The Topeka state journal., 1909-02-16
KING OPENS II,
British Parliament Is Declared
Ready for Business.
Edward VII Delivers an Ad-
dress From the Throne.
EEW YANKEE PEERESS
Countess of Granard Who Was
Beatrice Mills.
Among the Distinguished Per-
sOnages in House OF Lords.

London. Feb. 1s.-A greater crowd
than usual gathered at Wes minister to-
day for the state opening of parliament
BY King Edward, who was accom-
panied to the function by Queen Alex
sndra, the Prince and Princess of
Wales and other members of the royal
family. 4 day OF bright sunshine and
the. fact that this was the first public
appearance of the king ana queen since
their return from Berlin were largely
responsible for the outpouring OF the
people who lined the route to Bucking-
ham palace and gave the sovereigns an
enthusiastic greeting as they passed IN
procession with an escort of the guards
TO the house of parliament.
Another and greater crowd had as
sembled in the Immediate vicinity Of
st. Stephens, These people were curious
to see what would be the outcome OF
the threats made by the unemployed
in demonstrations. The police at this
point were out in force and ready to
deal with any disturbance.
Urgent whips had been issued by the
leaders OF the house, and there were
only a few absenLeeS.
The house OF lords. when their majes-
ties arrived. was filed with peers and
peeresses, members of the house Of
commons, diplomats and other repre-
sentativeS OF the official and social life
IN London Among the latter was the
newest American peeress, the Countess
of Granard, who was Miss Beatrice
Mills of New York.
Ambassador Reid and J. RodgeIey
Carter, secretary of the American en-
bassy. were in the diplomatic section
In the royal gallery were Rear Ad-
rniraI Charles H Stockton and Mrs.
Stockton; Prof Geo Grafton Wilson
and Mrs Wilson, and Commander
John H. Gibbons. the naval attache
here Mrs. Gibbons, Admiral Stock
-TTT 1r11l q IN n eT-
Gibbons were present in their
capacity as delegates to the Inter
national Naval conference now in ses-
sion in London, and the courtesy Of
wives
The Kings Speech.
King Edwards speech from the
throne contained no surprises and as
had been anticipated, the progressive
legislation forecasted by his majesty
is largely social in character. The
king opened with a graceful allusion
10 his recent visit in Berlin
4 was much impressed and
gratified at the warmth of the public
reception given TO the queen and my
self by all classes Of comm unity
he sead- 1T afforded me great pleas
ure to meet the Emperor OF Germany
and Empress again, and I feel con-
ddeut that the expressions of cordial
welcome with which we were greeted
! = Berlin will tend to strengthen those
amicable feelings between the two
countries that are essential to their
mutual welfare and the maintenance
of peace"
Immediately after the usual references
TO the continued friendIfness of the for
eign relations of Great Britain, the king
spoke OF the waterways and fisheries
agreements with America Satisfactory
progress has been made he said in the
negotiations on outstanding questions with
<he United States. A treaty to regulate
the use of waterways adjacent TO the in
Ternational boundary between Canada and
the United States has been arranged and
this question being one of special Canad-
ian interest, the advice of the Dominion
government was sought and followed
throughout
My ambassador at Washington has ne
gotiated also with the cooperation of
the Canadian and the Newfoundland min
listers OF justice. an agreement for refer
ence to arbitration OF the North Aueri-
can fisheries questions. and I trust that
this agreement will be the means of effect
ing q final and friendly settlement OF the
matters which have been long under dis
cussion between this country and the
United States"
After mentioning the continued anxiety
concerning the situation in Persia and the
Imperative demand for the introduction
OF the representative institutions in the
country. the king said:
Z am happy TO think that there is now
an improved prospect for solution of the
difficulties that have arisen in the Bal
kans, and ii is my earnest hope that a set
riement may be arrived satisfactory to
all the states whose interests are con
cerned-''