Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-02-21
HISTORY IN
THE MAKING
IN ENGLAND
British Parliament Formal.
Iy Opened by King
Edward.
LORDS WILL SURVIVE
Speech from Throne Is Rebuke
to Extremists Among
81 Liberals.
LORDS WILL SURVIVE

London, Feb. 21.-Parliament was
opened formally this afternoon by
King Edward, and is now fully organ
lied and ready for work. The state
opening was marked by all the pomp
and pageantry associated with these
occasions since the accession Of Ed
ward VII The royal progress through
the troop lined streets from Bucking
ham palace TO the palace at Westmiu-
ster drew the usual huge crowds.
History In the MaISinEf
Today's ceremony had an attraction
all its own. Uppermost in the minds
Of the thousands who witnessed the
spectacle in the streets and among
the occupants of the red clothed
benches in the gilded chamber was
the thought of the forthcoming fight
which threatens the very existence of
the hereditary house of peers. and the
conjecture whether they we're specta-
tors of acts preluding historic changes
in the centuries old institutions of
Great Britain.
The ceremony. itself. did not diner
outwardly from scores of previous
state openings. except in the presence
close to the throne of Prince and Priu-
cess Henry of Prussia. The former
wore the uniform. OF an officer of the
British navy, of which -he-was recent
ly appointed admiral of the fleet
Every corner Of the chamber was
filled and the varied colorings 0f
peers. bishops and judges robes. the
court. diplomatic. naval and military
uniforms. with the beautiful gowns Of
the richly jeweled women, made the
scene one of brilliancy
Outlines 9IInisteriaI Campaign.
King Edward this afternoon. in the
speech from the throne. outlined the
plan of the ministerial campaign
against the house of lords as follows:
Recent experiences have disclosed
serious difficulties due to recurring
differences Of strong opinion between
the two branches Of the legislature.
Proposals will be laid before you with
all convenient speed TO define the re-
lations between the houses OF parlia-
ment so as 70 secure the undivided
authority of the commons over finance
and its predominance in legislation.
VIII Give Larger Power.
These measures. in the opinion jf
my advisers, should provide that this
house should be so constituted and
empowered as to exercise impartially
in regard to proposed legislation. the
functions OF initiation and revision
subject TO proper safeguards
Read In Four Minutes.
The reading Of the speech occupied
only four minutes and at its close their
majesties returned and the recession
was suspended for two hours. Amer
ican Ambassador Reid and William
Phillip. secretary Of the American en-
bassy. were among the diplomats pres
ent During the intermission the
speech was the subject Of keen analy-
sis in the lohbies Of both houses.
HIVE RcbuIxed Extremists.
II was regarded as evident the cab-
net had decided against the extremists
who desire the abolition of the Tppe-
chamber and is anxious TO deprive the
lords Of the power of veto.
barred from Elections.
The first business in commons was
the adoption without division OF a mo-
ton directing a seasonal order pro-
hibiting peers from participating IN
elections. This step followed natural
" on the recent elections in which
the peers were prominent in the hust-
ings. At the conclusion OF this bust
ness debate on the address TO the
speech from the throne was com
menced.
Cabinet Il Filled.
London, Feb. 21.-Premier AS
ouith has filled the vacancies in the
ministry. which is an indication that
he at least expects the government
to pass safely through the crisis. The
new ministers are:
William Wedgewood Benn and Err
nest Joseph Soares, junior lords OF
the treasury.
Edwin Samuel Montague, under
secretary for India.
Cecil William Norton, assistant
postmaster general.
Mr.. Norton succeeds Sir Henry
Norman. who failed Of election.
Senator Smith Much Better.