Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-12-13
AT THE DURBAR.
Continued from Page One.)

kept, ii was made with the full knowl
edge of the Indian chiefs. and is well
coined alike on historical, political and
administrative grounds. The native
princes and army are greatly pleased
at the revival of, the ancient glories
Of Delhi. 1t is feared, however that
it will be resented at Calcutta and by
the Mohammedans in eastern Bengal.
The cost of the transfer, it is estimat-
ed will be $25,000.000.
The government has acquired the
Durbar territory on easy terms, and
it is proposed to utilize it as the site
Of a new city, which will take two or
three years to build.
Delhi, Dec. liking George V. and
his eonsort, Queen Mary were, today
proclaimed Emperor and Empress of
India. The eliminating act of the
British monarch's accession to the
throne of his vast Indian dominions
took place amid a scene which for
richness Of color and magnifieence Of
decorations probably has never been
surpassed in modern times.
The crowning was followed by an
act of generosity on the King En-
peror's part of which Slight hint had
already been given. The viceroy pro-
claimed that the King Emperor was
to donate a large sum of money to
promote popular education and that
further handsome gifts would be
made.
: The huge amphitheatre which had
been erected in the Durbar camp WAS
tllronged from an early hour. The
bright tissues and sparkling gems of
the many Indian princes and the
smart uniforms of the soldiery con-
trasted strongly with the white dress
es of the European ladies and the So
Der garb of civilian officials.
The great princes and rulers of In
dia with the leading officials occupied
seats of honor near the pavilion To-
Gated in the center. Screened from
the gaze of the curious, by a lattice
framework a number of Maharanis
and other Indian ladies' of high rank
occupied two sections of the front gal
leries.
The interval of waiting was be-
guiled by the playing of military mu-
sic. The soldiers played large part
in the Durbar and the guard of hon
or composed of 100. picked men was
drawn up before the central pavilion.
Troops of every arm surrounded the
arena in compact mass and lines of
soldiers extended along the route of
the royal approach.
Cheers mingled with sobs heralded
the arrival of little band of veter-
ans, the survivors of the armies which
had made the present Durbar possible
The old fighters in their weather.
beaten uniforms strove to keep up a
show of military formation as they
marched to the pavilion but generally
it was impossible and many of them
limped to their seats. Almost imme-
diately the vice regal procession came
into view Escorted by brilliantly
uniformed native bodyguard. the vice.
roy and Lady Hardinge sat in their
state carriage drawn = by blooded
horses. with outriders uniformed in
scarlet and gold.
Then the booming of an imperial sa-
lutte announced the approach of the
Emperor and Empress. The royal car
riage, drawn by four magnificent
horses, was almost hidden from view
by the gaily caparisoned escort The
Emperor wore a robe of imperial pur-
pie and a sur-eoat of purple. with
white satin breeches and silk stock
ings. He was decked with the collars
of the Order of the Garter and the
Star of India and also with the star
of the latter order The imperial crown
consisted of band Of diamonds stud
ded with large emeralds an sapphires,
with rubies in the center an a cap OF
i'm,
The Queen Empress dress was of
white satin, embroidered with de
sign of roses, thistles and shamrocks,
with a border of lotus flowers. The
Star of India embroidered the front of
her dress. Her Majesty's imperial robe
was of purple velvet trimmed with
ermine and with a border of gold
braid. She wore the orders of the Gar
ter and the Star of India. Her orna-
ments were a diamond and emerald
necklace and brooches.
Carriage after carriage with mem
bers of the suite followed the imperial
pair. The guard presented arms and
the band burst into the royal anthem.
The combined professions proceeded
slowly TO the great central tent. where
Their Majesties stood to receive the
homage and congratulations of the
governors. ruling princes and other
representatives of British India.
When this gorgeously uniformed
line had filed past, the imperial and
vice regal parties appeared before the
vast assemblage in the Durbar empi-
theatre. When they took their seats
on the crimson dais the strains of the
national anthem We're heard and the
people rose assone person and stood in
profound silence 1t was pretty
group around the four thrones of the
Emperor, the Empress the viceroy and
the vieereine. at the back of which
the imperial and vice-regal stats and
the imperial cadet corps, composed on
tirely of youthful princes and scions
of princely families, formed in rank.
The first formal ceremony was per-
formed by the Foreign Secretary, who
advanced to the dais and asked per-
mission of the Emperor to open the
Durbar. At this signal long roll
from the drums and a thrilling call
from the bugles We're sounded, fol-