Parliament is prorogued at last. The Houses finished their business
on Tuesday, when the Queen's Message was read by the Lord Chancellor. Her Majesty states that the Govern- ments have communicated to the Sultan their judgment on the Montenegrin, Greek, and Armenian questions,—that " the con- cert of Europe has been steadily maintained," and that the Powers are pressing upon the Sublime Porte with all the authority which belongs to their united action the measures which, iu their belief, are best calculated to ensure tranquillity in the East." Measures have been taken for the complete evacuation of northern Afghanistan ; and owing to the victory gained by Sir F. Roberts, the war iu the south will speedily be brought to an honourable termination. She regrets that full information on Indian finance and its recent miscarriages has not arrived, but will communicate it at the earliest moment. No advance has been made towards confederation in South Africa, nor could advantage arise in pressing it forward, in advance of opinion. The Queen further remarks on the abund- ant harvest, especially in Ireland, and declares that valuable Acts, such as the Burials Bill, the Employers' Liability Act, the Savings' Bank Act, the Ground-Game Act, and an Act for the protection of Merchant Seamen, have been added to the Statute Book, while the Malt Duty has been repealed. As usual, no reference is made to the future, and the usual reference to the " duties you still have to perform in your counties " is omitted.
