The Sun.
London, England, 1868-08-01 00:00:00

LOX DON, SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1868.

The QUEEN'S Speech i 3 generally made the.sub-
ject of criticism of no very complimentary charm-
ter, and the various sentiments are twisted and
turned to suit the purposes of different writers ; but,
on the present occasion, there is really not much
to find fault with in its construction, and if it is
short, it is also much to the point, and most em-
phatic. It is true that the Session which has just
closed has not been one of long duration, but it has
nevertheless been most fatiguing, and in releasing
both Houses from their duties, her MAJESTY offers
acknowledgments for the diligence which has been
shown in the discharge of the various duties im-
posed on the Legislators. Certainly the work has
been hard, because of the haste in which it was at
last performed, and the numerous party contests
and trials of strength whicli were made were in
themselves calculated to render the year irksome
and the debates overpowering. Respecting foreign
affairs all is tranquil, and reference may be
made to them with the more significance just now,
because the present Government has been particu-
larly fortunate in dealing with them, and the influ-
ence which this country ought undoubtedly to exer-
cise in the affairs of Europe has been in a great
degree restored during their tenure of office. The
House was informed at the commencement of the
Session that an expedition had been sent to Abys-
sinia for the purpose of liberating the Envoy and
others of her subjects, who were detained in an unjust
captivity. In referring to that subject, her MA-
JESTY felt convinced that her Parliament will share
with her in the satisfaction experienced at the com-
plete success which has attended the affair. The
strong place of Magdala has been taken, and the
honour of the Crown been vindicated by the freeing
of the captives, while no acts of oppression or of
needless violence have taken place that might have
detracted from the character of the expedition, or
compromised its claim to serve the cause of hu-
manity.

The paragraph relating to Ireland is most satis-
factory, and we learn that the cessation of rebellious
efforts in that country has rendered it unnecessary
for some time for the Executive to use the excep-
tional powers entrusted to them. At the present
time there is no person detained under the provi-
sions of the Act for the Suspension of the Habeas
Corpus, and no prisoner is awaiting his trial in
Ireland for an offence connected with the Fenian
conspiracy. Her MAJESTY notifies the pleasare
with which she has given her assent to a series of
measures, completing the great work of the amend-
ment of the representation of the people iu Parliament,
which for the two sessions has engaged the attention
of the Legislature. When we remember the many
occasions on which reference was made iu Royal
Speeches to the question of Reform, it is indeed a
satisfaction to think that it is possible for the
SOVEREIGN to signify to Parliament the justifica-
tion she experiences at the consummation of the
work. The time which has been unavoidably taken
up by the consideration of this comprehensive sub-
ject has not, however, prevented the two Houses
from dealing with other questions of great public
interest, and the Royal sanction has been given to
many bills that are of a comprehensive character,
and intimately concern the progress and prosperity
of the country ; among these may be mentioned
the Public Schools Bill, the regulation of rail-
ways, the acquisition and maintenance of
electric telegraphs by the Postmaster-Gene-
ral, the amendment of the law relating to
British Sea Fisheries, and some important
measures relating to the improvement of the law,
and of the civil and criminal procedures in Scot-
land. The appointment of a Comptroller-in-Chief
in the 'War-office will effect a great reform in the
army administration, and far more efficiency and
economy at home and abroad will be brought about
by the combination of the departments of military
supply under one authority.
In the concluding paragraph her MAJESTY in-
forms the House that it is her intention to dissolve

I'arliatnent ou the earliest possible day that will
enable the people to reap the benefit of the extended
system of representation which has been given to
them by tha wisdom of Parliament. Her MAJESTY
looks with " entire confidence" to their proving
themselves worthy of the high privilege with which
they have been invested, and trusts that
under the blessing of PROVIDENCE their expression
of opinion " on those great questions of public

policy which have occupied the attention of Varna-
ment, and remain undecided, may tend to maintain
unimpaired that civil and religious freedom which
has been secured to all her subjects by the institu-
tions and settlement of her realm." Under the pe-
culiar circumstances of the case this was sufficient
reference to make to the disputed topic of the Ses-
sion introduced by Mr. GLADSTONE, and followed
by a controversy of so bitter and irritating a cha-
racter. Parliament has been prorogued until
Thursday, the Bth of October. The House of Lords
has worked unusually hard this session, having
sat in all ninety-six days. In the House
of Commons little of note took place
during the period when the members
awaited the summons to the House of Lords to hear
the Speech from the Throne. Mr. REARDEN moved
for leave to bring in a bill to secure the repeal of
the Union with Ireland, but finding no seconder
to the motion he did not make much progress
Lord STANLEY replied to some questions relative to
foreign affairs, and informed Mr. OTWAY that the
report was unfounded which declarad that an
offensive and defensive alliance had been projected
between France, Belgium, and Holland for pur-
poses hostile to Prussia and Germany. The House
separated after an exciting session, but not to enjoy
the repose that generally belongs to this season of
the year, for we are on the eve of important
changes, and a momentous occasion will call forth
the energies of the representatives and the con-
stituencies, so that this autumn will be an eventful