OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Mail, 22 January 1902, Page 42

OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. PROMISED MEASURES. LONDON, January 16. The proceedings at the opening of Parliament to-day were similar to those last year. The procession from Marlborough House to Westminster at the opening of Parliament was a magnificent ceremony. The King and Queen were everywhere greeted with enthusiasm. There was a brilliant scene in the House of Lords. The Speech from the Throne referred to the demonstrations of liveliest affection everywhere shown to the Prince and Princess of Wales during their recent tour, and continued —“I am ronvinced that their presence has served to rivet more closely the bonds of mutual regard and loyalty by which the vigour of the Empire is maintained.” Bills were promised dealing with primary and secondary education, water supply of London, sale and purchase of land in Ireland, sale of intoxicants, registration of clubs, improvement of the law of valuation, amendments of the patent laws, and lunacy reform. At the opening ot Parliament five State carriages preceded the Stqte coach, which was drawn by eight cream horses in purple and gold trappings, and escorted by Life Guards. The Sovereigns sinned and bowed. The procession was one of the most loyal and enthusiastic ovations ever witnessed.

The spectacle in the House of Lords was one of great splendour under the effects of electric light. The wearing of mouring by peeresses had been suspended for the day. The King, dressed in a Field-Marshal’s uniform, wore the robe of State thrown well back. The Queen wore a black dress under a sweeping robe, relieved by strings of pearls and diamonds, and wearing the little diamond crown over a soft, white veil, looked gracious and queenly.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and other Royalties were present in the House of Lords. The Princess were a black dress and the ribbon of the Order of Victoria.

No Nationalist members were present. The Agonts-General Lad seats in the Royal gallery. Although it is a tradition of Parliament to listen in absolute silence, the passage in the Speech referring to the conduct of the troops evoked a distinct murmur of assent.

The King read the Speech in a clear voice. It declared that relations with the Powers were friendly. The course of the war had been favourable to the soldier-, despite the tediousness of the guerilla struggle. Throughout they had displayed cheerfulness, endurance and humanity, even to their own detriment. deserving the highest praise. Further loyal offers of troops were acknowledged. and it was mentioned that contingents were coming from Canada, the Australian Commonwealth and New Zealand.

It was. the Speech said, trusted that the international Sugar Bounties Conference at Brussels would decide to abandon bounties, which were unfairly weighing on the sugar-producing colonies and home manufacturers. The Isthmian Canal Treaty with America had secured a neutral canal open to the commerce and shipping of all nations. It was announced that the King of Italy had agreed to act as arbitrator between Britain and Brazil in regard to the disputed boundary of British Guiana. The relief of the famine in India was progressing, and hopeful results were expected from the Commissioner’s report. The Speech from the Throne gave rise to spirited debates in both Houses. In the House of Lords Lord Rosebery elicited from Lord Salisbury that no overtures had been made by the Boers. Lord Rosebery added that he had nothing but commendation for the spirit and words of Mr Chamberlain in reply to Count von Bulow.

Lord Salisbury welcomed Learl Spencer’s declaration that the independence of the Boers was impossible, and said Britain must show no weakness. It was not Ministers’ duty to say on what terms they would forgive the country’s assailants before forgiveness was asked. He solemnly warned the Liberals of the danger to the safety of the Empire resulting in any failure, however slight in regard to acknowledging the absolute supremacy of the King. In the Commons Sir Henry CampbellBannerman and Sir W. Harcourt drew from Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain a resolute vindication of Lord Milner’s action in suspending the constitution of Capo Colony by the Ministry’s advice. The Ministry would hereafter receive an Act of indemnity. Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Chancellor of tho Exchequer, intimated that the tax on coal exports would remain unaltered.

LONDON, January 17. . Tho House of Lords has adopted the Address-in-Reply. In the House cf Commons Sir Henry

Campbell-Bannerman has made a reprofession of his faith in Home Rule. Mr F. Cawley, Liberal member for Prestwich, Lancashire, will, with Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman’s approval, move an amendment to the Address-in-Reply in the Commons, supporting an effective prosecution of the war, and declaring that the Government’s attitude does not conduce to a rapid termination of hostilities and a durable peace. It is hoped to secure the support of the Liberal Imperialists to the amendment. The Irish members will not support it, because they are desirous of refusing supplies for the war. LONDON, January 18.

In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain urged that there should be no relaxation of precautions in South Africa .until normal conditions were restored.

The references by the King in the Speech from the Throne to the behaviour of the soldiers in South Africa have been favourably commented on in South Africa.