The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-12-13
RULERS OF INDIA
ARE PROCLAIMED
Emperor Changes Govern
ment Seat from Calcutta
to Delhi
MOST BRILLIANT OF
DURBARS IN HISTORY
George Grants Large Sum OF
Money for Education and
BestoWs Many 9th
er Gifts

DELHI, Dec. liking George and
Queen Mary were proclaimed Emperor
and Empress of India today in the
greatest durbar In history. The event
was made the more notable by the
Emperors proclamation, the chief
provision OF which transfers the seat
OF government from Calcutta to Delhi,
1t was announced that the EN-
peror made this change as an expires.
sion OF his appreciation OF his recep-
ton and entertainment while here.
The proclamation was read by the
Viceroy. Lord Harding 1t also pro-
vided for grant OF $500. 900 for the
promotion OF education in India. to be
Followed by other generous gifts
grant OF half months pay to the
non-commissioned officers and men.
lnciudinS the British reservists, and to
subordinate civil servants, the release,
ot certain classes OF prisoners, and
the admission of the officers and men
OF the native army to eligibility for
the Victoria cross.
inc scene within the great ampi-
tneatre today was one Of SURPRISING
,masniucence. picture new to the
history or modern times. A BRIGHT sun
beat down upon tho arena, its rays
renecting with Undesirable effect the
nyriads Of sparkling gems and bril-
uapt trappings with which the thou
SANDS OF indian princes and high ma
i've omctals were bedecked and the
tfappings OF the soldiery. To give the
wnole scene the effect Of contrasts
tnere were great numbers of foreign
dressed plainly in white or black.
Troops and Guard Assemble.
The assembling OF the troons ara
guards to the various positions pre-
Vlous to the royal approach was
wonderful spectacle. The. bands tool
tneir places first and PLAYED incas-
sanity until the royal procession n.
pcEeo. One hundred picked men COM
Pos!ng the guard OF honor were cheered
WAY a. they gAlloped to their post.
aoa IN 'front.' OF the central pavilion
ana an even more vociferous welcome
greeted the little band OF veterans. the
Survivors, or midas wars. who fimped
painfully to their seats, Troon. ~
every arm OF the service were fairly
packed around the arena and NOR.
troops, stationed on either side NJ fhe
,oaoway. formed q lane three miles
ion 1 rom the arena to tho royal camp.
,na,. .,ceroy and Lady Harding and
cession were the frst to appeal Thsv
sat In their State CARRIAGES drar,,
~ oiooded horses. and were escor,ad
~ ou.rioers IN scarlet and gold.
M, 1neir Majestics Approsch-
no DC olnlng OF the imperial saint.
announced their majesties' annroach
q ofiiiiantiy caparisoned escort c.n,a
tas. INTO view. followed immediately.
:. Ine royal carriage. drawn by fonr
- me Emperor wore a robe
hraInn periaI purple and white satin
corations were the Altar Of rndis snd
.he insignia OF the Garter. On hi.
heao sat magnificent crown Of ata~
lnohos' pearls, rubies and sapphira.
over cap OF white erminA.
ne STAR or India was EN- broiderad |
.. 81 'ne front OF the Empress drem- |
enc wofe robe Of purple trimmed
Win ermine and gold braid. and ~,
ornaments were a diamond aud am. |
sraio necklace and brooches.
AS the royal carriage entered ths !
lena me bands played the royal an |
."en. the guard presented arms ana /
wave OF murmurings CT ad- |
blage. assem-
Their matesties proceeded dtrect =,
ne central tent. where thew received
ne homage of the governors, princes
ina other high dignitaries. The Nm.
'eror ana Empress then took their 1
eats on the crimson dias and the |,
ceremonies proper began.
King Opens Durbar.
Inc icreign secretary advanced To |,
ne dais and bowling low before ths /,
sing asked permission to open The ),
iuroar. Tho Kings signal Of assent |,
vas answered by 4 long roll from i,
ne drums and a doprtsh OF .buxles i
ma trumpets. The bands burst into 4
music; high above tho din ranx the II
Hear notes OF the heralds' silver trum-
bets At the end OF the blast the
imperial herald. mounted en- 4 black
harger. and followed by a drummer
md sixteen trumpeters. rode SLOWLY
oward the dais and saluted.
Tho Emperor commanded the her.
Id to read tho coronation proclama-
ION. The moment the herald had
lnished the reading the royal stand
I'D was unfurled from the fia9staff IN
ne center OF the arena, the bands
'layed the national anthem and 4 ga
ute OF l01 guns was fired The her
ia sounded another flourish and the
Emperor arose from his throne and
owed toward all sides. A great roar /,
( applause burst forth from more I,
han 100, 900 threats. II