The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-02-21
EDWARD FAILS TO
CUT GORD|AN KNOT
British King lndecision
Throws Country Into Great
Political Confusion.
PARLIAMENT FORMALLY
OPENED BY SOVEREIGN
Royal Address Read to Assem-
bled Peers Source of
Disappoint-
ment.
Royal Address Read to Assem-

lsONDON, FeD. Zl.-hlng EdNafA
failed 10 cut the Gordian knot i'll his
speech from the throne to-day, 1pen.
ing the third parliament of his reign,
and by his indecision has precipftated
crisis between the liberals on one
side and the Irish nationaiists and Ia
borites on the other, all three parties
Supposed to form the ministerial CO.
alition.
1t was expected that the King
would state definitely which OF the
two measures, the budget or the bill
to limit the veto power of the lords
should ne indicate the preference. He
failed TO do so, however though from
in his speech and mis- reference to 1T
first, II Is assumed that he wishes 1t
passed before the veto bill.
Already the natsonalists and labor
ties have warned Premier Asquith
that unless he gives them positive
assurances TO the contrary. they Will
not support the liberia. program, but
will force the cabinets resignation
and another election.
The only reference made in the
speech to the proposal to limit the
power Of the lords was the following:
Recent experience disclosed seri-
differences of opinion between the two
houses Legislative proposals viii lie
put forward With all convenient speed
to define the relations of the two
houses OF parliament and TO secui e
the undivided authority of the Com-
mons in matters of finance and their
predoIninance In legislation.
These measures. in my opinion,
and in the opinion Of my advisers,
should provide that the House of
Lords he SO constituted as to exercise
impartially it's functions of legislative
Imitation and revision. "
------------------ Astkfsf,<,ftss-fSfii.- --
The Kings reference 10 the desired
impartialits of the Lords was gener-
ally construed as meaning that the
existing system renders undue parii
sanship in the upper body inevita BILE.
The suggestion that the Commons
should be supreme in matters of
finance is d practical guarantee that
the veto hin Will receive the Kings
earnest support though II has not
lessened the demand Of the National
lists and Laborftes that IL he taken up
before the budget.
More Ships
That the administration will keep
up its big naval program was clearly
indicated by the Kings reference to
the budget for the present fiscal year.
expenditures. The naval program is
said TO include six or eight Dread
noughts for this year.
The King explained that the holding
up of the last budget necessitated Dor
rowing. creating situation that de-
manded immediate legislative atten-
ton.
AS "A whole. the Kings speech was
a disappointment. especially as one of
the greatest audiences that ever gath
cred in the House OF Lords cham Der
was present and was anticipating
some stirring deliverances on the
Kings part
The King was in better voice than
usual and his reading of the speech
was plainly heard to the farthest cor
ners Of the chamber.
The third Parliament OF King Ed
wards reign which informally assem-
bIed on last Tuesday, was opened in
state this afternoon at 2 O'Clock.
Added to the usual brilliancy of the
occasion was a feeling of suppressed
excitement due TO the momentous
problems that confront the new Par
lament. In The handling of which the
utmost diplomacy will be required to
prevent a speedy dissolution anu
another general election.
Such gathering Of noblemen as
greeted the King when he entered
the House Of Lords Will probably
never be seen again, as by the time
another parliament meets the great
majority OF those present to-day will
most likely have ceased TO possess
any legislative power. AS far as looks
went, the assem- hlage could scarcely
have been more imposing. The peers
were resple ndent I'm their scarlet and
white robes The judges, or law
lords" were equally gorgeous in man
ties OF scarlet and ernine or black
and gold. The bishops had discarded
their more modest black satin robes
| with lawn sleeves. for their ecclesi-
asticaI full dress of scarlet. with Ions
ermine capes.
Pceressss Richly eiowned.
Never were the scores OF peeresses
present more richly 9owned. The di,
plonlatic corps glittered in the full
military uniforms of dozens or more
important powers. the only exception
being the American ambassador
whitelaw Reid. solitary and notice
able figure in the plain black OF an
! American citizen The Prince and
I Princess Henry of Prussia were also
among the spectators.
Every one was settled down, wher
hush announced the arrival of the
| Prince and Princess of Wales. The
assembly rose In It's feet as the cou-
/ pie advanced few PAGES. bowed
! and mounted the steps OF the dais IL
| seats son either side OF the throne.
At 2 o'clock the pursufyants and
| herald, leading the royal. procession
| entered the door to the thrones right
All rose. Following the pursuivants
and heralds came the officers OF the
royal household. Next came. the kins
| and Queen. who bowed to the throne
assembled the dais and took their seats
/ orally declared to be had.
His Majesty wore broad. flowing
/ robe and a long mantle of ermine
| which. wheK opened disclosed ), the
uniform Of q field marshal In his
hand the King carried field mar
shafs piumed hat. The Queen WA
dressed In black, against which this