From the Throne

Like his King, whose mouthpiece he is, Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, ninth Earl of Bessborough, Baron of Bessborough, Viscount Duncannon, Baron Ponsonby, Baron Duncannon, opened the Dominion Parliament last week with pomp & splendor imitative of the ancient rituals of Westminster. Unlike George V, who uses a coach & eight, the Governor General rode to the Houses of Parliament in an automobile. As the clock in Ottawa's Peace Tower struck three, Princess Louise Dragoons escorted him into the Parliamentary Driveway, stiff lines of foot soldiers snapped to salute, a band played "God Save the King." Out stepped Lord Bessborough, Lady Bessborough on his arm. As he entered the hall, he was royally saluted with 19 guns.

Less at ease were the members of the 17th Parliament's third session who waited inside. Easy-going democrats, they might be addressed at any moment from the galleries with a "Howzit, Ed?" They breathed easier as Lord Bessborough sat clown on the throne. Lady Bessborough sat at his left. Behind her stood the Rt. Hon. Arthur Meighen, last-minute choice of Conservative Prime Minister Richard Bedford Bennett for Government leader. On either side in full regalia stood representatives of the church and diplomatic corps, white-wigged Supreme Court. Black Rod (Parliamentary usher) left to sum mon the Commons, banged thrice on their door, bowed thrice when he entered, thrice when he left. The Governor General cleared his throat, read a short Speech from the Throne. As His Majesty's representative, Lord Bessborough:

P: Desired "to acknowledge with pro found thanks the reception which has been accorded to me by this country. I accept it as proof of their loyalty and devotion to the Crown." P: Announced negotiations had been be gun with the U. S. for completion of the St. Lawrence waterway. P: Determined "to maintain a policy of rigid economy, consistent with the dis charge of those . . . obligations, which is essential to preservation of the integrity and credit of the Dominion." P: soundness" Rejoiced of over Canada's the finances. "fundamental

P: Noted the restoration of a favorable trade balance.-- P: Stated Canadian conditions to be "gradually improving." P: Opined that "prosperity in full measure must await the satisfactory adjustment of accounts between debtor and creditor nations of the world and the restoration of international monetary standards." The speech finished, the Commons filed back to their own House. The Mace was carried to & fro. Bill No. 1 (a dummy document) was read as usual. Parliament was in session.

-- Within the Empire. With foreign countries the balance is still unfavorable.

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