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Rh learned to love, and we started with bright hopes on our long journey to revisit the country in which we had already met the kindness of a home.

"In doing so, I have fulfilled the wish expressed in my message of last July, to announce to you in person my Coronation celebrated on the 22nd of June in Westminster Abbey, when, by the Grace of God, the Crown of my Fore-fathers was placed on my head with solemn form and ancient ceremony.

"By my presence with the Queen-Empress I am also anxious to show our affection for the loyal Princes and faithful Peoples of India, and how dear to our hearts is the welfare and happiness of the Indian Empire.

"It was moreover, my desire that those who could not be present at the solemnity of the Coronation should have the opportunity of taking part in its commemoration at Delhi.

"It is a sincere pleasure and gratification to myself and the Queen-Empress to behold this vast assemblage and in it my Governors and trusty officials, my great Princes, the representatives of the Peoples, and deputations from the Military Forces of my Indian Dominions.

"I shall receive in person with heartfelt satisfaction the homage and allegiance which they loyally desire to render.

"I am deeply impressed with the thought that a spirit of sympathy and affectionate good-will, unites Princes and People with me on this historic occasion.

"In token of these sentiments I have decided to commemorate the event of my Coronation by certain marks of my especial favour and consideration, and these I will later on to-day cause to be announced by my Governor-General to this assembly.

"Finally, I rejoice to have this opportunity of renewing in my own person those assurances which have been given you by my revered predecessors of the maintenance of your rights and privileges and of my earnest concern for your welfare, peace, and contentment.