IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9021, 6 February 1895, Page 5

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright Lon-don, February 4. The British Parliament opens tomorrow. In the forecast of the Speech from the Throne it is declared that foreign relations are peaceful and satisfactory, and that there is a cordial understanding between the Powers interested regarding the war in the East. Reference is made to the troubles in Armenia, and the appointment of a Commission on the alleged atrocities. Sympathetic allusion is made to the depressed condition of the agricultural industry, and hope is expressed for a revival of profits. With regard to Ireland, reference is made to the improved condition of the people, and it is mentioned that the crime statistics for the past year reached the lowest level on record. A promise is made of measures dealing with Irish land, the Welsh church, local option, abolition of plural voting, payment of Returning Officers, and payment of election expenses. February 5. The Speech from the Throne confirms the Anglo-French Sierra Leone frontier settlement, and additional Bills mentioned as likely to be introduced are those for the Unity of London, Factory Amendments, Conciliation of Trade Disputes, County Government, Scotland, and Crofters. No reference is made in the Speech with regard to the proposed movement against the House of Lords. The Parnellite party intend to move an amendment to the Address-in-RSply in favour of an amnesty being granted to prisoners incarcerated for dynamite offences. It is not yet decided whether the Opposition will propose any amendment to the Government proposals. The Times, referring to the forecast of the Queen's speech, declares that a force of seventy votes will place the Irish Land Bill into the premier place this session. The Liberals advocate the passing of the Irish Land Bill, and a Bill for the disestablishment of the Church of Wales at the present session ; that manhood suffrage should be deferred to November, and that Parliament should be dissolved in 1896, when advantage can be taken of the now Electoral law.