IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12906, 21 February 1906, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

United Press Associatidn—Per Electric Telegraph—Copvright. . LONDON, February 19. The KiDg opened Parliament to-day t In the Speech from the Throne, His Majesty announced that Bills dealing with trades' disputes, equalisation of. London rates, amendment of the Education Act, Workmen's Compensation and Unemployed Bill-, would form part of the business" of the session. THE KING'S SPEECH. ' Received 8.57 p.m.. Februarv 20th. LONDON, February 20. The Speech from the Throne referred to King Christian's death and Queen Alexandra's severe bereavement. His Majesty was.'most gratified at the Prince and Princess of Wales' reception in India. ' The Speech announced that the relations with foreign powers were friendly, and that Britain rejoiced that an Lonourable peace had been arranged -between Russia and Japan, due to President Roosevelt's initiative. The Speech' alluded to the prolongation and extension of the Anglo-Japanese agreement, and expressed the hope that the Algeciras Conference would be conducive to the maintenance of peace. It mentioned Prince Charles' acceptance of the throne of Norwav-

In regard to Macedonia the Speech declared that the condition of affairs continues to catise anxiety. In view of establishing responsible government in the Transvaal the letters patent providing for an intermediate stage of representative government had been recalled:, ;and a new constitution was being prepared; though the ejections for the As ? sembly-would not take place before Jvly, they were not likely to be delayed many months. Meanwhile no further licenses for importing Chinese coolies would be issued. Responsible government would be granted to Orange colony. The Colonial Conference had been postponed, with the concurrence of the Colonial Governments, until earTv in 1907.

The steady and accelerating increase of imports and exports with the growing activity in the home trade indicated that industries were in a sound and progressive condition, and it was hoped that though the national expenditure is increasing the capital liabilities of the State would receive the earnest attention of the Government in considering plans for improving and effecting economies.

In the government of Ireland, also for in; troducing means for associating the people with the conduct of Irish affairs, His Majesty's desire was that government would; be conducted so far as circumstances per-; mitted in a spirit Tegardful of the wishes and sentiments of the Irish. \

Since the social and economic of the; British rural districts required careful Consideration inquiries -were proceeding relative to a means of attracting and retaining on the soil a larger population. Additional Bills were announced dealing with merchant shipping, Scottish crofters' holdings, Irish labourers, checking commercial corruption, improving the law regarding certain colonial marriages, and the, pre- . ventioti of plural voting- at Parliamentary elections. The King looked well; though His Majesty walked slowly, leaning on his stick. The opening was a stately -ceremony, though Court mourning robbed the scene of eo'our. "" THE ADDRESS-IX-REPEy. ' DISCUSSION IX THE HOUSE. Received 11.49 p.m., Februarv 20th. LONDON. February 20. .In the House of Commons "Mr Dickinson moved, and. Mr Acland seconded, the Ad-dress-in-Reply. Mr Chamberlain said that he rejoiced that the Government were well supported. He hoped they would prove independent, ; and had no reason to fear that the Unionists would offer merely factious opposition. He

hoped coiaiuuuy o* policy would be displayed, both in foreigu and colonial affairs. Time alone would fikow if it were wise to confer immediate .responsible government in the Transvaal and Orange Colony. He hoped that there would bo no important change in the electoral system, and he sketched the 1905 electoral cartoons. The Chinese exhibited were the grossest hypocrisy and dishonesty. If the Government believed the reports of slavery and torture, how was it possible to justify inaction. If trade wero prospering to the degree alleged, why was one-third of the population underfed, and on the verge of starvation. Ho complained of the enigmatic references to Ireland, and after referring to the very generous treatment of Irish evicted tenants, inquired what was to be done for the British farmer who paid his rent. He declared that the last had not been heard of tariff reform.

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman said that the Algeciras Conference was proceeding slowly and satisfactorily. The AngloBritish understanding is stronglv entrenched. He had ever personally favoured a continuity of the policy of colonial affairs in the sense that there should be. no wanton change for the sake of change. The Government looked forward to the evetual federation of South Africa. The couditions of the Chinese labour were certainly servile and some were cruel. If a conlie desired to return he would be repatriated with the aid of public funds if without money himself. The question of a Royal Commission to inquire into the Chinese question would be considered. The Opposition ought to welcome a development of their own policy in Ireland. The Crimes Act would be repealed. The Education Bill was the chief measure though not necessarily the first.

Mr Redmond indicated that be would accept no settlement short of Home Rule as satisfactorv.

The debate was adourned.