Parliament was reopened on Tuesday, the 2nd inst., by the
King with a State ceremonial which out of doors was rather marred by the rain. Indoors, however, the scene was splendid, and the King read his Speech audibly and well. The Speech itself was not very interesting, there being no reference either to fiscal reform, to the projected Irish Roman Catholic University, or to the conditions to be imposed on Chinese labour in the Transvaal. The King referred in most cordial terms to the "friendly feelings" prevailing between Great Britain and France, and congratulated the country on the Alaskan award as a "final removal from the field of con- troversy" of "one of those misunderstandings in which ancient Boundary Treaties, made in ignorance of geographical facts, are so fertile." His Majesty made mention of Somaliland, where General Egerton's successes will materially "contribute to the destruction of the Mullah's power," and where we have the assistance both of Italy and Abyssinia, and then turned to the negotiations between Russia and Japan. "A disturb- ance of the peace" in the Far East "cannot but have de- plorable consequences," but "my Government" will gladly afford towards "the promotion of a pacific solution" any assistance which can be " usefully " rendered. His Majesty notes with satisfaction the appointment of an Italian General to the command of the Macedonian gendarmerie, but warns the Sultan that "measures of amelioration are sorely needed in these unhappy regions."
