The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-06 00:00:00

THE ROYAL SPEECH.

' The SNEAKER having road the Royal Speech (which
will be found in another column),
; Sir T. E. COLEBROOKE, member for Lanarkshire,
who was dressed in the uniform of a deputy-lieutenant,
rose to move an humble address to her Majesty, in
reply to her Majesty's most gracious address.
The hon. member referred particularly to the visit of the
Prince of Wales to Canada and the United States. The
manigkr in which his royal highness was received in
the Tormer was most gratifying, exhibiting as it
did so much loyalty in a colony which had
previously been disaffected, and some time since in a
state of actual rebellion. The manner in which his Royal
Highness was received in the United States was still more
gratifying and still more deeply interesting, and was
to be considered as a personal tribute to the
sovereign of these realms, and the policy which this country
had t ursued towards America. (Hear, hear.) He joined
in the expression of regret contained in the Royal Speech
relative to the dissensions that prevailed in that im-
portant continent, and hoped fervently that the
dangers which threatened the union of the provinces
might be shortly dispelled, and that a good understanding
might be restored. Tidying briefly adverted to the successes
in China, he referred to the events on the Continent of
Europe. With respect to France, he contended, that the
conduct pursued by the Emperor of that country was cal-
culated to inspire confidence in his pacific and friendly
intentions towards this country. In illustration of this
disposition he referred to the Treaty of Com-
merce and to the recent announcement of the
Emperor in the opening of the Chamber of Deputies.
Ile contended that there was quite sufficient in the conduct
of that illustrious individual to allay apprehensions
that were entertained and expressed in different quarters.
With respect to Italy, ho agreed fully with the policy of
non-intervention on the part of this country, but at
the same time, he considered that policy should not be
pushed to an extreme. He believed the feeling of the
country was with him in this respect, and that
no statesman would be able to maintain his position who
would not endeavour to secure for this country a due
influence in the councils of the countries of Europe,

without endangering the liberties in compromising the
in-
dependence of any European State. (Hear, hear.) With
respect to the omission of any reference to Parliantentary
Reform, there never was a period when greater difficulties
existed for the introduction of a comprehensive measure
of reform than at present ; and to show that it was not
imperatively required by the community, he alluded to the
absence of any expression of enthusiasm on the sub-
_

ject out of doors. While he concurred in the
desirability of retrenchment in the public expenditure,
still he was not so sanguine as to its practicability to any
considerable extent at present, taking into account the posi-
tion of foreign affairs. (Hear, hear.) The hon. member
concluded by reading the Address, which, as usual, was an
echo of the Royal Speech.
Mr. PAGET, member for Nottingham, who also wore
the uniform of a deputy-lieutenant, seconded the Address.
Ho alluded particularly to the Commercial Treaty with
France, which he believed would eventually realise
,the
predictions of t➢ose who were supporters of that treaty on
its introduction. He felt confident that it would be the
means of extending the trade of this country, and that
this step in the direction of free trade on the part of France
would promote materially the interests of the people of that
country. He referred to certain circumstances in connec-
tion with the commerce of this country to show
the benefits which free trade had already con-
ferred, and the advantages that might naturally be
inferred from measures calculated to developo it
still. further. With regard to the retrenchment of the
public expenditure when practicable, no doubt it was most
desirable, but he thought that these retrenchments would
best originate with the heads of the Government departments,
who must possess greater information on subjects on which
retrenchment could be judiciously and safely exercised.
Ho thought the proper course for private members to adopt
in respect to this matter would not be, as hereto-
fore, to throw obstacles in the way of Government,
but to render it all the assistance in carrying

out tho estimates they might from their
position be enabled to recommend for the adoption of the
house. In speaking, of this subject he alluded to
thCl' '441 444 ability displayed by the late NecroAry