Second Edition THE DURBAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 3, 13 December 1911, Page 6

Second Edition THE DURBAR.

' ———-o —: - PROFOUNDLY IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLE. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) (Received 13, B.on a.m.) ’ " Delhi, December 12. From early morning a vast concourse moved to tiie scene of tiie Diubar, and by ten o'clock tiie great ampitheatre was filled. The Brilliant Assemblage Representatives of every caste and creed in India, provided a dazzling kaleidoscopic picture or wealth and beauty, of which a feature was the jewels and rich apparel or the princes of fabulous value. Ihe people’s mound, ii grout raised bank around the arena, opposite the ampitheatre, was packed with Sixty Thousand Spectators clothed in every line, the mound resembling a distant hana of flowers. In the centre of the arena was a beautiful throne under a rich crimson and gold canopy. Nearer the ampitheatre was 'an equally beautiful pavilion, where Their Majesties received the Homage of the Princes. The arena was occupied by twenty thousand troops, representing each division. The military display, indeed, was the finest ever seen in India, and was tiie most striking feature of the Durbar. Punctually at noon the Royal Procession Entered, attended by an imposing escort of Indian and British cavalry and artillery. The King was robed in purple and ermine, and the Quean in a richly-em-broidered robe. Both wore crowns. The troops saluted, And the Guns Boomed, while the great multitude rose and hailed the King-Emperor. Tiie massed bands played “God Save the King.” After a fanfare by picturesque heralds, the Durbar opened. The King Speke to the People, expressing gratification to he able to commemorate his coronation in India. Homage by the chiefs followed, an imposing array of potentates from Every Corner of India,

garbed in national dress, making low obeisance before Their Majesties. Their Majesties then went in procession to the centre of the ampitheatre, where the Coronation proclamation was read with most impressive ceremony with Salvoes of Artillery and crackling of musketry. A flourish of trumpets announced that the King had been proclaimed. The National Anthem was again crashed out. A herald called for cheers for Their MajpsHgs,' .and ?a Mighty Shout Went Up from a hundred thousand throats. The King further;announced that he. had dedidbicDto 1 cbihme'morate the Coronation by transferring the -' Seat of. Government in India from Calcutta to the ancient capital—Delhi. Tire announcement was received with- a storm of cheers.. Among .R Other Durbar Boons announced by tlie Viceroy, Lord Hardinge, were gratuities for troops and Government servants, a grant of £350,000 for education, while the native army is made eligible for the grant of the Victoria Cross. The Durbar was An Unqualified Success. It was perfectly organised and carried and constituted l the .most profcundfoyhnpuessivo': spectacle in recent history. . ■ BARONETCY CONFERRED. (Received 13, 11.20 a.m.) London, December 121 A lengthy list of Durbar honours has been announced. The Orders of the Star of India and Indian Empire have been increased by Statute. The Grand _ Commanders of the Star of India include Sir George Sydenham Clarke, Governor of E.tnbay; Captain Sir Arthur Law!ey, Governor rf Madras, General Sir O’Mobre Croagh, Commander,-in-Chici or the Indian Army; Aga Khan, head of Indian Mahpmmcdar.s i;rd the N:;w:’> of Daqca, on account of his services in Eastern Bengal. A baronetcy was conferred on Sir Sassoon Dovid of Bombay. The Order of Crown of India has been conferred on the Marchioness of Crewe, the Begum of Shopal, and- the Maharranee of Bhavangar, who abandoned the purdah. The King’s announcements were communicated to both Houses. In the House of Lords, Lord Laiisdowue said he doubted if the House had ever listened to a more important statement. The transfer of the Capital uprooted many traditions. The creation of a great solid Bengalese province was an abrupt reversal of Lord Curzon’s policy, which had been accepted by his successor and successive Governments. In the House of Commons tire Premier said he agreed with Bonar Law as to the necessity for a discussion, hut did not think it desirable while His Majesty was absent. . THE POPULACE PLEASED. Calcutta, December 12. The amphitheatre at Delhi was a dazzling picture of brilliant costumes and flashing jewels. The homage of the ruling princes was an impressive sjf&ctacle. The King’s proclamation granting half a month’s pay to English and native soldiers, and making the officers and men of the Indian Army eligible for the Victoria Cross, and releasing all civil debtors on payment of their debts, aroused the utmost satisfaction. The transfer of the Capital from Calcutta to Delhi, the establishment of the Governorship for Bengal, with Lieutenant-Governorships at Behar, Ch’ota, Nagpur, and Orisan, and Chigf Commissionership of Assam, were loudly applauded. The ; selection of Delhi as the Capital was the signal for tremendous rejoicings in the district.