Martinsburg journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1920-1977, 1921-06-22
KING GEORGE FORMALLY OPENS northern
IRELAND PARLIAMENT, AT WHICH HESAYS
He LOVES IRELAND with ALL MY HEART"
onarCh Declares Irish Problems Will Be Solved Through New
Home Rule B|I-Roya Visitors Closely Guarded BY Thou
sands OF Soldiers And Secret Service Agents.
tBy international h.ws servIosJ

f5y International h.ws ScrvIcs.1
Belfast. June PA new era Ia
opening" King George told the
Northern Ireland (Ulster) parlia-
ment today in speech formally
inaugurating his new lawmaking
body. The speech breathed the ar
dent wish that the attempt to
solve the Irish problem now being
made through tho new Home Rule
bill would prove successful.
For all who love ireland as do
with all my heart this is pro-
foundly moving occasion in Irish
history" said the King.
The King referred to the happy
days he had spent In Ireland as 4
midshlpman In the British navy
while he was Prince of Wales.
II have watched ireland with
constant sympathy ever since" con-
tinued the King. 81 could not have
allowed myself to give Ireland by
deputy alone my earnest prayers
and good wishes for the new era
which is now opening
Therefore, / came in person as
| head of the empire to inaugurate
this parliament and | came with
deep selfhope. This is great
critical occasion OF history in the
six counties an occasion that
touches Ireland as n whole and
finds an echo in the remotest parts
OF the empire"
(The six counties referred to by
In wi oil
ster province which is represented
by the new parllament.)
The King expressed confidence
that tho important matters entrust-
ed TO the Northern parliament
would be managed with wisdom,
moderation and fairness and that
due regard would be given to every
faith and every interest.
Few things are mere earnestly
desired by tho English speaking
world than satisfactory solution
of the Irish problem. declared the
King.
The city was In an armed camp
when King George and Queen Mary.
arrived here today to participate In
tho state opening of the now par
Lament. 1t was the first time IN
10 years that King George had Wis
tied Belfast.
The royal yacht Victoria and Al
bert. escorted by a squadron of war
ships came into the harbor In the
gray dawn and Immediately drop.
ped anchor. The royal yacht was
surrounded by a Gordon OF men OF
war while others patrolled the bay
and the waters outside.
The royal yacht was taken 10
Donegal Quay upon the morning tide.
This wharf is in the heart OF the
city. The fog OF the early morning
gave way to mlsts and then a driz-
zle of rain. However, 1t brighten
ed later. AT 10 o'clock It was es-
timated 100000 persons were gath
cred along the route OF the royal
procession.
In addition to five regiments Of
troops, alrplanes drifted back and
forth above the city like great tire
less birds.
The authorities breathed sigh
of relief when the city hall was
reached without incident There
had been a feeling of keen tension.
All OF the UnionIst members OF
parliament were in their places.
but all of the Sim Feiners were
absent. As the King and Queen
took their places there was a wild
burst of applause Immediately
afterward the clerk began to- call
the roll. There was a ripple OF
laughter when the names on cannon
DeValera and Michael Collins were
called. DeValera liz president OF
the Irish Republic" and Collins
was formerly known as the conn.,
mander in chief OF the Irish Re-
publican army. The whereabouts
of both are unknown, although
they were elected to parliament in
Sim Fein districts.
After the roll call King George
began his speech He read it from
manuscript.
Never in the history OF Ireland
had such precautions been taken
for the protection OF royal guests.
This city and the suburbs were
crammed with soldiers The streets
were literally flled with policemen
in uniform and secret service ag-
ents were on every hand
Every yard Of roule from the
pier to the city hall "a part OF
which has been set aside temper
arily as the meeting place OF par.
lamenD was guarded by soldiers
Who stood almost shoulder to shout
der. There were more than 10, 600
on the field and it was believed
that the police agents and secret
/ service men imported for The occa.
sion total almost as many