NE WS OF T H E WEEK.
THE Sing opened the Session in person on Thursday in full state and ceremonial. The Speech, which his Majesty read himself, was rather long, and, as usual, wanting in literary grace, but it was clear, and on one point unexpectedly emphatic. After a reference to the tour of the Prince of Wales and the usual statement as to relations with "other" Powers, the King adverted to the South African War, regretting the tedious character of the campaign, but observ- ing that the soldiers "have throughout displayed a cheerful- ness in the endurance of the hardships incident to guerilla. warfare, and a humanity, even to their own detriment, in the treatment of the enemy, which is deserving of the highest praise." The "loyal and patriotic" efforts of the Colonies are again acknowledged, and there is a pleasant reference to the Treaty about the Nicaragua Canal. The King regrets the imperfect rainfall in India, and notices the death of Abdurrahman and the accession of his son, and then passes on to promise a measure for the improvement of primary and secondary education (why cannot we call them primary and higher education ?), a Water Bill for London, a Land Bill for Ireland, and various less important measures, one of which however, appears to be an extensive reform in the law of lunacy. The programme of the Session altogether is satis- factory. but the description of it is a little too completely wanting in the quality of glow. That is our national way, but we are not convinced that it is a good one.
