Vrhattif net 13nm/dugs in Varlinnunt.

OPENING OF rue SESSION.

Queen Victoria opened the session of 1869 in person on Thursday. The weather was clear and cold. Crowds lined the route from Bucking- ham Palace to St. Stephen's, and Her Majesty was everywhere received with acclamations, At shortly after twelve o'clock, the Peeresses and those who were so fortunate as to secure seats in the galleries, began to assemble in the House of Lords ; and by half-past one the grand room was crowded by one of the most distinguished assemblages that has ever been convened there. The Peers in their robes of white and crimson, the Bishops in their vestments, and the Judges in their wigs and gowns, were on the floor of the House, while the Peeresses occupied the seats which rise pyramidally on either side—a small space only being reserved fur Diplomatic Corps. The clear sunlight was softly diffused over the con- course by the stained glass of the windows, and added to the beauty and

the gorgeous dresses of the law, revealing in many places of splendid female costume and fame the liquid light of the of the 'The scene from an elevated point was magnificent : and one

effects was produced by the raceful and exquisite head- dresat the Peeresses. From niches in the diaborately embellished walls, the medieval statues of the Barons of Magna Charta seemed to look down with gratified pride upon their assembled descendants. Still- ness save the low murmur of rustling dresses and partially suppressed whispers prevailed. Where there were so many distinguished persons it would be unwise to particularize. At about twenty minutes past two' a burst of distant martial music announced the approach of Her Majesty, and in a short time she 'entered the room preceded by the great officers of State, bearing their emblems of office the whole concourse standing, and was conducted to the Throne. After she had taken her seat she com- manded the Lords in a clear tone of voice to be seated, and the entire assembly obeyed. Her Majesty then signified her readiness to receive the Members of the House of -Commons, and in a short tune they as- sembled in her presence.

When silence was restored, her Majesty read her speech in a sweet, clear, and remarkably distinct tone of voice. Every word was emm- elated so as he heard by all present ; and the concourse listened with pro- found attention. The Diplomatic Corps were evidently much inte- rested ; each of its members seemed absorbed in her Majesty's words, as if ready to catch the slightest reference to their own country, and when the speech was finished many of them breathed freer than during its reading. The speech was as follows- " My Lords and Gentlemen—In recurring, at the usual season to the

advice of my Parliament, I am happy. to think that, in the internal of the country, there is nothing to excite disquietude, and much to call for satisfaction and thankfulness. Pauperism and crime have considerably diminished during the past year ; and a spirit of general contentment pre- vails.

" The blazing of the Almighty on the valour of my troops in India, and on the skill of their commanders, has enabled Inc to inflict signal chastise- ment upon those who are still in arms against my authority, whenever they have ventured to encounter my forces ; and I trust that, at no distant pe- riod, I may be able to announce to you the complete pacification of that great empire, and to devote my attention to the improvement of its condi- tion and to the obliteration of all traces of the present unhappy conflict. "On assuming, by your advice, the direct government of that portion of ng dominions, I deemed it proper to make known by Proclamation the prin- ciples by which it was my intention to be guided, and the clemency which I was disposed to show towards those who might have been seduced into revolt, but who might be willing to return to their allegiance. I have di- rected that a copy of that Proclamation should be laid before you. "I receive from all Foreign Powers assurances of their friendly feelings. To cultivate and confirm those feelings to maintain inviolate the faith of public treaties, and to contribute as far as my influence can extend, to the preservation of the general peace, are the objects of my unceasing solicitude. "I have concluded, with the Sovereigns who were parties to the Treaty of Paris of 1856, a Convention relative to the organization of the Princi- palities of Moldavia and Wallachia. Those Ileum= provinces are now pro- ceeding to establish, under its provisions, their new form of Government.

" A treaty of commerce which I have concluded with the Emperor of Russia, and which will be laid before you, is a satisfactory indication of the complete reestablishment of those amicable relations which, until their late unfortunate interruption, had long subsisted between us, to the mutual ad- vantage of our respective dominions.

"The measures which, in concert with my ally the Emperor of the French! I thought it necessary to take upon the coast of Chum, have re- sulted in a treaty, by which further effusion of blood has been prevented, and which holds out the prospect of greatly-increased intercourse with that extensive and denselr-peepled Empire.

"Another treatv, into which I have entered with the Emperor of Japan, opens a fresh field for commercial enterprise in a populous and highly civilized country, which has hitherto been jealously guarded against the in- trusion of foreigners. As soon as the ratifications of these treaties shall have been exchanged, they will be laid before you.

"T have great satisfaction in announcing to you that the Emperor of the French has abolished a system of Negro emigration from the East Coast of Africa, against which, as unavoidably tending, however guarded, to the encouragement of the slave-trade, my Government has never ceased to address to his Imperial -Majesty its most earnest, but friendly, represen- tations.

" This wise act on the part of his Imperial Majesty induces me to hope that negotiations, now in progress at Pans, may tend to the total abandon- ment of the system, and to the substitution of a duly regulated supply of substantially free labour. " The state of the Republic of Mexico, distracted by civil war, has in- duced me to carry forbearance to its utmost limits, in regard to wrongs and indignities to which British residents have been subjected, at the hands of the two contending parties. They have at length been carried to such an extent that I have been compelled to give instructions to the Commander of my Naval Forces in those seas to demand, and, if necessary to enforce, due reparation.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons—I have directed that the esti- mates for the ensuing year shall be submitted to you. They have been framed with a due regard to economy, and to the efficiency of the public service.

"The universal introduction of steam power into naval warfare will render necessary a temporary increase of expenditure in providing for the reconstruction of the British Navy ; but I am persuaded that you will cheerfully vote whatever sums you may find to be requisite for an object of Such vital importance as the maintenance of the maritime power of the country, "My Lords and Gentlemen—Your labours have in recent Sessions, been usefully directed to various measures of legal and social improvement. In the belief that further measures of a similar character may be wisely and irenefieially introduced, I have desired that Bills may be submitted to you without delay, for assimilating and amending the laws relating to Bank- ruptcy and Insolvency; for bringing together into one set of statutes, in a classified form and with such modifications as experience will suggest to you, the laws relating to crimes and offences in England and Ireland ; for enabling the owners of land in England to obtain for themselves an inde- feasible title to their estates and interests, and for registering such titles with simplicity and security.

"Your attention will be called to the state of the laws which regulate the representation of the people in Parliament, and I cannot doubt but that you wilLgive.to this great subject a degree of calm and impartial con- sideration, proportioned to the magnitude of the interests involved in the result of your discussions.

"These, and other propositions for the amendment of the laws, which

will be brought under your notice as the progress of public business may permit, I commend to the exercise of your deliberate judgment ; and I ear-

nestly pray that your counsels may be so guided as to insure the stability of the throne, the maintenance and improvement of our institutions, and the general welfare and happiness of my people."

The proceedings over, her Majesty retired, as she came escorted by the great officers of state. That decorous silence which characterized the assembly in her presence was succeeded by the noise incident to the withdrawal of a great concourse of persons from a hall, and some time elapsed before the spectators of the splendid scene retired. Her Majesty was attended by his Royal Highness the Prince Consort, and it may be doubted if there was a single individual in the distinguished assembly who did not connect the Royal pair in thought with the young mother at Berlin, and the tender life nestling at her aide.

THE DEBATES ON ism ADDRESS.

As usual, both Houses adjourned, after hearing the Royal Speech, until the evening. The House of Lords reassembled at five o'clock. Lord Churston, (late Sir John Yarde Buller) and Lord Kingsdown, (late Mr. Pemberton Leigh) took the oaths and their seats. There was nothing remarkable in the dislocation of the prominent men of the two parties. The first bill introduced was one for the Regulation of Select Vestries. The Loan CHANCELLOR having read the Queen's Speech, the Earl ot WM/CHELSEA moved, and Lord RAVENSWORTH seconded the Address in answer thereto. Their speeches did not exceed the average of their kind. Lord W/NCHELSEA confined himself wholly to topics arising out of her Majesty's speech ; but Lord RAVENSWORTH travelled out of the record to put in a plea on behalf of the shipping interest, and to express a hope that an inquiry into their grievances would not be denied. Both Peers were very hostile to Mr. Bright. Earl Gnasivirze was the next speaker. In an extremely neat and lively address he touched not only on what was, but what was not in- cluded in the scope of previous speakers. Complimenting the mover and seconder on their moderation of tone, he said. he was not ignorant of the difficulties of those who move or second an address.

"Some years ago," he continued, "I had the very great honour of mov- ing the adoption of the first address presented by the House of Commons to Her Majesty after her accession to the Throne. The seconder of the Address and myself were kindly received by the Prime Minister. He communicated to us the heads of the Speech which was about to be delivered, told us that he had no doubt we should admirably discharge our duty, and referred us to the heads of departments for further details which we might wish to ob- tain. We went to the different departments, and were kindly received by their several heads ; but, somehow or other, the head of the Colonial-office thought it would be better for us to adhere to foreign and home affairs ; the 'Foreign Secretary thought that we had better confine ourselves to the affairs of the Home-office ; while that was the only subject which the Home Secre- tary thought that we had better avoid. (Laughter.) The consequence of this was that I had to fill my short address with a topic of great interest at the time—viz., the prospect of happiness and glory during the reign which had just commenced—a promise which has been most nobly fulfilled during what we may hope is only the small portion of a long and glorious reign, the happiness of which has lately been crowned by the affectionate feelings displayed by all classes of this country upon the marriage of the eldest daughter of the Crown, and the happy event which has lately occurred in her family ; while the seconder of the Address, a man of great ability, of much political knowledge, and not unaccustomed to public speaking, was so entirely impressed with the subject which he was to avoid, that, contrary to his usual practice, he entirely failed to make a speech even satisfactory to himself."

The two noble Lords must have laboured under a similar diffi- culty. Lord Granville showed in a playful but effective way how that "unfortunate affair of the Ionian Mends " was omitted ; any reference to the United States considering our recent communica- tions with Mr. Dallas, was avoided; all reference to the Porte left out, lest mayhap it should lead to a discussion of the massacre and bom- bardment of Jeddah. No doubt the noble Lords received full permis- sion to pour a broadside into Mr. Bright, and to speak on any subject, so - that they did not touch upon France, Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Ger- /harry, or Italy.

Glancing at the policy of sending Mr. Gladstone to the Ionian Islands— which has succeeded if it was hoped to retain Mr. Gladstone as a subordi- nate for a time—LordGmnville went on to the question of our foreign re- lations. Reserving the topic of the "Charles-et-Georges," he entered upon the Italian question. There is much in the state of Italy to be deplored. All know the kind of government that exists in Naples. Lately returned from Rome, he could not deny that its condition must cause great grief to all who desire the welfare of Italy. "It is undoubtedly the fact that the entire lay population of the Papal dominions are, almost to a man, hostile to the polity under which they now live." Those dominions are occupied by two armies, thus disturbing the balance of power, which might be dealt with by friendly diplomatic interference. Then Austria weighs heavily en the people of Lombardo-Venetia—it is not for us to consider whether those provinces are well or ill-governed ; but that they belong to Austria under public treaties which by long continuance have become the public law of Europe. Having described the position of Austria and liar dinia—Sardinia is actuated by sympathy for the Italians and ambition for territorial aggrandizement—he referred to the words spoken by the French Emperor to the Austrian Minister, "words that may mean everything or nothing," and asked for an explana- tion from the Government. They must have some information on the subject of the probabilities of war more satisfactory than rumour. What "assurances" have they received? If assurances that there is no intention of war it would be satisfactory to know it. Ministers should clearly state their views. "If they can say that during the course of these events they have spoken equally to Austria, to Sardinia, and to France, in the firm, candid, and friendly manner in which they were entitled to speak, avoiding any unnecessary or irritating menace on the one hand, but on the other de- claring their steady conviction that the maintenance of existing treaties is necessary to the -peace and tranquillity of the future ; and if, in addition, they have entered into no engagement whatever, binding this country to take any course, at any time, other than the honour of England and the welfare of Europe, may demand,—in that case, I am sure that her Majesty's Government will receive the hearty support of the people, a support that will enable them to speak with greater force and influence in any difficult circumstances that may hereafter arise." (Cheers.)

The Earl of DERBY, after complimenting the mover and seconder on their speeches, remarked on the substantial agreement in opinion on the topics of the speech implied in the fact that no amendment had been pro- posed, and followed the line of Lord Granville pretty closely, with this exception, that he noticed the increased deposits in the savings banks (1,100,0800 as a proof of prosperity.

In regard to the " Charles-et-Georges," he said that neither France nor Portugal had taken English advice, but that Portugal was grateful for friendly offices tendered unasked. Touching the Ionian Islands lie said that Mr. Gladstone had been sent on a simple mission of inquiry to satisfy himself as to the causes of the want of prosperity. It was not intended that he should supersede Sir John Young, but when circum- stances rendered Sir John's stay impossible' Mr. Gladstone remained to launch reforms with the authority derived from his investigation. When he resumes his seat in the House of Commons he will be able to show the wisdom of the policy adopted by the Government. With a brief reference to the treaties with Russia, China, Japan (during which Lord Grey and Lord Derby had a dispute respecting which of them appointed Lord Elgin Gbvernor-General of Canada) and a rapid glance at India, Lord Derby came to the topic on which Lord Granville had demanded precise explanation. Ho would speak plainly, unhesitatingly- " I am fortunately in a position to do so, because in the present state of Europe, and with respect to that portion of it which now glees just cause for anxiety, England has no separate interest to subserve, no revenge to gratify, no rankling ambition to urge her on ; and above all, and I say it emphatically, because she has no secret engagement with any Power what- soever which would interfere with, fetter, or hamper her free action." (Loud cheers.) There is no question that could justify recourse to warbut there are grounds for serious apprehension and alarm. " The state of Italy is one one of constant danger to the peace of Europe." But it is not in Lombardy or in Naples the greatest danger exists. Whether the Lombard provinces are a source of strength to Austria, he would not say, but he would say that we have nothing to do with her internal government. They are Austrian by inheritance, possession, treaty ; and " neither we, nor any other nation, under any plea or upon any pretext has a right to deprive her" of them. As to Naples that Government is repugnant and abhorrent to all our notions, but the King does not require foreign troops to put down discontent. "The real plague spot in Italy" is the Papal States. The presence of two armies there, not placed to uphold liberty, is the real danger. " With all the eagerness of friend- ship" Lord Derby's Government has pressed upon Austria and France the necessity of coming to some understanding with regard to the advice they shall tender to the Pope. It would be idle for a Protestant Government to interfere, but "our best endeavours will not be wanting to second the ef- forts " of France and Austria "for the amelioration of the internal ad- ministration of the Papal States." Next, Lord Derby pictured the state of Sardinia and urged that she ought to—as she may yet—pursue a policy of internal improvement, set an example of constitutional liberty, respect trea- ties, and thus put the most despotic government to shame and lead it to imitate her institutions. He intimated that Sardinia would forfeit European sympathy by affording a proof that constitutional liberty may encourage the warlike propensities of a monarch and lead him to acts of aggression. The British Government, in a spirit of sincerest friendship, has over and over again expressed anxiety on the attitude assumed by Sardinia—an attitude inconsistent with her interest and her duty. He trusted that it is not "too late" for Sardinia to reconsider the course on which she was apparently about to enter. Austria has given "the strongest assurances,"— and I believe them"—that she will not interfere with her neighbours, but confine herself within her-own limits to the obligations of treaties, Sardinia would be most ill-advised, therefore, to offer provocations. "To no country could she look for aid but to France"; and Lord Derby cannot believe that the French ruler will sanction even by moral support, still leas by military means, an "unjustifiable and aggressive war" undertaken by Sar- dinia against Austria. "I do earnestly trust—and I do not abandon the hope—that the Emperor of the French will persist in that wise, prudent, and loyal course he has hitherto pursued." In answer to our represente- dons, we have received assurances that so long as Austria confined herself to her own limits, Sardinia must not expect from France any assistauce in an aggressive war." Having shown that it is the interest and the safety of the French Emperor to follow this course, he said that, if, unhappily, war should result—"If war, I say, should ultimately be the result, it would be a satisfaction to the Government, though a melancholy one, that they had done all in their power by friendly remoristrances to prevent so formidable a calamity ; and such is their position, that they are bound by no secret obli- gations, treaties, or understandings, but are perfectly ready to take in twy contingency the course which their duty and the honour of this collate)' might appear to require. (Cheers.) Earl GREY concurred in everything Lord Derby had said about foreign policy. As regards the Navy—" it is absolutely necessary that we should augment our means of naval defence "—but that should be done by "keeping a larger number of sailors and officers afloat in constant train- ing and practice for war." The Earl of Ilannwreire interposed a remark that more ships are necessary. Lord Beouenssr made a strong speech against the warlike tendencies of France and Sardinia, and said that the people of France and Germany deprecate any breaking of peace. After some remarks from the Earl of CARLISLE on the laeerhouse sys- tem, the Address was agreed to, and the House adjourned.

The House of Commons met for the evening sitting at a quarter to four o'clock. On the Ministerial benches were Mr. Disraeli, Mr. Wal- pole, Sir John Pakington ; on the Opposition side Lord Palmerston, Sir George Grey, Sir Charles Wood, Mr. Lowe. Lord John Russell sat be- low the gangway on the Opposition benches ; Sir James Graham a cor- responding place on the other side. Several new Members took their seats, new writs were ordered, and Notices of Motion given. Then the Speaker read the Queen's speech. Mr. Trusersts moved and Mr. Bus-

cnorr seconded the Address. The mover took up foreign topics and strongly deprecated war. The seconder dealt with home affairs' and asked for a measure of reform that should be sufficient without being violent.

The Speaker put the question • there were cries of " Agreed " ; and then a pause. It was ended by Lord PALMERSTON, who rose amid some

tittering, not to meet the "Aye" with a " no " nor to propose an amend- ment to the Address, though, if it were not trifling, he might propose one in its "composition."

Glancing lightly over the topics in the earlier part of the speech he came to the Italian question. "Judging by what we are told, there is a proba- bility of a great European war, beginning by a conflict in Italy between France and Sardinia on the one hand, and Austria on the other, the object of which will be, I presume, the expulsion of Austria from the frontier of Italy." Thence he started with the assertion that it would be desirable for

the interests of Austria and of Italy that she should not possess the=c pro- vinces South of the Alps. They do not contribute to her strength, they make her hateful to many. But she possesses them by virtue of' that general treaty of 1816, which is the title-deed of many other territories in Europe possessed by other Powers. It would have been better ifs different arrangement had been mode; but "treaties ought to be respected " ; and

no power can be justified in attempting to dispossess Austria of those pro- vinces. But "although Austria stands upon the firm ground of right with regard to those provinces, she does not stand upon the same ground of right when she goes beyond the limits to which that treaty refers and that the occupation of the other portions of Italy not belonging to her is not justified by any treaty right which Austria possesses." Arrangements should be made tor the withdrawal of the French and Austrian troops from the Papal States ; Rome and Naples should adopt the advice given to them by the Great Powers in 1831, and then the tranquillity of the country would be no longer endangered. But if those Governments will not put an end to that system they might abide by the consequences.

This was the substantial part of Lord Palnierston's speech. For the rest, he touched on the settlement of those provinces we used to call the Danu- bian, but now call the " Rounian " provinces ; he rejoiced in the Russian treaty of commerce ; was glad that his successors fully appreciate the ad- -vantages gained by the war in China—" it is never too late to welcome a

repentant '

sinner' was delighted to hear that the French slave-trade—free immigration—has been stopped on the East coast, and hopes it will soon be stopped on the West coast also; and believed the Government has acted wisely in regard to Mexican outrages—" the very nature of republicans makes it difficult to deal with them." He hoped we should have an efficient Navy, and urged the Government to bring in the Reform Bill with the least possible delay. "I am persuaded that when the people of this country see on the one hand the nations which are ruled by despotic authority and on the other the nations which are ruled by a power coming from below— (Great laughter, caused by the action of the noble lord, who pointed to the foor)-1 mean the Republican—when the people of this country see the results of these two opposite systems, the attachment which, as Englishmen, they feel to our institutions will become every day more deeply rooted."

Mr. Disn.em, in a speech remarkable for its moderation of tone, gave substantially the same explanations on the various topics which Lord Derby had given. On the Portuguese question he said that the papers, when presented to the House, would show that no cans fcederis had arisen, and that the proper advice had been given to our ally. In an- swer to Lord Palmerston's demand for the Reform bill, he said that it "is prepared," but will not be produced until "the urgent business of the country can be put in a proper frame "—[here there were murmurs] —until Sir John Pakington has brought forward the subject of our naval defence.

On the war question Mr. Disraeli said he could not agree with Lord Pal- merston that war is a matter of probability. "That the state of affairs is critical I admit, but it is not a state of affairs that makes me believe that the maintenance of peace is by any means hopeless." (A laugh.)

Like Lord Palmerston he deprecated any conduct that would disturb im- portant treaties. But Central Italy, whose state is so unsatisfactory, is very little, if at all, connected with the important treaties the validity of which the noble lord wishes, like all sensible men, to uphold. The cause of that unsatisfactory state is the foreign occupation of the Papal States. Then followed an explanation of the course pursued by the Government—an am- plified version of that vouchsafed by his colleague in the Upper House—but with this important addition. "While we have used every persuasion to induce France and Austria to combine together and unite their influence for the great object, the improvement of the Italian Government—we have also told them that if the result of their deliberations be that it would, in their opinion, be of importance that the other great signatories of the treaties of 1815 should combine with them for ulterior and ultimate purposes—if, for example, some new arrangement of the territory of Central Italy should be deemed by France and Austria necessary and expedient—we would assist them to the utmost with our counsel and influence to bring about such a re- sult, and we would call upon the other signatories of the great treaties of 1815, to join and aid in that object."

Representations have been also made to "that interesting state" Sar- dinia, but "I cannot tell the House—I should be misleading the House if I attempted to convey to them—that the representations which we have made have already as completely effected the purpose which we wish. But they have been made frankly, fully, and freely to all the Statei of Europe." The close of Mr. Disraeli's speech was devoted to a long statement in- tended to show that his faith in the Emperor of the French is justified, and that he will neither make war on England—" especially when she has more resources at her command than she has had since the peace of 1815 "- nor wantonly disturb the peace of the world by going to war with Austria, nor be insensible to the influence of public opinion. In the case of Portugal when he found that public opinion did not approve of the use he made of superior force, he showed his respect for public opinion by the letter he wrote to Prince Napoleon, and by "the treaty which is virtually con- concluded." "I believe public opinion will produce the same effect now."

Lord Peussatirrow explained that when he inadvertently said war is probable, he only meant that war was thought likely on the continent; but he had endeavoured to show that the Sovereigns concerned are too wise to do anything of the sort.

Lord Jour, RUSSELL took up two main questions—the war question and Parliamentary Reform. On the former he said he concurred en- tirely with Lord Palmerston, but he put much more warmth and feeling into his powerful description of the repeated acts of oppression inflicted by Austria on her own and neighbouring Italian states ever since she took possession in 1815. Of this he gave many flagrant instances. "It is the Austrian and French forces that impose upon the Papal States about the worst government any country ever had." He quoted from the works of Mr. Whiteaide and Lord Broughton passages in illustration of his views. His solution of the difficulty is to let the Roman people, like the Rouman people, frame laws for themselves. They would soon produce contentment and prosperity, There is no need for a bloody war.

"You have said in the Treaty of Paris, and said most wisely, that there shall be no interference in the Danubian Principalities, no interference in Berrie by any foreign troops, unless all the contracting Powers of Europe are consenting parties to that interference. Now, why should we not say that with regard to the whole state of Italy—that neither in the States of the Church, nor in Tuscany, nor in Naples, shall there be any interference by a foreign force unless the Powers of Europe are parties to that interference. I cannot believe that any plan that can be framed by the Austrian Govern- ment, or by the French Government, for the government of the Papal States, will have any success, because the Papal Government has talent and cunning enough to defeat and evade any new provisions." Lord John rallied the Government on the inferior place in the speech assigned to the announcement of a reform bill, rallied the Ministers on the novel task they had undertaken made a broad declaration in favour of extension of the suffrage, and ;liked for the production of the reform bill without delay.

Sir JOHN PMEINGTON said that, if he remembered rightly, Lord John himself, in 1852, had placed the announcement of his bill quite at the

close of the Queen's speech ; so that if Ministers made a mistake, Lord John supplied the precedent. The Address, being agreed to without further speaking, the House adjourned.