SPEECH BY THE KING

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1509, 31 January 1901, Page 42

SPEECH BY THE KING

AN APPEAL TO PARLIAMENT AND THE NATION.

LONDON, January 24. Before King Edward entered the Privy Council Chamber the Councillors and civic dignitaries approved arid signed a proclamation of accession. King Edward, on entering the Chamber, spoke extemporaneously, and with great earnestness and feeling, describing the irreparable loss that bad occurred. With the Empire’s sympathy, he said, he would constantly endeavour to walk in his mother’s footsteps as a constitutional Sovereign in the strictest sense, and work for the good and amelioration

of his people. In chocsing the title of Edward he did not undervalue the name of Albert, which be inherited from his ever-to-be-lamented, great and wise father, who, by universal consent, was deservedly known as “ Albert the Good.” He desired that his father’s name should stand alone, and proceeded, “I trust Parliament and the nation will support me in the arduous duties devolving upon me through my inheritance.” Lord Salisbury administered the King’s oaths, and the Privy Councillors were then sworn. On returning to Marlborough House the King was greeted with cheers.

AN ANCIENT CEREMONY. LONDON, January 24. Heralds proclaimed the King at St. James’s Palace, Temple Bar and the Roval Exchange, to a great concourse of people. King Edward was not present.