The fourth Session of the present Parliament was opened by
the King on Tuesday. The King drove with the Queen by the usual route from Buckingham Palace, and was heartily welcomed by the crowds. In the Speech from the Throne the first place was given to a very cordial reference to the reception of the King and Queen in Berlin. Turning to other foreign questions, the Speech recorded the conclusion of the Water- ways Treaty with the United States, the reference of the Newfoundland fisheries dispute to arbitration, and the renewal of the Arbitration Agreements with France, Italy, and Spain. The situation in Persia was described as "causing anxiety." The Government had no desire to depart from the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of Persia, but they considered that " the state of affairs imperatively demands the introduction of representative institutions." For this purpose the British and Russian GOVernMerlfe were exchanging views. We can only mention the reference to the Balkans, which was confident in tone, the feeling allusion to the Italian earthquake, and the references to the work of the International Maritime Conference, and to the publication of the 'draft Constitution for South Africa. As to India,' deep satisfaction was expressed at the reception of the reform schemes. " A Bill will at once be laid before you dealing with matters in which your sanction is required."
