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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 69, 23 March 1867, Page 3

London, February sth. Parliament was opened to-day by the Queen iu person. Her Majesty in t'-e speech from the throne, of which the following is a summary, states that the present relations of. Great Britain, with foreign powers is satisfactory. Her Majesty's Ministers-had suggested to the United States a mode for the amicable settlement of questions still pending between England and America, which, it was hoped, would hs met in a corresponding spirit of friendliness by the people of the United States, and thus remove the grouud of possible misunderstanding between the two countries. Referring to the disturbances in Candia, her Majesty's speech says, discontent was prevalent in some provinces of Turkey, and insurrection had in consequence broken out in Candia. Conjointly with Russia aud France the British Government had endeavored to improve the relations of the Ottoman Porte with its Christian subjects, so far as was consistent with the rights of the Sultan. Tbe delegates from the North American Proviuces, who recently met in England, had agreed upon a scheme of confederation, by means of which the whole of those colonies might be united under but one administration. Her Majesty had heard with deep sorrow of the calamity which had befallen India in the prevalence of a famine, that bad pressed on the provinces of Lower Bengal and Orissa. Instructions had been given to the Government of ludia to make the utmost exertion for mitigating tbe distress which still existed in those proviuces. The blessing of an abundant harvest and the past autumu had not materially improved the eondition of suffering districts. The Queen's speech then proceeds to state that the restoration, of public confidence in Ireland might probably lead to a discontinuance of exceptional measures in, that portion of the Empire. Attention would again be called by the Government to the question of. the representation of the people in the House of Commons, aud her Majesty trusted the deliberations of Parliament would lead to the adoption of measures greatly extending the franchise without disturbing the balance of power. Several measures were announced to be brought fonvard in the ensuing session, including a Bill for the improvement ol the relations between landowners aud tenants in Ireland, and a commission to enquire into Trades Unions. Advices from New York state that the Washington House of Representatives had ordered the preparation of a Bill to prevent further contraction of currency during present year. Bank of Eugland has this day reduced rate of discount to three per cent. February 12. Mr. Disraeli has announced that Government, in their programme of reform, will proceed by resolution, iu arriving at a basis of franchise. The precise limits however are not stated, no boroughs are to be wholly disfranchised. The Times condemns Mr. Disraeli's speech. A Reform demonstration took place yesterday. There are apprehensions of people supposed to be Fcuians having assembled. Troops have been dispatched to the place. February 13. Chester is .quiet,, the Fenians having left. Sixty arrests have taken place in Dublin.