New-York tribune., 1921-03-13
London Revels in Pageantry of
Old as King Opens Parliament
Royal Procession Equals in Brilliance Wondrous
Scenes Described in Fairy Tales, With
Peerage Portraying the Roles


ingham Palace. A moment later a far
off band strikes up "God Save the
King" The Foot Guards straighten
to attention. AS the procession ap-
proaches the sound Of cheering grows
At the turn of the road appears the
advance of the Life Guards, rank upon
rank of mounted men, stream of
black horses, plumes, helmets and
flashing breastplates. AS they come on
a. little cloud of dust drifts away
through the bare trees behind them.
Pup Offers Comedy Relief
A coach drawn by six horses appears.
There is stir in the crowd--a sudden
burst of cheering. Through the VIM
dow Of the closed carriage one sees a
slight young man in a dark uniform,
His face is almost hidden by the tow
ering two-foot bearskin shake he wears
He leans forward, looks out upon the
crowd, smiles and salutes. 1t is the
Prince of Wales. The crowd cheers
again. A moment after the carriage
has passed a worried-looking little
brown dog comes trotting down be-
/ tween the lines. He is obviously lost
and does not understand the glittering
red uniforms. But he trots on toward
Westminster, his nose pointed in the
air. The crowd breaks into ripping
laugh, the soldiers and policemen
smile. They have wanted such a bit of
comic relief amid all this grandeur.
Another escort of mounted troops
and more carriages. Plumed horses,
! brocade laden outriders, white -wigged
| footmen, emblazoned, creaking coaches.
There are five carriages in all, four
persons in each closed carriage. The
men wear brilliant uniforms. The
ermlne-wrapped women wear many
jewels and their hair is piled in won
derful coiffures Another burst of
cheers and the royal coach is in sight.
It, is a towering, canopy-shaped golden
pile drawn by eight horses. The sides
are of plate glass. Through this glass
can be seen King George and Queen
Mary seated on a dais. The King wears
crimson and ermine robes. The Queen,
! seated on his right, wears ermine and
bl ocaded gold and jewel studded
crown. From her corsagc blazes a
great diamond - the Star of South
Africa. The crowd cheers. Hats and
handkerchiefs are waved. The King
and Queen, their faces set and strained.
bow slightly to left and right The
carriage moves by. A mounted escort
brings up the rear. The procession is
over and the crowd melts away. There
is jam at the Admiralty Arch as thew
swarm out of st. Jamcs's Park into
trafalgar Square and every-d day Lon
don again. Suddenly the ex-service
men tensely straighten at a heavy
muffled sound in the air. 1t is the
SOUND OF firing-saluting guns at five
second intervals. The King has arrived
at Parliament.
Parliament Halls Searched
AT the Houses of Parliament the pub
4; lc was not admitted to the galleries
and the only outsiders present were
the armed detectives and special police
,poth IN plain clothes and uniform
VINO were unobtrusively present in the
house. Every ticket and every ticket
nolder was carefully scrutinized aud 81
careful search was made of everv cor
ner OF the Palace of Westminster be-
lore the doors were opened. This
search was conducted by "Thc Beef
eaters, the scarlet clad guards of the
rover of London, who since the Guv
Fawkes gunpowder plot have always
searched the halls and vaults of West
Minister before each opening.
The scene in the House of Lords was
memorable one. The peers assem-
oied' waiting the Kings arrival. Their
th ropes and decorations shone against
the crimson benches. At one side the
diplomats were gathered. Emr Feisal
IN black silk caftan and cream col
ored headdress, sat in the lord Great
Chamberlaln box. Near him was
General Gabriel Haddad, in khaki. with
the red gorgct and gold draped helmet
of the Hedjaz army. Conspicuous
among the diplomats was Ambassador
Davis, the United States representa-
tive. He was in austere evening dress
winch contrasted with the robes, rib
Dohs Dor, and decorations of those about him.
1 ne only other man present in evening
Ambassador. Many who saw Ambassa.
cor Davis recalled President Hardinp's
announcement that the Washington in
augural ceremonies would be marked
by simplicity and lack of ostentation
As the King entered the chamber the
lights flashed up, reflected back from
the diamonds worn by the peeresses
below. Black Rod summoned the House
OF commons, and the King rose to
speak His address dealt with the
problems or the .day-unemployment
and labor and the need for reduced ex-
penditure. There were significant ref
erences to the plans for trade agree
ment with Russia and to the passing of
political strife in India. In ten min
utes the speech was over. and the King
handed the document to the Lord Chan,
eellor, who received it on bended knee.
Then, taking the Queen by the hand,
his majesty bowed to the assembly and
passed out of the chamber.
Another session of Parliament had
London loves a pageant as dearly
as q child loves new toy" said an
evening newspaper in describing the
ceremony.
War Heroes Get Legacies
Left by AIsatian i'm 1902