East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1911-02-06
First Gathering Of English
Legislators During Georges
Reign.
MOST IMPORTANT MEETING
IN HUNDREDS OF YEARS
Opening Marked by Brilliant and Gilt
tering Pageants-Great Britain's-
Ruler Reads His First Speech-Two'
Great Changes in English Constitu--
tiOn May Be Made.

London, Feb. 6.-King George op-
ened the first parliament Of his reign
today in full state. The king was ac-
young Prince of Wales, and hundreds
of thousands of cheering spectators
lined the route between Buckingham
Palace and Westminster
Their majesties drove to parliament
in the famous eight-horse state coach,
escorted by a glittering escort of Life,
Guards. On each SIDE of the coach
marched the yeoman of the guard in
their quaint old-world uniforms Of
scarlet and gold. Troops lined every
inch of the route.
Arriving at the main entrance to
parliament, their majesties donned
the royal robes of scarlet and ermine.
Then a brilliant procession was form
ed to the house of lords, where there;
were a perfect phantasy of colors, en-
broideries and jewels,
Monarch Takes Seat.
A fanfare from the state trumpeters
in the house of lords brought the as
sembled peers and peeresses to their
feet. Ascending the steps of the dais,
King George assisted the queen to her
throne, and then took his seat along
side. The Prince of Wales was ac-
commodated with a minor throne on
the right, whilst the Duke and Duch-
ess of Connaught and other members
of the royal family were placed on the
left and slightly lower.
The great court officials took up
their proper places around the throne
and the king invited all to be seated.
\ nod from the Duke or Connaught
and the gentleman usher of the
Black Rod (Admiral Sir NJ. NJ. Steph-
enson), departed to summon the
faithful commons" While he was
gone there were a few moments Of
dead silence.
In the peeresses' galleries wonder
full bevy of English--and not a few
American-beauties, gazed down on
the scene. All wore robes and coro-
nets, which glistened with rare jew
els. Dazzling white groups of white,
skyblue, sea green and other wierd
uniforms, marked tie position of the
foreign ambassadors, ministers and
military attaches, and United States
representatives in the sober black
dress suits were simply swamped by
the sea of color.
King Reads Speech.
Once more the Duke of Norfolk
made signal and the trumpets COM
manded silence. Then the lord chan
cellor, kneeling on the steps of the
throne, handed to the king the parch-
ment roll on which was inscribed the
first speech of George V to his par
lament. The king. who wore a field
marshars uniform under his robes,
placed his plumed hat on his head,
and, rising to his feet, read the speech
in clear, ringing tones.
At the conclusion of the speech
from the throne, the assembly, led by
the earl marshal, shouted God Save
the King" and as the trumpets
sounded for the third time the pro-
cession was reformed enroute for the
robing room. Their majesties drove
back to Buckingham Palace amid the
hearty demonstrations of enthusiasm
and loyalty.
Most Momeutous in Years.
The parliament opened today by
George V promises to be one of the
most momentous for several hundred
years. It sets out deliberately to make
two great changes in the English con-
stitution that must have the greatest
effect on the future history and policy
of Great Britain.
II the desires Of the liberal party
are realized within IL months the
power Of veto of the house OF lords
will be so modified as to be of little
avail and home rule for Ireland will
/ be won.
| AS a result of the recent election.
| the coalition consisting OF liberals.
laborites and natioualists, has a ma