The King's Tour.

Southland Times, Issue 19035, 1 May 1903, Page 2

The King's Tour.

HIS PERSONAL POPULARITY. ■ Pcl 1 United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph — Copyrijfnt. ROME, April 29. King Edward reviewed 20,000 Italian troops. There was a remarkably Joyal demonstration by Socialist members of the Italian Parliament over the adoption of a vote of welcome to King Rdwarcl. PARIS. April 2'\. The authorities in Paris have .sanctioned public rejoicings and dancing in tho streets on Sunday, similar to a national l'ete, during King Edward's visit. ROME April 30. Received 30th, 11.50 p.m. Responding to tho Pope's wish, King Edward yesterday ]>aid an informal private visit to the Vatican. He started from the British Embassy in a closed private carriage, declining an escort of Carabineers. A procession of Papal o dicers escorted the King to the Pope's apartments where His Holiness advanced and shool hands. He then asked the King to enter his private cabinet, where, sitting in armchairs. they conversed in French for half an hour. At the King's request the Pope promised him a signed photograph. Alter the interview the King returned direct to the Quirinal. Crowds in the streets acclaimed him. and numbers of Irish pilgrims cheered him enthusiastically. The King wore his field-marshal's uniform and the Order of the Garter ; the Pope, a white cassock, a splendid diamond necklet, and a cross of velvet mozzetta. The Pope referred to Queen Victoria receiving him in London in 184f>. and alluded to Lord Norfolk's recent visit to Rome. The newspapers say the King was surprised by the Pope's clearness of mind and good health, and declared that Ive looked like a man of not more than 63 years. King Edward was entertained at a banquet in the Quirinal. Responding to the toast of his health, proposed by King Emmanuel, he said the friendship of the two nations would never cease, for both loved liberty and free institutions, and marched together on the paths of civilisation, progress and universal peace.