New-York tribune., 1905-02-15
KING OPENS PARLIAMENT.
SPEECH FROM THRONE.
Customary Professions = Brilliant
Scene IN House of Lords.

random. Feb 1.-THE sixth session of the
,resent Parliament was opened this afternoon
~ King Edward with all the historic pageant
- which has marked the ceremony since his
accession. The sovereign himself read the
e,eech from the Throne to the assembled Lords
md Commons in the upper chamber. His only
-sference TO the war. which his majesty said
..unbappily continues" was TO announce that
arnv government has been careful TO observe
On ,he strlctest manner the obligations incunl-
bsnt upon neutral power
The longest paragraph, devoted TO the Bal
hans said the situation continues to give cause
FOR anxiety The measures adopted at the in
stance OF the Austrian and Russian govern
-nenfs had been instrumental in bringing about
some ameIioration in the state of the disturbed
sistricts but these measures have still TO be
supplemented with radical reforms especially of
,be financial system. before any permanent i'm
movements can be effected in the administration
AZ these provinces of the Turkish Empire"
The King expressed the hope that the steps to
establish representative constitution for the
rrrsnsyaal would result in substantial progress
toward the ultimate goal OF complete self-gov-
ernInent
His majesty referred to the Tibetan expedi-
zion. TO the exchange Of visits between repre-
sentstives of Lord Curzon Of Kedleston. the
vioeroy Of India, and the Arneer of Afghanistan
% discuss questions affecting the relations of
she two governments. and concluded with men
,ioning the proposals for the redistribution of
Parliamentary seats TO be laid before the Com
mons. the Alien bill TO be introduced and the
legislation dealing with the unemployed. besides
otber unimportant domestic legislation
The royal professions were the same last
wear that Of the Prince and Princess of Wales
from Marlborough House preceded by a few
minutes the cortege of the King and
oueen Alexandra from Buckingham Palace.
The scene in the neighborhood of Buckingham
Palace was particularly animated. Large
crowds selected this point whence 10 view the
pageant and when the sovereigns issued from
the gates Of the palace they were greeted with
2 great burst of enthusiasm, which quickly
spread the whole length Of the fine, new process
siOnal road leading from the site OF the VIC
toria memorial TO the Horse Guards Parade
and accompanied the monarch and his consort
throughout the route.
Al the royal entrance beneath the Victoria
Tower Of the House Of Lords the King was re-
ceived by the high officers of state and passed
IN procession to the robng room Thence, ac-
compaTned by the queen, MS majesty repaired
10 the House of Lords, preceded by the crown
and other regalia. carried by their hereditary
bearers, and by the heralds announcing the ap-
proach Of the sovereigns.
The scene in the gilded chamber the ar
rival Of their majesties picturesque and
brilliant. It's small compass was crowded with
members Of the royal family peers. peeresses,
Judges bishops, ambassadors and the few privi
legged members OF the House or Commons Tor
Enom room could be found, all attired in state
costumes the peeresses wearing court dress
with white plumes and lavish display OF
Jewels. In the space reserved for diplomatic
guests were Ambassador Choate. Mrs Choste
and their daughter: Henry White, Secretary of
the American Embassy, and Rear Admiral and
Mrs. Chadwick.
The Prince and Princess of Wales had already
taken their places at the right and left Of the
throne when the King and Queen, in their royal
robes, entered, hand in hand, attended by an
array Of splendidly attired court functionaries
heralds pursuivants and dignttaFies carrying
the Queen 10 a seat on his left, the King seated
himself the throne and commanded the at
tendance Of the Speaker and Members of the
House Of Commons On the arrival of the latter
firm voice. The short ceremony then ended the
King and Queen retired TO the robing room
the procession was reformed, and their majes-
ties return 10 the palace by the same route
over which they had arrived
The first days proceedings in Parliament left
rather decided impression in the lobbies that
me government viii manage 10 hold out until
the end Of the session The legislative prc-
gTanlEne which is devoted in the main TO social
REFORMS, VIII be fairly popular, while the avoid
ance OF difficult questions, like that OF the re-
elEtrloution OF seats and Premier Balfour's
frTnness IN thrusting aside the fiscal problem
az VIII tend in the same direction On the
onsr hend, the Liberals appear to be as dis
taLI g ever from any approach 10 unaniuty
fgl- on 1ne EeAed question of the leadership. Sir
henry Campbell-Bannerman, Earl Spencer Her
eert Henry Asquith and Sir Henry Hartley
EoW!er all are spoken Of possible leaders of
me next Liberal ministry, TO say nothing Of
Lore h0seberys every superior claim to that no.
Etion. should he be inclined to exert his nm
ooubted influence. Everything viii depend upon
M Balfours success in holding his followers
.ogetler .e ,eh and overcoming the apathy born of
the knowledge that the whole country is looking
for and expecting general election.
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