SPEECH BY LORD CURZON

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3, 3 January 1903, Page 4

SPEECH BY LORD CURZON

THE CORONATION

PROCLAMATION,

A MEMORABLE

SPECTACLE!;

(By Cable.—Press Association.)

(Copyright.)

BOMBAY, Jenuarv 2

The massed bands at the Delhi Coronation Durbar played Staineford's Coronation March. A feu-dc« joie outside was followed by a roap of 40,000 troops and an immense multitude of spectators. The effect was almost overwhelming. Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, in a' sing-ularly impressive and eloquent speech, delivered with great dignity and elocutionary effect, emphasised the grandeur and advantages of .British rule. He dwelt on the significance of the fact that one-fifth of the human race, through their representatives assembled, had testified their allegU anee and faithful attachment to their common Sovereign. The ISmperor's assurance that the supreme object of.his rule was to advance the welfare of his Indian subjects produced a profound impres- : __ L ....<-■'... " : •"•■ -V l -:'"'? In"the course of his speech Lord Curzon' eulogised the loyalty and self-sacrifice of the feudatory chiefs. He announced. that the interest on the famine loans would be' remitted in three years, and said he hoped shortly to. alleviate taxation. Everything, he said, indicated a prosperous future, while. the supremacy of the paramount Power was iinchallenged.

The amphitheatre was the scene of incomparable splendour, those present representing all the most eminent members of /Indian society, native and European, with visitors from all parts of the world. _. .

: A hundred great feudatories and the highest-British officials were grouped on the right and left of the dais where Lord Gurzcm and the Duke of Connaught sat on golden thrones.

Behind the dais and hidden by lattice framework .sat the Maharanees, including ths mother of the infant ruler of Bharampur, wlio was in her arms.

When all were seated a wondei'iully; dazzling .effect of colour was produo <cd. . -■;.,".

When 600 survivors of the Mutiny, Europeans, Eurasians and natives, and a: centenarian, marched in, the bands playing "The Conquering Herd" and "Auld Lang Syne," the whole assemb-lage-rose and saluted, and also ac-.e*Q-rded an ovation to Lord Kitchener, the Duke of Connaught, Lady Curzon, and the Duchess of Connaught, who was seated slightly behind her husband.

The herald announced King Edward's coronation as Emperor of India, and the Royal Standard was hoisted, and 101 guns were fired.

(Received 8.45 a.m.)

BOMBAY, January E' '■'

■ Thunders of applause followed Lord Curzon's speech. The feudatory princes then paid individual homage, the Nizam of Hyderabad beginning.

Each prince sent congratulations to the Emperor.

The dresse"s and the splendour of the jewels were marvellous and unrivalled.

The female begum of Bhopal, the only ruling princess present, - screened by a veil and wearing a crown, knelt :before the Viceroy and laid a gold ciasket containing her congratulations at Lord Curzon's feet.

The stateliness and gorgeous beauty of the spectacle greatly impressed all the beholders. '