The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-21
Ruler of Japan Appeals to Parlia-
ment for Funds with Which to
Carry on The War.
IMPOSING MARCH PAST
Imperial Retinue Viewed by Thou
sands in Profound Silence as
Token of Respect.
HEARD BY BOTH HOUSES
Representatives Adopt a Reply,
Pledging Support-Peers Will
Take Action To-Day.

TOXIC. March eO.-with stately ceremony
the special session of Parliament convened
TO provide the money needed TO wage the
war against Russia was opened this morn
ing. The Emperor. clad in the uniform OF
a generalissimo, rode in the great state
coach from the palace To the Parliament
House and personally read his address 20
the peers and commoners. For the first
time, the Crown Prince attended the cere-
mony. he followed his father TO the inn
provised 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 1910
O'Clock. accompanied by group of inn
rial princes. aids aud members OF the
imperial household His escort consisted
of two troops of lancers. one preceding the
other. Following came the coaches carry
ing the Emperor. princes and staff The bril-
liant uniforms. coaches and pennsnt OF red.
and white silk carried by each lancer made
the imperial procession an attractive pic
ture. Lines OF police and gendarmes kept
the streets clear and walled back the pop
ulace, which received its ruler in absolute
sifence-the highest mark of respect
Long before the Emperor reached the
peers chamber, the members were in their
pldCcS ne peers, all ulllIOTfnt0, occupied
the right side of the chamber. and the
commoners, all I'm evening dress. filled the
left. The seats, which occupy rising tiers.
had been removed and the members stood
in semi-circles with the president and vice
president OF each house in advance of each
main group. The members of the Cabinet.
headed by Premier katsira. occupied po-
sition on the right platform, close to the
throne.
The diplomatic gallery was filed. nearly
every legation and stan being present. Sir
Il 81 nj l. IL.
General Hamilton and Colonel Hume repre-
sented Great Britain. Minister Griscom,
Colonel Wood. Commander Marsh and Sec
retaries Ferguson and Laughlin. of the
United States legation, We're also officially
present The otner galleries We're filed with
Japanese officials and military and naval
officers. No women were present
THE EMPEROR'S ADDRESS.
When the Emperor entered. the members
of Parliament bowed low. The Emperor.
advancing to the front of the platform.
bowed to them and Immediately ascended
the throne. Premier Katsura advanced to
the throne and handed the address to the
Emperor. The latter read ii in a voice
low but firm, which carried to every corner
of the chamber. The address follows:
I'VE hereby open the imperial Diet and
address each and all members of the House
Of the Peers and the House of Repre-
sentatives. We announce with high satisfac-
tion that relations with the treaty
powers are steadily growing I'm cordiality.
Prompted by an earnest desire to maintain
permanent peace in the extreme East. our
government, by our command. entered into
negotiations with Russia, but we regret
that. owing to an absence OF sincerity on
the part of Russia In her peaceful pro-
fessions. have been compelled TO appeal
TO arms, and having taken that step. we
cannot hesitate until the object OF the war
is attained.
"Our forces in the presence of unwonted
Eardships and privations. are now display
ing their steadfast loyalty and valor. and
hope that all our subjects Will Coop
crate i'm perfect unity for the enhancement
of the glory of the Empire.
with our will. fulfill the duty incumbent
upon you and give cordial consent 10 these
budgets and bills. which are especially ur-
gent in connection with the situation, and
which we have ordered the ministers OF
state to lay before you.
The members remained with bowed heads
unIl the reading was concluded. The pres
ident of the House of Peers then ascended
the platform. advanced to the throne and
received the address from the Emperor. Tne
Emperor then stepped to the front OF the
platform, bowed. left the chamber and re-
turned 70 the palace.
REPLY OF THE HOUSE
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 10 be in
compatible with the progress of the En-
pire, the president appointed a committee
to prepare a response. After the joint ses-
sion the committee met. prepared and pre-
sented the following:
I'VE, your Majesty's humble servants OF
the House of Representatives. espectfully
express our gratitude for you Majesty's
gracious action in opening the impe. TAI
Diet, and for the words addressed TO US by
your Majesty.
This empire has invariably endeavored
TO maintain peace in the far East. but Rus
sia has violated its treaty with China and
its repeated declarations 10 the powers.
1--WE are extremely impressed with the
fact that your Majesty has declared war.
The executive arms at the front are
peatedly obtaining victories. This is solely
due to your imperial Majesty's influence.
1T shall be our constant endeavor TO
bring TO the discharge of our executive
functions the utmost care and circumspec-
tion sc that your Majesty's august instruc-
tions 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.
Masshsa Matsuda. presents this
The peers will meet tomorrow TO prepare
a response TO the speech from the throne.