OPENING OF THE DUMA

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 May 1916, Page 3

OPENING OF THE DUMA

ili.TilOiUC tSUISNE. 'iiiJi, BA.sJto Uj l K. .b.->iA.\ PO.LdOV (i'roni a Lonuon 1 unco Correspondent i'olloglad, I'ou. Z3. For Un> liivt unie 111 history tho Jim p. lor attended tho opening ol Ih annua yesterday alteration, anuit hceie ol unexampled enthusiasm and demon dilutions ol loyalty. At the dose o Divine service the Emperor eute.vi the Imperial box in the Hall •,o. Hcs sionj where tho ivcvnos oi euiiijusiasn wore renewed and tho .National An the in was sung witJi immense fervour Yesterday's historic event at hiio Tauns Pa-aco occupies the first p'aci in the thoughts «f all Uussiana today. The tidings have Hashed I'kc ligli ining throughout the length lid breadth of the land, and wili -find 'ill echo ill every heart. Irrespective ol party, tho Emperor's action is declarod >o be a r-tep of great resolution and Uemendous -significance which lias instantly shod radiance on internal affairs and will effectively purge the poisoned currents of domestic noticy.

Tl.'.' Tsar's appearance a.rnong .In meiii'bers of tho Duma is the most 'it tins refutation <if tho pernicious rum ours sedulous! v fostered by (iermai ag'Mitfj that between Hip national . Oj> ro.seiitatives ami the Throne stood m impalpable shadow The see rot el t!ie Tsar's intent', ir was well kc pt. Not until the after noun were the members of the Dum; aware of the forthcoming visit. An enormous throng; of member: oiul other parsonages who had assembled in tho stately rotunda of >lif Tauris Palace, spontaneously made

way for the Imperial visitor, who slowly advanced between dense ranks of lii.s faithful subjects, bowl jig unaffectedly in response to thunderous applause. Upon reaching the open space before the altar, His Majesty was greeted by the President of -he Duma, M. Rodzianko with whom he cordially shook hands. The ioligious service, at which officiatedi the Metropolitan of Petrograd. and other ecclesiastical dignitaries, clad in gorgeous canonicals. i m.mcjcliately l<iilowe<l. The Emperor received the Archbishop's blessing. iiul througnout the ensuing service stood apart. All prese nt joined in the responses with deep religious fervour, incl 'the magnificent volume of sound "oiled and echoed under the cupolas. The historic scene will never be forgotten by tho.se privileged to witness it. At tho close of the service the Tsar bowed the knee and others knelt, while the fine prayers and blessings were musically intoned' by a deepvoiced priest.

M. Rodzinnko again approached and conversed with the Emperor for a few moments. His Majesty then turned and shook hands oordiialiv with the Jlritish Ambassador, Sir George Buchanan, and with the French, Italian and Japanese Ambassadors, with whom he also exchanged a few words. The Tsar then, a/mid instant ,ind deep silence, turned to the "massed <throng. and, in tones betokening

strong emotion, but clearly audible, spoke fi few words without- note*;. 1.1 o said be was glad to find himself among his people in this auspicious hour of the glorious victory that had crowned the Russian armies in the Caucasus. Onlv through harmonious co-operation between the Emperor . ml his subjects could final victory be achieved. Hb trusted that tbe responsible labours of the Duma would be attended by the fullest measure of 6UCC6SS. A terrific outburst of cheering greeted the Emperor's address. M. Rodzrianko, in a voice which penetrated the remotest qorners .jf the hall, on behalf of tbe Duma, fervently thanked His .Majesty for 'lie honour conferred iijkjji its forthcoming deliberations. 'IV Emperor's presence was tile occasion of proton ndeet joy, and would serve still furtliei to hearten and stimulate their labors that were directed to the achieveni »iu of final victory. Tbo National Anthem was Uien sung, and His .Via jest y subsequently proceeded to the ImperiaJ bos iu *ho Hall ot fciess on, where Jie rema.inod ior a tew minutes amid renewed, scenes it loyaj enthusiasm,, culminating in iiie singing of the National Anthem. Ihe Emperor departed with the same simplicity a.s he had arrived, escorted by M. Eodzianko to his motor-cur. Before leaving His .Majesty inscribed j his name in the Golden Book oil .he House. Standing as I did almost within arm's reach of the Tsar as he loft iho Tnuris Palace, 1 was able to note that His Majesty looked exceedingly well, perhaps somewhat thinner than formerly. It was obvious that lie was deeply touched by tbe effect produced by his presence, and he smiled with genuine pleasure as he heard tbe roars of cheering on every hand'. The proceedings inaugurated nirler

such unprecedented auspices were maintained in the sa.ine spirit to the end. The President in his address paid a tribute to the heroism of Mie Russian troops, in connection with the rapture of FJrjseronni, expressed tfusfcia's gratitude to the loyal Allies, ind emphasized the unity directing their common action. M. Rodfcianko's speech provided *ni occasion for an ovation to the Ambassador's present, who bowed theii flcknowledgpiments. Other speaker* were the ►Vernier. \f. • Stunner, the Foreign Minister, M! ' Sar.ouofF, and Minister of War M. Polivanoff. The :now iVemier was well receivod. and the feeling is gaining ground that flhc country is on iho eve of a brighter era, and of a better underst-andling between the Goveirnm<*nt and the national representati /cs. ' As regards M. Sazonoff, everywhere ! the warmest approval i« heard of (.is reiteration of the three basic princi- ! pies of Russian policy - closest r.nitv i of the Allies on political. strategic. | and economic grounds, retus.nl to conclude a eeparate peace : and the determination to carry on the war till Prussian militarism is overthrown. The guarantee of Polish autonomy is aNo joyously greMe<J.