Parliament met on Tnesday,—though, unhappily, to die- tract, and not
to sustain, the public mind. The Queen's Speech, however, though somewhat long and rambling, shows the right spirit when it exhorts all subjects of the Queen throughout
the Empire " to sustain and renew their exertions" until they have brought this struggle "for the maintenance of the Empire and the assertion of its supremacy in South Africa to a victorious conclusion." We are glad to see so emphati- cally asserted the central fact of the situation,—namely, that this is a matter which concerns the whole Empire, and is no attempt, as has been asserted—ignorantly in some cases, maliciously in others—to force the rule and authority of England upon unwilling Colonists. In this context it is well to note the paragraph which welcomes the Federation of Australia :—" I have watched with cordial satisfaction the gradual development of my great Colonies into self-governing communities." The Queen's Speech also speaks with proper enthusiasm and gratitude of the "brilliant courage and soldier- l Ike qualities of the Colonial forces engaged in South Africa." The other portions of the Queen's Speech which are of importance are those dealing with the Army and Navy. " The experience of a great war," we are told, " must necessarily afford lessons of great importance to the military administrators of the country," and we are warned that the country will be asked to make the sacrifices necessary "to place our defensive preparations" on a proper footing. As to the Navy, we are told that "at a time when several other nations are perfecting their naval preparations at the cost of increasing efforts and sacrifices, the solicitude with which you have provided for the efficiency of our Navy and our coast defences will assuredly not be relaxed." Practically the only Bills to be introduced will be of the Departmental kind. Care will also be taken to prevent men being dis- franchised by reason of service in South Africa.
