AT THE CITY HALL
It was not generally known that the ceremonies at the City Hall would take place before the hour fixed for the moving of the procession, and hence the concourse of people at this point was limited, although there was present an assemblage quite sufficient to lend an extraordinary animation to the scene. The facade of the structure was adorned by an immense arch of gas lamps, while across the street to the square there swung to the breeze many-colored tlags, embracing the King's colors, the itussian, English, French and German ensigns.
At precisely 11:40 A. M., there was heard from the City Hall steps the martial notes of the 19th Egyptians band, heralding the approach of the royal cortege, and in a trice there came into view the Egyptians themselves, who, ranging in line facing the hall, were quickly followed by the Turcos, who took up a position at the right of tiie Egyptians. Before the troops now rode the Court, while above rested the King's Own and 92d Lancers.
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KEYS OF THE CITY
| IN THE CITY HALL |
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| Within the Mayor's parlor was already assembled a large company of ladies and gentlemen, and these, as soon as the King was seated, hastened to pay their respects to his Majesty, thereafter King and subjects joining in quaffing the flowing bowl, which went merrily around, and lacked not for ardent devotees. |
| The royal levee prevailed until 12:45 P. M., at which hour annouucement being made that the appointed time had come, there w^ere made speedy preparations for departure. Meanwhile, however, the Earl Marshal, through his aids, notified the Mayor that, although painful as must prove the duty, yet it was his mission to take into custody the chief magistrate of the city, as a prisoner of State. To this royal edict his Honor meekly submitted, with a heroism of purpose and willing submission that will redound to his future credit through the yet unwritten history of his realm. |
| Guarded on either side by a fierce warrior, he was led to a carriage and therein securely placed, after which, to the music of the Royal Anthem and the roll of the drums, the King came forth and remounted, the Court and the household troops formed about him, the royal army formed into line, and in the order of their arrival they left the City Hall for Canal street, taking up, by the way, the Royal Navy, which, under command of Commodore Clemmens, joined the line at Poydras street. |
Attended by the Lord Chamberlain, the Earl Marshal and two aids, the King rode up to the very portals of the hall and there was received by the Mayor, attended by an aid, bearing on a velvet cushion the KEYS OF THE CITY, of which there were three, of solid silver and immense size, banded together by a silver ring.
THE MAYOR'S SPEECH OF WELCOME
Transmitting his speech, printed on white satin, to the King's Chamberlain, the latter read to the King as follows:
THE MAYOR'S SPEECH OF WELCOME.
August and Gracious Sovereign:
In the name of the people of your new Empire, and in the capital city of your choice, I give you welcome. You come to us from classic lands where your reign is glorious with the stirring memories ot a thousand years, unvexed by revolt, undimmed by the shadow of disloyalty. You enter here upon fresh fields of peaceful conquest over the hearts of loving and obedient subjects; may the triumphs of your future be equal to the history of your past, and your benign sway be extended over States now unknown and nations yet unborn.
By virtue ot my office I freely tender to you the loyal obedience of your lieges, and place at your disposal the keys of your capital city.
REX'S REPLY
The Mayor's address concluded, Rex, unrolling from his sceptre his reply also printed on white satin, it was read by the Chamberlain to-wit:
Honorable Mayor, and most noble Gentlemen and Lieges: The exercise of the powers of absolute sovereignty during so many centuries, amid the joyous acclaim of loving subjects, has not dulled the generous enthusiasm of my heart; it is therefore with the deep emotion of intense pleasure, that I accept the homage of the Western World in my capital city. I hail the glad opportunity to establish my reign over regions yet unknown, but which in the light of your past progress reveal to my prophetic vision new and glorious parts of my extending kingdom; even as to the eye of the night watcher who turns his telescope upon the sky, the fleecy nebulae resolve into myriads of glittering stars, and new constellations shake their flaming hair. I accept the keys of my capital, and will rule but for a day, granting to the city the whole of the ensuing year to prepare for my next coming.
I have said.
Now turning to a lackey standing hard by and bearing a bottle of wine and two glasses on a silver salver, the Mayor gave the signal, and in an instant the foaming beakers were filled to their brims. His Majesty and his Houor then drank each to the other, ending the ceremony by dashing the globiets into fragments on the pavement. Now, at a signal from the Earl Marshal, the long roll was sounded by all the drums of the royal army, amid which the King dismounted, and, with the Mayor, entered the City Hall. The Artillery Regimental band, of thirty pieces, stationed on the grand platform in Lafayette Square, struck up the Koyal Anthem, composed by Mr. Davis upon the theme " If Ever I Cease to Love," expressly for the auspicious occasion, and continued to play until after the distinguished host and guest had passed froui sight.
FLAG PRESENTATI0N
At this juncture, Capt. Wm. Conner, Duke of Metairie, appeared from the hall, bearing in his hands the royal standard, and taking a position on the steps called for the Colonel of the Nineteenth Egyptian, and, to him responding. Col. Cruise, the Duke, addressed him as follows:
THE DUKE'S SPEECH
Saladins of the Nineteen th Egyptians:
Acting upon behalf of the ladies of his Majesty's Capital City, it becomes my pleasing duty to present you with this royal standard, at once the symbol of absolute powder and good feeling. In marching beneath its folds to future conquest, you will bear with you the assurance that no cypress will ever mingle with the laurels you may win. The loyalty you have manifested toward oar gracious sovereign, renders this task a double pleasure, since it will tend to strengthen those ties which always unite the fair and brave, and keep clear the skies it is too often the painful duty of the soldier to darken with battle clouds. With the best wishes for future success and prosperity, I now entrust this standard to your hands.
At the conclusion of his remarks the Duke presented the standard, which is a handsome emblem, elaborately worked in silk (the royal colors) and adorned by a beautiful staff.
In accepting the standard, on behalf of his regiment. Col. Cruise delivered a happy speech, in which he promised that the Nineteenth Egyptians would fondly cherish their gift, and keep it forever free from the marks of aught but glory.