IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.—OPENING OF THE SESSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1308, 25 January 1868, Page 5

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.—OPENING OF THE SESSION.

The Imperial Parliament was opened on Tuesday, November 19, by commission, when the Queen's Speech, of which "the. following is a copy, was read by the Lord Chancellor : — "Mt Xiokds asd Gestxejtex, "In again applying to you for your advice a assistance, I regret' that I have found it necessary to call for your attendance at flu unusual, and probably, to many of you, an inconvenient season. " The Sovereign of Abyss'nia, in violation of all international law, continues to hold in captivity several of my subjects, somo of ■whom have been especially accredited to him by myself, and his persistent disregard of friendly representations has left me no alternative but that of making a peremptory demand for the liberation of my subjects, and supporting it by adepuafe force?. " I have accordingly directed an expedition to be sent, for that purpose alone ; and I confidently rely upon the support and co-operation cf my Parliament in my endeavour at once to relieve their countrymen f.rom an unjust imprisonment, and o vindicate the honour of my Crown. "I have directed that japsrs on the subject shall be forthwith laid before yon. " I receive from all foreign Powers asfurancee of their friendly feelings, and i see no reason to apprehend the disturbance of the general peace of Europe. " A band of Italian volunteers, without authority "<rom their own Sovereign, having invaded the Papal territory, and threatened Home itself, the Xraperor of the Trench felt himself called upon to despatch an expedition for the protection of the Sovereign Pontiff and his dominions; that object having been accomplished, and the defeat and dispersion of the volunteer force having relieved the Papal territory from the danger of external invasion, I trust his Imperial 31 ajesty will find himself enabled, by an early withdrawal of his troops, to remove any possible ground of misunderstanding: between his majesty's government and that of the King of Italy. " The treasonable oonspiracy commonly known, as Fenianism, baffled and repressed in Ireland, has assumed in England the form of organised -violence and assassination. These outrages require to bo rigorously put down ; and I rely for their effectual suppression upon the firm administration of the law, and the loyalty of the great mass of mv subjects. " Gektlejiex or the House op Coilmons, "The estimates for the ensuing year are in the course of preparation, and will in due time be laid before you. They will be framed -with a view to economy, and to the necessary requirements t of the public serviie. " Mr Lords and Gentlemen, "As a necessa;/ sequel to the legislation of the last session, bills "will be laid before you for amending the representation of the peop'e in Scotland and Ireland. " I have reason to believe that the commissioners appointed to inquire into and report upon the boundaries of existing boroughs, as well as of the proposed division of counties and newly-cnfranchised boroughs, dave made considerable progress in their inquMes, . vnd no time wi'l be lost after the receipt of their report in laying before you their recommendation for your consideration and decision. " A bill will also be presented to you for the more effectual prevention of bribery and corruption at eleetions- " The Public Schools Biil, which lias already been more than once submitted to Parliament, 'will again be laid before you. " The general question of the education of the people requires your rrost serious attention, and X have no doubt you will approich rho subject with a full appreciation both of its vital importance and its acknowledged difficulty. " Measures will be submitted to you during the present session for amending and consolidating the various Acts relating to the Mercantile Matine. " The exemption which the country has now for some time enjoyed from the cattle plague affords a favorable opportunity for considering such permanent- enactments as may relieve the. home trade from vexatious restrictions and facilitate the introduction, under due regulation, of foreign cattle for home consumption. " Sleasnres for the amendment of the law, which have been deferred under the pressure of more urgent businoß, will be submitted for your consideration. " Other questions apparently calling for legislative action have been referred to commissioners, -whose reports, as they shall be received, shall without delay be laid before Parliament. " It is my carnt-st prayer that all your deliberations 'may be so guided ati to conduce to the general contentment and happiness of my people." In the House of Lords the Address, in reply to the Speech, was moved by Sari Brownlow ana seconded by Lord llylton. A fter a short debate, at the close of which the Karl of Derby defended the policy of the Abyssinian expedition, the Address was agreed to. In the House of Commons the Address was moved by Mr. Hart Dyke, and seconded by Colonel Hogg. Mr. Glad.-tone, Mr. Disraeli, Lord Stanley, and other members took part in the debate which followed, the chief points discussed being the Abyssinian expsdilion and the Into invasion of the Papal States. The Addresb was agreed to mm. con.