The new Parliament was opened on Monday. The greater part
of the King's Speech, which was read by King Edward, dealt as usual with foreign politics, and calls for little comment. We may note with satisfaction, however, that no attempt was made to follow the German precedent and emphasise the degrees of friendliness in our relations with foreign Powers. It was announced that the Constitution granted to the Transvaal had been withdrawn, and that a new Constitution, conferring responsible government, would be substituted. Finally, the Speech dealt with the legislative programme of the Government. In regard to Ireland, it was announced that "plans are under consideration for improving and effecting economies in the system of government in Ireland, and for introducing into it means for associating the people with the conduct of Irish affairs." It will be the aim of this policy to secure that the government of the country, " in reliance upon the ordinary law," shall be "carried on, so far as existing circumstances permit, in a spirit regardful of the wishes and the sentiments of the Irish people." After promising careful inquiry into the social and economic
conditions of the rural districts with a view to attracting to and retaining on the soil a larger number of the population, the Speech enumerated the various measures which will be sub- mitted to Parliament, that for amending the Education Act standing first, the next in order being the Bills dealing with the law regulating trade disputes, and those for amending the Workman's Compensation Acts, for the further equalisation of rates in the Metropolis, and for amending the Unemployed Workmen Act.
