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PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OP THE WEEK.

Mores or Loans. Thursday, May 7. Queen's Speech ; Address debated and agreed to—General Ashburnham ; Lord Panmure's Reply to Lord Clanricaide. Friday, May 8. Lord Campbell ; Select Committee on the Law of Libel.

Horn OF COMMONS. Thursday, May 7. Address debated and agreed to : Lord Palmerston's Statement on Representative Reform, .Friday, May 8. Address ; report received—The Transit; Sir Charles Wood's Reply to Mr. Lindsay—Transportation and Penal Servitude; Sir George Grey's Bill read a first time—Hudson's Bay Company ; Mr. Labouchere's Motion for Select Committee—Registration of Long Leases (Scotland); Mr. Dunlop's Bill read a first tiose—Industrial Schools ; Mr. Adderley's Bill read a first time—Judgments Execution; Mr. Crawford's Bill read a first time.

Since Parliament met pro forma on the 30th April, the House of Commons was until Thursday engaged solely in swearing in the Members as they presented themselves ; but on the day appointed for the commencement of business, a large number still remained to be sworn in. At two o'clock on Thursday both Houses had assembled. The Commons were, as usual, summoned to the House of Lords' and the Speaker was followed by a goodly number, chiefly the new Members. When they had settled themselves in the limited space allotted to them, the LORD CHANCELLOR read the following Speech on behalf of the Qireen.

"My Lords and Gentlemen—We are commanded to inform you, that her Majesty has availed herself of the earliest opportunity of having recourse to your advice and assistance after the dissolution of the last Parliament ; and her Majesty trusts that there will be found sufficient time during the present session to enable you satisfactorily to deal with various important matters, some of which had occupied the attention of Parliament in the beginning of this year.

We are commanded by her Majesty to inform you that the general aspect of affairs in Europe affords a well-grounded confidence in the continuance of peace. "AU the main stipulations of the treaty of Paris have been carried into execution, and it is to be hoped that what remains to be done in regard to those matters will be speedily accomplished.

"The negotiations upon the subject of the differences which had arisen between the King of Prussia and the Swiss Confederation in regard to the affairs of Neuchatel are drawing to a close, and will, her Majesty trusts, be terminated by an arrangement honourable and satisfactory to all parties.

"The negotiations in which her Majesty has been engaged with the Government of the United States and with the Government of Honduras in regard to the affairs of Central America have not yet been brought to a close.

"We are commanded by her Majestyto inform you, that a treaty of peace between her Majesty and the Shah of Persia was signed at Paris on the 4th of March, by her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris and by the Ambassador of the Shah ; and her Majesty will give directions that this treaty shall be Inid before you as soon as the ratifications thereof shall have been duly exchanged.

"Her Majesty commands us to express to you her regret, that at the date of the latest advices from China' the differences which had arisen between the High Commissioner at Canton and her Majesty's civil and naval officers in China still remained unadjusted. But her Majesty has sent to China a Plenipotentiary fully instructed to deal with all matters of difference ; and that Plenipotentiary will be supported by an adequate naval and military force, in the event of such assistance becoming necessary. "We are commanded to inform you, that her Majesty, in conjunotMn with several other European Powers, has concluded a treaty with the King of Denmark for the redemption of the Sound Dues. This treaty,together with a separate convention between her Majesty and the King of Denmark, completing the arrangement, will be laid before you, and her Majesty will cause the measures necessary for fulfilling the engagements thereby contracted to be submitted for your consideration.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons—Her Majesty has directed the Estimates for the present year to be laid before you. They have been prepared with a careful attention to economy, and with a due regard to the efficiency of the departments of the public service to which they severally relate.

"My Lords and Gentlemen—Her Majesty, commends us to recommend to your earnest consideration, measures which will be proposed to you for the Consolidation and Improvement of the Law. Bills will be submitted to you for improving the lawsrelating to the Testamentary and Matrimonial Jurisdiction now exercised by the Ecclesiastical Courts, and also for checking Fraudulent Breaches of 'frust.

"Her Majesty commands us to express to you her heartfelt gratification at witnessing the continued wellbeing and contentment of her people, and the progressive development of productive industry throughout her dominions.

"Her Majesty confidently commits to your wisdom and care the great in terests of her empire ; and fervently prays that the blessing of Almighty God may be vouchsafed to your deliberations, and may lead you to conclusions conducive to the objects of her Majesty's constant solicitude, the welfare and happiness of her loyal and faithful people."

After this ceremony, both Houses suspended their sittings ; the Commons until four, the Lords until five o'clock.

THE ADDRESS.

When the House of Commons reassembled the new Members were again in the ascendant. After some prelimleery proceedings, the SPEAKER read to the House a copy of the Speech delivered that morning by the Lord Chancellor in the House of Peers.

Mr. Donsox moved the Address, thanking her Majesty for the gracious speech addressed to both Houses. In supporting his motion, the mover kept even more closely than usual to the various topics in the Queen's Speech ; in no instance travelling beyond the record. Mr. WALTER Bucmixax, the seconder of the motion, took a wider field. He began by remarking, that Lord Palmerston had submitted to the country the question of " content " or "not content" with his administration, particularly his foreign policy ; and that the verdict, if not unanimously, was at least by a large majority of votes in favour of Lord Palmeaston's Government. One thing was established beyond question—that neither eloquence nor valuable services would support statesmen who opposed themselves to the general conviction of the country. The services of Mr. Cobden, the eminent talents of Mr. Gladstone, have not been forgotten ; but "unsophisticated public opinion could neither comprehend their arguments nor appreciate their policy." Then he went into the Canton question.

The public, he said, had remarked that, within the walls of Parliament, the whole argument had been conducted on narrow and technical grounds. The people were not anxious for a war with China, but they thought it necessary that there should be a clear expression of opinion in support of the honour and interests of the country. Our connexion with China is peculiar. For two hundred years our sole representative was a trading company. The too pacific policy of the East India Company, not blameable in itself, has operated detrimentally to the interests of Great Britain : the servants of the Company submitted to insulting treatment, and abjured the "spirit of Englishmen ; so that it was with the most vexatious and harassing negotiations and quarrels, when Britain put forward her power, that the treaty of Nankin was obtained. Even then, while in the Northern ports the Europeans were well received, Canton closed its gates and one of the stipulations of the treaty remained unfulfilled. The Chinese at Canton became more hostile and insulting. Under these circumstances, it was not to be supposed that the representatives of England would stand tamely by and see the flag of England outraged : had tney done so, the arrogance of the Chinese would have been greater than ever. Nor do we meet the Chinese only in China ; they are spread over the Indian Archipelago ; the emigrants are connected with their country by secret societies ; and the danger to our colonies by a weak policy is illustrated by the sanguinary proceedings at Sarawak. Lord Elgin would have to contend not only with the difficulties arising out of our relations with the Chinese, but but of the advanoes on the North-east of China of "a scheming and vicious power, " Russia ; advances calculated to excite alarm and apprehension. Mr. Buchanan touched on two or three other points. He protested in the name of humanity, against the disgraceful deeds enacted in Southern Italy. He said that the extension of the franchise in this country must at no distant period occupy the Government. He was not one who thought that an extension of the franchise would secure a better House of Commons : he would not argue the question as one of expediency, but as a question that involves the rights of those who believe they are entitled to political power. If the franchise be extended, it will at the same time be necessary to establish a system of general education. With an allusion to the "excessive dearness of money," a state of things ruinous to commerce, he trusted that the Committee on the Bank Charter Act would assemble with no foregone conclusion, "no monopoly influence, to prevent rigid inquiry and just legislation." General TiromPsox felt obliged to protest against all he had heard on the Chinese question ; and to say that those who agree with the majority of the late Parliament will not let the question be quieted without bringing it before an inquest of the country. Lord ROBERT GROSVPNOR thought the China question had better be left in abeyance on that occasion. He would tell the Government what his constituents desire to see carried into execution—namely, an extension of the suffrage. The House of Commons does substantially express the opinion of the country : but that is not the question. Nor IS the question simply one of extending the franchise to the poor ; many persons not poor do not possess the suffrage. It would be a good thing if Lord Palmerston, to avoid perpetual Reform Bills, could devise something more elastic and self-acting than the Reform Bill of 1832. Deprecating any attempt to introduce a Reform Bill in this half-session, he hoped the Government would bring in a bill next session that would satisfy the country. Lord Robert also spoke of corrupt practices at elections, and promised to bring in a bill to prohibit the conveyance of electors by candidates, and to relieve the latter of the expense of the hustings. He was likewise prepared to propose a bill dealing with Church-rates. Mr. Wrrmam EWART regretted that there was no allusion in the Speech from the Throne to the establishment of a Ministry of Justice. Lord PALMERSTON remarked that the House seemed not inclined to discuss the topics of the Speech, and therefore he should not do so. But on one or two points it was necessary that he should say a few words. "I would first allude to the topic mentioned by the honourable Member for Durafries. An address was moved and agreed to last session with respect to the establishment of a Department of Justice. The question was brought forward by the right honourable gentleman the Member for Dublin University. We stated at the time, that it was a subject full of difficulty as regaras the mode in which the proposition should be carried into execution ; and in that opinion I am sure the right honourable gentleman himself will concur. I can only say, therefore, that we have under our consideration the best means of accomplishing the object which the right honourable gentleman and the House had in view ; and I trust we shall be able to propose to the House some arrangement which shall effect the purpose contemplated in the address. "Sir, I agree with the noble lord the Member for Middlesex, that,. considering the shortness of the period during which Parliament can sit in the present session—considering also the great importance of the many practical measures of improvement which we have indicated in the Speech, and which will be proposed to the House—it would be highly inexpedient to engage in discussions upon the large and sweeping question of a change in the representation of the people in Parliament ; because such discussions could not by any possibility lead to any conclusive result in the present session, while it is quite obvious that discussions begun in one session and continued to another could only unsettle the minds of men, and give rise to anticipations which would embarrass those who on a future occasion might have to propose pleasures to the House. But, Sir, her Majesty's Government quite admit that it will be their duty during the period that will intervene between the conclusion of the present session and the beginning of the next to take the subject into their fullest and most deliberate consideration. (Cheers.) It would be unsuitable in rue, at a moment when the Government have not had an opportunity of giving to the question the consideration which is due, to say anything with respect to the details of measures to be proposed in a future session which would imply anticipatory conclusions which, by fixing the Government upon one point or another, might lead afterwards to embarrassment if the result should not coincide with the expectations excited, and which at all events would interfere with the freedom of our deliberations in the mean time. It wilfbe, however, I believe, the duty of the Government in the ensuing recess to give that matter their most serious and anxious consideration ; and I hope —indeed I am confident—that at the beginning of the next session we shall be able to propose to Parliament some measure which will be calculated to satisfy the just expectations of any parties, and to correct any defects which i may exist n the present Reform Act, as well as to admit to the franchise those classes of persons who at present are excluded from it. More than that I trust the House will not expect me to say at present. If the House has confidence in the present Government, they ought to show it by exercising forbearance, and not by pressing in this session for any declaration upon particular points in reference to representative reform. ff this House has not sufficient confidence in us to wait until the next session for the production of measures upon a subject requiring the gravest consideration, then it had better say so, and at once place the administration of the affairs of the country in other hands. (" Hear, hear !" and a laugh.) "I am glad to be able to congratulate the House, as her Majesty in her gracious Speech has done, upon the prospect which the condition of European affairs at present holds out of a continuance of peace. I trust that the animosities engendered by the great conflict in which a part of Europe was engaged for two years will give way to the more peaceful relations and intercourse which have succeeded that war ; and that the great Powers who were engaged in that contest, feeling that their interests are identified with the maintenance of good relations with each other, will cast into oblivion all those sentiments of hostility which the conflict for a time may have created, and permit them to be replaced by feelings of good-will and friendship, as more beneficial to all countries. I trust, too, that all the great Powers of Europe will discover that freedom of commercial intercourse and a development of the national resources form not only the best system of policy for the interests of their particular countries, but that they also create a link of union with other countries which otherwise might occupy an adverse position. The more a government develops the resources of a county, while with one hand it increases its powers of self-defence, on the other it creates a daily increasing bond of interest, which is so connected with the maintenance of peace as to dissuade any government from the prosecution of an unjust or unnecessary war.

"There was one other subject to which my noble friend alluded upon which I must say a word : I refer to the question of Church-rates. That also is a subject, as the House is aware, which abounds with practical difficulties. However, the subject is now under the consideration of her Majesty's Government, and I hope we may be able to propose some measure which will get rid of the difficulties at present existing. I hope, however, the House will not expect us to introduce any measure until we have made up our minds upon the matter : but I can assure them the subject is under consideration, with an anxious desire to frame a measure which may be satisfactory to all parties. I am not aware that there is anything further with 'which I have to trouble the House at present."

Mr. ROEBUCK, who had given notice of a motion in favour of Parliamentary Reform, closed the conversation. "I congratulate the House that we have now a distinct pledge from the noble lord that he intends next year to bring forward a measure of Parliamentary reform. There is no mistake as to his intentions. The noble lord tells us, that in the present state of the representation there are great anomalies—that various classes are not now represented in this House who deserve to be represented ; and that it will be the duty of her Majesty's Government during the recess to frame such a measure as will confer the representation upon these classes. Accepting these statements accordingly as I have described them, I can only say. I am not one of those who might be inclined to interrupt the course of business in the present session. Having a clear and distinct statement from the noble lord.that it is his intention to deal with the question of Parliamentary reform, I shall not interfere with, his efforts by throwing any obstacle in his way. Such being the interpretation which I have placed upon the words of the noble lord, I thought it only right to state to this House, in plain and simple language, my view of the pledg,e which I believe he has given to us tonight."

The address was agreed. to flees. con.

In the House of Lords, the Address was moved by the Marquis of

TOWNSHEND, and seconded by the Earl of PORTSMOUTH.

There were two prominent points in the speech of Lord TOWNSHEND. He thought it necessary to refer to Lord Derby's speech at the close of the late session in order to remark that Lord Derby had used terms not fairly applicable to Lord Palmerston, when he said that Lord Palmerston had no fixed principles, and only a name, on which to go to the country. The result showed otherwise ; and the country decided that those men should hold office who had not repudiated officers serving their country thousands of miles away, and not those who were willing for the sake of office to degrade the British flag. With regard to the Queen's Speech, he regretted that it contained nothing on Parliamentary reform. The people have been long and patiently expecting some measure of reform ; and he had no doubt the noble lord at the head of the Government would propose a measure of reform quite as extensive as most of their Lordships desired, and perhaps a goad deal more so than some of them would like. (" Hear !" and a laugh.) He certainly thought, considering the progress of education among the people and their orderly and peaceable demeanour, that it would be most unjust to refuse an extension of the franchise because the subject had not been agitated in the country. The Ferl of MA_LHESBURY, lamenting the absence of Lord Derby, said he would make a vain attempt to fill his place. Be found nothing in the Speech either to provoke discussion or call forth an amendment. But Lord Townshend had introduced subjects wisely omitted from the Speech, such as Parliamentary reform and Church-rates. Either would raise a discussion. "However, the speech of the noble marquis was subsequent to the Speech of her Majesty; and it is the Speech of her Majesty alone which is to be looked upon as authentic in this House, and in respect to which the address is to be voted." Lord Malmesbury warmly took up the allusion to Lord Derby's speech, and strongly repudiated the charge that to gent office there were men who would degrade

the British flag. That was Lord Palmenton's language in his Tiverton address, and there is no precedent for language such as that over before proceeding from so high a source.

Earl GRANVILLE replied, that he thought Lord Palmerston's language had been misinterpreted : but even if his noble friend went beyond the ordinary bounds, it was Lord Derby who at the close of the session gave a very strong personal description of Lord Palmerston, not borne out by the facts.

Earl GREY said, he was always glad when the address to the Throne at the opening of a session could be agreed to without a division. Without anticipating future discussion, he would remind the House that there are' topics which must soon be brought under notice, and on which information should be afforded with the least delay. The Persian war was begun and concluded without any formal communication to Parliament : the papers were withheld because the production of them might dangerously affect negotiations ; but there is now no reason whatever why they should not be produced. Then the House is entitled to further information "with regard to this China business." What are our demands, and objects ? What are the views of the Government ? It has been vaguely declared that we are to have greater facilities for trade. "Now, my Lords I am not aware that we have not been in the full enjoyment of all the facilities for trade to which we were entitled by our treaty with China. In fact, I believe that much more than we had a right to has been tacitly ceded to us. We have been allowed to carry on our trade with fewer restrictions than those mentioned in the treaty, and on which the Chinese had a right to insist. I see also, that since the making of that treaty our trade has been carried on without any interruption or difficulty whatever, and has increased with almost marvellous rapidity to the great advantage, as I believe, both of China and of this country. I have always been under the impression that matters of trade were matters entirely to be determined by the mutual interests of the parties trading—that nations were at liberty to grant or withhold facilities for trade with their neighbours, or with other nations, entirely as it seemed best to them according to their own interests. I never heard that it was considered a cause of quarrel, for instance, with our powerful neighbours the French, that they imposed at one time a tariff so restrictive that the trade which might have been carried on to the immense benefit of ourselves and France, was reduced to insignificance by their restrictions. I never heard that it was considered wise to

l with France on that ground. And so with regard to Russia and various European countries. We know perfectly well that trade has been restricted in a most impolitic manner by these nations. I believe that the Chinese set an example in respect to the facilities they give to trade, which might be followed with advantage by civilized nations. They impose few onerous duties on the commodities of other countries ; and fewer unpediments are thrown by them in the way of commerce than by most European nations, and especially by ourselves—I take leave to say—up till a comparatively recent period." After defending the vote on the China question, and expressing his concurrence in Lord Malmesbury's strictures on Lord Palmerston, he censured those who stir up vindictive passions against the Chinese. Ile could not palliate their atrocities, he could only reprobate them ; but, in his opinion, the responsibility of their cruel and wicked acts lies with those who began, for no adequate object, the fearful contest of which these things are the natural issue. It is not becoming in Christiana to hold up the Chinese as a nation for whom indiscriminate slaughter is the proper treatment, because they committed great cruelties under strong provocation.

The Eard of ALBEMARLE pointed out the oniission of Parliamentary reform in the Speech. On that point Ministers had offered no explanation. Yet he understood that in another place the expectation had been held out that a good measure of Parliamentary reform, snd one that would satisfy those of their Lordshipe who are most anxious for it, would be introduced. This was a question which he was aware ought in that august assembly to be mentioned with bated breath and whispering humbleness ; but he trusted that the measure to be brought forward would be such as the majority of that House would with pleasure sanction.

No reply was offered, and the address was agreed to unanimously.