New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-13
KING EDWARDS SPEECH.
Marked acknowledgement Of Amer
lean Courtesy at Kingston.

SSa'H NO'~' 1eOJ w AN''' = "'N'N'
London, Feb 1.-THE second session OF the
second Parliament OF the present reign, which
promises TO be full of interest and importance
in consequence of the projected Liberal attack
the House of Lords and the introduction of
instalment Of Home Rule for ireland, was
opened by King Edward this afternoon with all
the ceremony which has attended these func-
tons since his accession. The King and Queen.
in the historic golden coach. took part in the
state procession from Buckingham Palace TO the
House OF Lords The route was lined by troops.
and despite the drilling rain and cold weather
crowds occupied all the points Of vantage and
gave their majesties most hearty reception
The great officers of state awaited the King at
the Victoria Tower entrance of the House OF
Lords. whence the robing room was reached.
The King having donned the royal robes over
his field msrshaIs uniform, a procession was
formed. Amid fanfares of trumpets 1t slowly
crossed the royal gallery and the princes cham
her, and entered the upper house, which was
lighted by many eectroliers. AS the heralds.
pursuvants and other state officers heading the
procession in oldtime garb entered the house, the
brilliant gathering there rose to greet their
majesties. The house was filed to its capacity,
and the assemblage Of members OF the royal
family, of peers ROBBED IN scarlet and ernine
and peeresses respondent in court gowns state
robes and fine jewels, foreign dpomatists
among whom were Ambassador Reid and Secre-
tary Carter; Church dignitaries, judges and off,
of the navy and army IN gala uniform or
clad in the varicolored robes of their Office
facing the King and Queen. who were seated
on their thrones combined 10 form an imposing
scene. Ranged the steps Of the throne, on
either side Of the King, stood the Earl Of Crewe
Lord President Of the Council, bearing the crown:
the Earl Of Darlington, joint hereditary Lord
Great Chamberlain Of England, carrying the
sword Of state, and the Marquis of winchester,
premier marquis of England. with the cap OF
maintenance in his hands. and all the other
state dignitaries
The members Of the House of Commons having
been summoned by Black Rod to attend the
House Of Lords. the Lord High Chancellor, Lord
Loreburn. kneeling handed the King the speech
from the throne, which his majesty read.
The document foreshadowed a full and busy
session, devoted TO Ireland, army reform and
temperance, apart from the overshadowing
question OF the House of Lords. After the usual
reference to the good relations prevailing be-
tween Great Britain and the other powers the
speech deplored the loss Of life and destruction
OF property resulting from the earthquake at
Kingston.
"I have seen with satisfaction" said the King.
that the emergency has been met by the Gov
and his officers with courage and devotion
and by the people with self-control. The occe-
sion has called forth many proofs OF practical
good Will from all parts of my empire. and I
recognize with sincere gratitude the sympathy
shown by the people OF the United States and
the assistance promptly offered by their naval
authorities"
At this point his majesty turned toward the
diplomatic body and bowed TO the American
Ambassador Whitelaw Reid.
OF the Amer of Afghanistan was followed by
the intimation that. while guarding the execu-
tive power unimpaired," some changes in the
government methods Of india were under consid-
GRAFTON, bringing them more In accordance with
the wishes Of the natives.
Then came a guarded reference to the ques-
ton uppermost IN the minds of his majestY's
hearers. It addressed both to my lords
and "the gentlemen Of the House of Commons"
and was as follows:
Serious questions affecting the working Of our
parliamentary system have arisen from the un-
fortunate differences between the two houses.
My ministers have this important subject under
consideration, with the view Of q solution OF the
difficulty.
The rest OF the speech devoted 10 the
proposed licensing bill. the object Of which is TO
diminish the evils Of drink proposals for the
improvement OF the army organization, Irish
local government and educational questions, and
a number Of minor measures, including the
establishment Of a court of criminal appeal On
the Irish question the King said:
Your attention will he called to measures for
further associating the people OF Ireland with
the management Of their domestic affairs and
otherwise improving their system of government
IN its administrative and financial aspects. Pro-
posals will also be submitted 10 you for effect
ing reform of university education in ireland,
by which ] trust that the difficulties which have
so long retarded higher education in that coun-
try may he removed.
Among the domestic legislation foreshadowed
in the speech was bill enabling women 70 serve
on local bodies. evidently intended a sop to
the woman suffra gsts.
Having delivered his message to Parliament
the King gave his hand 10 the Queen. assisted
her 10 rise. and the procession reformed and
returned 10 the Robing Room in the same order
IN which it had entered the house.
The points in the Kings speech which attract
ed the most attention the references to the
When the differences between the Lords and
the Commons mentioned there was per-
ceptible commoton among the audience. which
the more noticeable because It is unusual
gor any phrase in a speech from the throne to
cause anything in the way of a sensation among
those who hear il read
The House of Commons assembled formally
for a brief period after the reading Of the
speech. and then adjourned until p. m.
AN EARTHsHocK IN SPAIN.