The Queen's Speech, read only on Thursday after most of
the Members had been sworn in, was perfectly colour. less, as befits a Session of Parliament summoned only to provide the Administration with the means of put- ting money in its purse. Her Majesty congratulated Parliament on her friendly relations with foreign Powers, and on the peace between China and Japan, regretted deeply the outrages in China, reported the steps taken to put an end to them (which do not seem very likely to be elective), enlarged on the necessity of introducing effectual reforms into the government of Armenia, indicated the con- ditions on which Bechuanaland is to be incorporated in the Cape Colony, and asked for the funds necessary for the supply of the various services of the Crown. Further, her Majesty remarked on the inexpediency of embarking on any debatable changes in legislation at this period of the year.
