Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-02-07
George Y. Reads Speech
Opening Parliament.
A COIOT|ess Address, Notable
Only for lis Breviiy.
Unusually Heartycheer ingThrough
out the Gorgeous Ceremony.

London. Feb. liking George and
Queen Mary for the first time in their
reign proceeded in state this afternoon
from buckingham Palace to West
minister. Whrro His Majesty read tho
speech formally opening Parliament
from thu throne in tho House Of Lords.
During The ceremony the Queen was
seated nt thu side of the King Though
tho day Mas dark and chilly an I'M
mcnec thrane VAS gathered in St
Ialn"S parI; and in Whitehall where
IA" gorgeous procession passed. Other
thousands surrounded the parliament
tary buildings Their Majesties rode
in the solded state carriage drawn by
eight cream colorcl horses caparison-
ed in gold and purple. The King wore
a field marShafS uniform. As the
royal party passed. the che ering was
unusually hearty. as it was the first
opportunity that the populaee had had
To express its qualification over the
Nindication King George in the recent
libel suit against Edward Myths.
An escort Of Life Guards preceded
the State coach and ycomol' OF the
guard followed. Five state carriages,
each drawn by six horses. We're oceu-
pied by officials Of the court and gen.
tlemen and ladies in waiting
Regiments OF the guards lined the
route and as the procession passed on
the artillery regiments fired the roval
salute. The crown and sword of state
We're born from st. James palace To
Parliament in the royal carriage under
the escort Of the guards
'liicelS af state and officials Of Par-
hament received Their Maiesties at
IT, rayal entrance beneath the. Vic-
toria tower The House II Lords was
Paeked fhyn the imperial procession
entered from tnc lubing room at 2.3n
O'Clock. TIE pishopa and ambassadors
with thsir wives occupied SEATS at
the left Of the throne ana Il number
of peereSseS had seats on the ftpor
with the peers In the absence OF
Asneric3n Ambassador REID. who is
having holiday ct home, the United
'St}te government was represented
by William Phillips secretary of the
or.3assy. Mrs. Phillips was With her
husband. The colonies for The first
tiae Were represented hy the colonial
2gents general. Lord Strathcona.
high commissioner for Canada, was
present in this capacity and with him
We're the representatives from Africa
Australia and NV Zealand. Other
diplomats occupied places in the royal
gallery. The women Wore mauNe in
hall mourning.
Speaker Lowther and as many of the
members of the House Of Commons
as could crowded the floor and stood
in the aisles. All the officers OF state
in regalia. including Earl Darlington.
lord great chamberlain. with equerries
and pursuivantI bearing the elnblems
of Office, escorted Their Majcsties in
to the Chamber ana were grouped
around the throne during the cere-
mnny. The carl of Beauchamp. first
commissioner Of works and public
buildings bore the sword of state be-
fore HE Kin.
'rhe Kings speech from the throne
was nrcf and colorlcss. 1t opened
with fiiial reference to the death of
King Edward Thp only reference to
foreign affairs We're a mention of the
fact that negotiations had been opened
with Japan for new commercial
treaty and ar allusioa TO the friction
in Persia over the disturbance of
British trade routes. y casual ox-
preston of interest in the approach
ing immortal conference was made.
Only two proposed Legislative meas
ures were mentioned specifically. Pro-
posals," said the King, will be submit
ted without delay for settling the rela-
tinns between the two houses of Pariia-
ment, with the object of securing an et-
fective working constitution"
Legislation would also be had, His Maj
esty said. to provide insurance against
sickness and unemployment.
In making the declaration of faith,
King George used for the first time the
amended form adopted at the last session
of Parliament and which omitS the ira
ditional reference to the Catholic church,
which was offensive to the adhercnts o.
that faith.
1t is evident that the government has
determined to allow nothing beyond nee
esSary financial measures TO interfere
with action on the veto bill. The Suffra-
gettes are already threatening a renewal
of their activities because they We're
not mentioned III the speech and the
lahorites are much put out for the rea-
son that it contained no promise of a
bill dealing with the hated Osborne iudg
ment.
That the NationalistS are satisfied with
their position was indicated when at a
meeting held late in the day they decided
not to introduce any private bills during
the present session.