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The first session of the fifth Parliament of Victoria was opened on the day appointed—the 30th April.
)3oth Houses met at two o'clock—two hours earlier than had been announced on semi-official authority. The House of Lords had a deserted appearance ; there were only a few ladies present, and not more than a dozen Peers. The Lords Commissioners for opening the Parlia ment were the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Argyll, the Earl of Efarrowby, Lord Stanley of Alderley, and Earl Spencer. The Commons, having been summoned, appeared with Sir Denis Le Merchant, the Chief Clerk, at their head. They were duly placed in possession of the authority of the Conwniagioners to open the Parliament ; and informed by the Lord Chancellor, that as soon as the Members have been sworn, " the cause of the calling of this Parliament together will be declared." The Lower House was then directed to elect a Speaker and present him on the following day in the House of Lords for her Majesty's approbation. After the Commons had withdrawn, the Bishop of Gloucester, the Peers kneeling, invoked by prayer the Divine blessing on the Parliament. The House continued to sit for some time to swear in Peers as they arrived, and then adjourned. There was a more animated scene in the House of Commons. Some time before two o'clock, upwards of forty Members were present, and at that hour the House was crowded. Members moved about exchanging salutations, chatting in groups, and sometimes laughing loudly. Mr. ilayter, "radiant and alert.," was extremely active. I\ ew faces were seen everywhere. Sir James Graham entered early, and took his old place below the gangway ; where he was speedily joined by Mr. Gladstone. Mr. Sidney Herbert was compelled to seek an unaccustomed place, for Mr. Charles Gilpin, the new Member for Northampton, eat himself down in Mr. Herbert's old place, beside Sir James Graham and Mr. Gladstone. General Thompson was warmly greeted on all sides. For some time Mr. George Hamilton was alone on the front Oppositionbench ; but he was afterwards joined by Mr. Walpole, Sir Frederick Thesiger, Sir Fitzroy Kelly, and others. Lord Stanley sat on one of the benches usually occupied by the "Independent" Irish Members, below the gangway. Lord John Russell was not present. Mr. Disraeli and Sir Jan Pakington were also absent,—in consequence, it was stated, of some misunderstanding respecting the hour of meeting. Of the Cabinet Ministers Mr. Labouchere was the first to appear. He was followed by Sir George Grey, Sir Charles Wood, Mr. Vernon Smith, and Mr. Baines. Lord Palmerston did not enter the House until the Members who had gone to the House of Lords had returned. He was greeted with cheers.
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