OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. London, February 8.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 3930, 28 March 1870, Page 4

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. London, February 8.

Parliament was opened to-day. The Queen, in her. speech, says : — " I regret that indisposition nxs prevented my opening Parliament in person, as I had intended, since the present time is a period of remarkable public interest. " Friendly sentiments are entertained in ■.U quarters towards this country, and those sentiments I cordially reciprocate. There is •i growing disposition to resort to the good offices of allies in cases of international differences, and the conciliatory spirit in which several such cases have recently been treated and determined encourages confidence in the continued maintenance of general tranquillity. "The Estimates are in a forward state of preparation, and, while framed with a view to efficiency, diminished charges will be imposed." The Speech then states that the condition of the revenue has answered previous exnectations. Her Majesty trusts that Parliament will complete the inquiry into the mode of conducting Parliamentary and municipal elections, and thus prepare the materials for useful and early legislation. It will be proposed to amend the laws respecting the occupation and acquisition of 'and in Ireland, in a manner adapted to the peculiar circumstances of the country, and at the same time calculated to bring about improved relations between the several classes concerned in Irish agriculture, which, collectively, constitute the great bulk of the people. "These provisions," continues her Majesty, " matured by your impartiality and wisdom, will tend to inspire among those persons, with whom such sentiments may still be wanting, that steady confidence in law, and that desire to render assistance in effective administration, which mark my subjects generally, and by thus doing they will participate in consolidating the fabric of the Empire." Her Majesty|s speech further announces a comprehensive enlargement of the means of national education, a bill for defining the status of subjects or citizens of foreign countries, who may desire naturalisation in fulfilment of their engagements towards the United States (sic) ; and a bill to enumerate ( ? elucidate) the question of religious tests at Oxford, of the rating and transfer of land, and of such others as may demand legislation. The recent extension of agrarian crime in several parts of Ireland has filled her Majesty with painful concern. The executive employed has freely the means at command for the prevention of outrages, and a partial improvement may be observed. But although the number of offences is by no means so great as at some former periods, some persons are indisposed to give credence to the acts of the Administration in a manner which is alike remarkable, and prejudicial to the removal of existing evils. Her Majesty places reliance mainly in the permanent operation of wise and necessary changes in law, yet will not hesitate to recommend the adoption of special provisions, should such policy appear to be required by the paramount interests of peace and order.