The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-05-08 00:00:00

LAW OP LIBEL.

•Lord Campbell gave notice that
_to-morrow he would
move the appointment of a select committee to inquire
how far the privileges now enjoyed in respect to the
reports of the Courts of Law may be extended to the
r, ports of the proceedings of both Houses, of Parliament,
and other public meetings, and also a committee to in-
quire into the expediency of swearing witnesses before
the said committee, and not at the bar of the hoctie.
LThe Lord Chancellor then read the

QUEEN'S SPEECH.

MY LDRDS AND GENTLEMEN,

We are commanded to inform you that .Her
Majesty has availed herself of the earliest oppoitu•
pity of having recourse to your advice and assist-
tinea 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'iltitiimanded by Her Majesty to inform
you that the general aspect of affairs in Europe
affords a. well grounded confidence in the con-
tinuance of peace. All the main stipulations; of
the Treaty of Paris have been. carried into execu-
tion, and it is to be -hoped.that,- what remains to
be done in regard to, these matters, will be speedily
accomplished.
The negotiations upon the subject of the diffe
rences which had arisen between the King of
-PrOssia and the Swiss Confederation, in regard to
the affairs of Neufchatel, are drawing to a close,
and will, her'lTajesty trusts, be terminated by an
arrangement honourable and satisfactory to all
parties.
- _Thp,negotiations in which her. Majesty has been
engaged ',vith the Government, of the United States
andiwith 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 Majesty to 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 ArnbaSsador at Pai'ls
'And by the Ambassador of the Shah, and her Ma_
-sty will give directions that this treaty shall be
laid before you as soon as the ratifications thereof
SIIRII have been duly exehanged.
Her Majesty commands us to express to you
her regret that et the date of the latest advises from
China the differences which had arisen between
the High Commissioner at Canton and her Majes•
ty's civil and naval officers in China still remained
unadjusted ; but her Majesty has sent to China a
Vlenipoter:tilary fully instructed to deal with all
Matters of difference, and that Plenipotentiary will
be 'supported by an adequate naval and military
ftoce, in the event of such assistance becoming
necessary.
We are commanded to inform you that her Ma-
lesty, in conjunction 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 measure 'necessary
for fulfilling the engagements thereby contracted
to.be submitt3d for your consideration.
GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

Tier 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 commands us to recommend to your
earnest consideration measures which will be pro-
posed to you for the consolidation and improvement
of the law. Bills will be submitted to you for
improving the hAws relating to the Testamentary
and Matrimonial Jurisdiction, now exercised by
the Ect.!li!siastical Courts, and also for checking
frau'Aulent breaches of trust.

Her Majesty commands us to express to you her
heartfelt gratification at witnessing the continued
well being and contentment of her people and the
progressive developement of productive industry
throughout her dominions.
Her Majesty confidently commits to your wisdom
and care the inter,.sts of her empire, and fervently
prays that the blessing of Almighty God may be
vouchsafed to your deliberation, and may lead you
to conclusions, conducive to the objects of her
Majesty's constant solicitude, the welfare and hap-
pitiless of her loyal and faithful people.

Their lordships resumed their sitting at five o'clock.
THE ADDRESS TO THE SPEECH.

The Marquis of Townshend moved an address to the
crown, thanking her Majesty fer the speech. He expressed
regret at the observations made by the Earl of Derby at
the close of the last parliament, in reference to Lord
Palmerston, and contended that the triumphant verdict of
the country in his favour was an unequivocal decision that
Lord Palmerston should be in office rather than those who
aspired to it by the humiliation of the country
and the disavowal of the acts of representatives. He
could not but regret the state of affairs, at Naples, but h
thought there should be no interference by this country.
IWregard to the Canton affair, he hoped that before long
the Chinese would be brought to terms by the display of
the force sent out against them. Ho remarked upon the
absence of any reference to Parliamentary reform in the
Speech, and stated his opinion that the franchise should
be extended, and church rates more eqnitably adjusted,
dissenters being excluded from contributing. In conclu-
sten, he called upon their lordships to come to an unani-
mous vote upon the address.
Tne Earl of Portsmouth seconded the motion. He
alluded to ' the appreciation of the peace by Russia, as
shown by the development of her trade; and, referring
to, the Persian war, contended that the hostilities showed
Vie, bravery of European and native troops, while the
treaty showed the moderation of England.
The Eirl of Malmesbury regretted the absence of the
Chinese and Persian papers. but concurred in the address.
The Marquis of Clanricarde referred to and condemned
the anonymous attack upon General Ashburnham, the
Commander of the Chinese expedition.
2.1 ord Panmure joined in the condemnation.
The address was then unanimously adop ed.
,Lord Redesdale was re-appointel chairmen of commit-
tees.-and the standing orders were agreed to.
,The house adjourned at hllf-past seven till half-past
tPur•to-morrow (Friday)