King Edward.

Manawatu Herald, 2 May 1903, Page 2

King Edward.

VISIT TO ITALY

King Edward assured the Italian Ministry that the friendship existing between Great Britain and Italy was owing to both countries following the principle of liberty and both desiring peace. After a State dinner at the Quirinal King Edward and King Victor Emmanuel attended a gala performance at the Argentine Municipal Theatre. King Edward laid wreaths on the tombs of the late King Victor Em*

manual and King Humbert;. VISIT TO THE VATICAN.

The Church Association has cabled to King Edward expressing dismay at his.proposed visit to the Pope, i King Edward reviewed twenty thousand Italian troops. There was a remarkable loyal demonstration by the Socialist members of the Roman Parliament over the adoption of the vote of welcome to King Edward. The authorities in Paris have sanctioned public rejoicings and dancing in the streets on Sunday, similar to a national fete, during King Edward’s visit. ; King Edward was entertained at a banquet at the Quirinal. Responding to the toast of his health, which was proposed by King Victor Emmanuel, King Edward said that the mutual friendship of the two nations would never cease. Both, his Majesty said, loved liberty, and free institutions, and marched 1 together in the paths of civilisation, progress and universal peace. VISIT TO THE POPE. Responding to the Pope’s wish, King Edward paid an informal private visit to the Vatican, His Majesty started from the British embassy in a closed private carriage, declining an escort of carabineers. A procession of papal officers escorted King Edward to -the Pope’s apartments, where Pope Leo advanced and shook hands with his gUeet. He then invited the King to enter his private 6abizlet. Sitting in armchairs, they con* versed in French for half an hour. At King Edward's request the Pope promised him a signed photograph. After the interview King Edward fStUifiied direst to the Quirinal. Crowds in the streets acclaimed him. Numbers of Irish pilgrims who are visiting Rome cheered enthusiastically. The King wore a field marshal’s Uniform.and the Order of the Garter. The Pope wore a white cassock, a splendid diamond necklet and cross aqd r-velvet mozzetfca. ■ - Pope referred to the late Queen Victoria receiving him in Lon* don in 1846. Ha also alluded to Lord Norfolk’s recent visit to Rome. The newspapers say that King Edward was surprised at the Pope’s clearness of mind and good health. His Majesty declared that he looked like a man not more than sixty-three years of age. ■