Parliament was opened by the King in person on Tues-
day with the usual state and ceremony. Both. the King and Queen, we are glad to record, were declared by all who witnessed the ceremony to be in excellent health. The King's Speech, which was read by his Majesty in a clear, loud voice, besides the usual passages referring to foreign affairs, which were, however, memorable from the fact that the Alliance with Germany was not mentioned, contained very ample promises in regard to legislation. The Bills which are to be a first charge on the time of Parliament are to deal with the following sub- jects: (1) Irish Land Purchase; (2) London Education; (3) Brussels Sugar Convention; (4) South African Loan Guarantee ; (5) Port of London. The subjects which are only spoken of hopefully, and with a view to legislation this Session, are concerned with : (6) Scottish Licensing ; (7) Value, tion and Assessment ; (8) Employment of Children; (9) Adulterated Dairy Produce; (10) Savings Banks; (11) Patriotic Fund. We may note that the wording of the passage dealing with Irish land purchase would seem to show that the Bill is to be of a very momentous and comprehensive character. The hope is expressed that it will "complete the series of measures which have already done much to substitute single ownership for the costly and un- satisfactory conditions still attaching to the tenure of agri. cultural land over a large portion of Ireland."
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