IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9646, 11 February 1892, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

TEE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. [Special to Press Association.] [Received Peb. 10, at 7.30 p.m.J LONDON, Feb. 9. The opening of Parliament was not attended by any proceeding of importance. In the House of Lords Lord Lamington urged dose federation with the Colonies. It is probable that an amendment to the Address-in-Reply will be moved in favour of disendowment of the Welsh Church. Notice was given of the introduction of Female Franchise and Eight Honrs Bills. Mr Balfour gave notice to call upon Mr De Oobain, the member for Belfast, to attend in bis place within a fortnight. Lord R. Churchill expressed himself in favour of the eight hours limit for work iu, mines, and of Labour members in the House. [Received Peb. 10, at 8.10 p.m.] Mr Redmond gave notice to-day to move for an amnesty to political prisoners. Mr Gladstone returns from the Continent on Saturday week. Lord Salisbury, replying to the criticisms of Lord Kimberley, declared that England would never surrender Egypt to the supremacy of another Power, or leave it to destruction by itself. He alleged that the Newfoundland di.-pute was due to the Colonists themselves. An Address-in-Reply was agreed to in the House of Lords. [Received Peb. 10, at 9 p.m. I Feb. 10. Sir W. J. Send all has been appointed Governor of Cyprus. The ceremony of opening Parliament was of an unusually sombre character, everybody appearing in deep black. Mr Lowt.her moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply, urging the Government to tormina*e treaties which prevent deferential treatment of the Colonies by England. He argued that if some change were not made the Colonies would be tempted to act by themselves, Mr Howard Yincen t seconded the amendment. Sir M. Hicks Beach, in reply, said the Government was better able to take a broad view of the commercial relations of the Empire than any of tlae Colonies. They would go a long wa.y to secure a zollverein embracing England and her Colonies, but such an amendment at the present juncture was injurious. When a favourable opportunity offered they would try and get the treaties revised, but the occasion was not opportune. The amendment was negatived without a division. Sir W. Y. Harcourt said tbe Opposition would support a genuine honest measure of local government for Ireland. The debate on the Address-in-Reply was adjourned. [Received Feb. 11, at 1.15 a.m.] Mr Redmond insists that one condition of the reunion of the Irish Party shall be the expulsion of Mr Healj. It is alleged that Mr Schnadborst, the organiser of the Liberal Party, estimates that the majority at the general ejection, including the majority of the Irish Party, will he thirty. Both Houses of Parliament passed votes of condolence on the Duke of Clarence’s death. Sir W. Y. Harcourt, during the debate, said Lord Salisbury’s speech at Exeter Hall showed how Ireland would be governed by an Orange mob. Mr Balfour defended the Premier. Mr Curzon, Political Secretary for India, announced that the Governmeat of India intended to take measures to curtail the opium traffic.