that STEP we
cannot hesitate. until the object of the wal
is attained.
Steadfast Loyalty and Valor.
"Our forces, in the presence of unwonted
hardships and privatioas. are now display
ing their steadfast loyalty and valor, and
we hope that all our, subjects will &C.
operate in perfect unity for the enhan ce-
rnent of the glory of the empire.
I'VE trust that you WILL in compliance
with our WILL fulfill the duty incumbent
upon you and give cordial consent to these
budgets and bills, which are specially
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
ur til the reading was concluded. The presi-
the platform. advanced to the throne, and
reoeived the address from the emperor
The emperor then stepped to the front OF
the platform, bowed, left the CHI amber and
returned to the palace.
In view of the extraordinary reply to the
throne passed at the opening of the last ses-
sion in December wherein the house of rep
resentatives condemned the policy of the
ca binet which was declared to be incom-
patible with the progress of the empire and
to be temporizing, the house of representa-
tives today appointed a committee to pre-
pare response
Committee Presents Its Reply.
After the joint session the committee met
and prepared and presented the following:
I'VE, your majesty's humble servants, of
the house of representatives, respectfully
express our gratitude Tor your majesty gra-
cious action in opening the imperial diet,
and for the words addressed to us by your
majesty.
This empire has Invariably endeavored to
maintain the peace in the far east. but Rus
STA. which lacks the sincerity to respect
peace. has violated ats treaty with China
I'VE are extremely impressed with the
fact that your majesty has declared war.
The executive arms at the front are repeat
eGly obtaining victories. This is solely due to
your imperial majesty !; influence.
TT shall be our constant endeavor to
bring to the discharge of our legislative
functions the utmost care and circumspec-
ton so that your maJesty's august instruc-
lions may be obeyed, and the important
trust reposed in us by the nation may be
complied with.
with profound respect and humility the
president of the house of representatives,
Masahisa Matsuda. presents this.