NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE King opened Parliament on Tuesday with a Speech of exceptional importance. He spoke first of the victory achiered by the British and Allied Fleets and Armies, and reminded the Houses that to reap the full fruits of victory " an adequate Army must be maintained in the field." He said that the Paris Conference had made good progress, and expressed the hope that peace Preliminaries would be signed before the Session was far advanced. He rejoiced in the acceptance of the principle of a League of Nations as the only hope of averting future wars. After stating that an Indian Reform Bill might be presented this Session and that Ireland occasioned "great anxiety," the King said that the popular aspirations for a better social order must be encouraged by prompt and comprehensive action. Violence or disturbance would retard the work. Many Bills would be introduced, and should, if possible, be agreed upon and carried into effect " with all expedition." Proposals would be made for simplifying the procedure of the House of Commons. It is understood, we may add, that the Grand or Select Com- mittees will be multiplied, and that the practice of debating a Bill at every stage will be checked.
