The Sun.
London, England, 1844-02-02 00:00:00

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LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1844.

The Speech from the Throne requires little comment.
It is, like most of its late predecessors, vague and gene-
ral, stating what nearly all knew or all agreed in. The
amicable relations of England and France, the general
peace of the world, the treaty with China, and the libe-
ral conduct of the British Government in claiming no
exclusive advantages, after an event of which this
country has so much reason to be proud, were matters
of history before the speech was pronounced. The
same may be said of the paragraphs which refer to
Ireland, in which her MAJESTY repeats her former de-
termination to maintain inviolate the legislative union
between the two countries, and her earnest desire to
adopt measures which may tend to improve the social
condition of the sister country. The only parts of the
speech that convey any information have reference to the
occupation of land and the state of the registra-
tion in Ireland, the renewal of the Bank char-
ter, and the annexation of Sinde to llindostan•
In these paragraphs are involved matters of great im-
portance. The Reform Bill, Sir ROBERT PEEL has re-
peatedly said, is a final measure, and must not be inter-
fered with ; but from the speech of the QUEEN, we are
glad to find it is not a final measure, and very
important alterations are to take place : First of all,
in Ireland, the mode of registering voters is
to be placed on a new footing, and the
extension of the county franchise is considered ad-
visable. This is the reverse of finality, and we welcome
the announcement with heartfelt joy, because it puts an
end to the finality crochets of Lord JOHN RUSSELL and
Sir ROBERT PEEL. The QUEEN admits the Reform
Bill is not perfect ; it requires amendment, and in this
sentiment all Reformers will cordially concur. Govern-
ment itself have put in the sharp end of the wedge; and if the
people do their duty, they will follow the good example,
drive it to the head, and ensure a full and free repre-
sentation of all classes. The Tories, after all, ire the
best Reformers. Ten words from WELLINGTON, in
1830, decided the fate of Parliamentary Reform; and
two lines put into the royal speech by Sir R. PEEL
have smothered " finality." Could any reasonable
Liberal desire more from men who boast that they are
not given to change? The Bank Charter is a fruitful
subject for meditation, and we are glad to find that the
Prime Minister considers it advisable that the state of
the law with regard to the privileges of that establish-
ment, and other banking establishments, should be fully
discussed. This opens a wide field, extending from
the golden year 1819, to 1844, including a period when
the Bank of England was saved from a second stoppage
of cash payments only by pledging its assets
to borrow money from France. Could there be a bet-
ter proof that the currency of the country is exposed'
by the present system, and by the baneful operation of
the sliding scale, to the most dangerous convulsions ?
These are gratifying announcements in the royal
speech ; but they are far surpassed by her MAJESTY'S
cordial approbation of the conduct of our gallant coun-
trymen and auxiliaries in a territory just added to the
British possessions in the East. Sir CHARLES NAPIER
has had to wait long for the prize he regarded above all
others—the congratulation of his Sovereign for the
faithful performance of an anxious and embarrassing
duty ; and he has obtained it, with full interest, at last.
"The hostilities," says her MAJESTY, " which took place
during the past year in Sinde, have led to the annexation
of a considerable portion of that country to the British
possessions in the East. In all the military operations,
and especially in the'battl es of Meanee and Hyderabad,
the constancy and the valour of the troops, Native and
European, and the skill and gallantry of their distin-
guished Commander, have been most conspicuous." We
are glad the Government have spoken out on this im-
portant measure, and have shown a determination to
fortify Hindustan against the barbarians of the West,
and make the Indus a highway for British commerce
and British troops. Next to the opening of the trade

with China, it is the most important event o:

the present day ; and the ultimate result
will only add •to the laurels already gained
by the man whom the SOVEREIGN is pleasQd to
call a " distinguished Commander," and amply atone
for Lord ELLENBOROUGH'S songs of triumph, and his
enthusiastic advocation of the sandal-wood gates of
Somnauth. Net a word is said in the speech about the
corn-laws, or other topics that have agitated the
country during the prorogation of Parliament, but this
circumstance will not prevent Mr. ConnEN and the advo-
cates of free trade from doing their duty.

Parliament opened yesterday with the usual cere-
monies. The speech of her MAJESTY, on which we
have made some remarks in the preceding article, will
be found in the report of the proceedings in the House
of Lords. Lord ELDON moved the address, which, as
usual, was in accordance with the speech from the
throne, while, at the same time, his Lordship made some
remarks on the blessings which the Church had con-
ferred on the country, and paid a high compliment to a
Puseyite clergyman, Dr. HOOK, of Leeds, for giving up
one half of his income, in order that every poor man
might have his pastor, and every poor child his school.
He concluded by adverting to the melancholy duel
between Colonel FAwcErr and Lieut. MUNRO, and ex-
pressed a hope that measures might be adopted to
prevent the recurrence of such a calamity. Lord HILL,
in a very brief speech, seconded the address.
The Marquis of NORMANDY followed. His speech
chiefly referred to the state of Ireland, to the ignorance
of Englishmen respecting the affairs of that country,
and the ardent attachment ho felt for the people. He
also adverted to the affairs of Sinde, paid a high com-
pliment to Sir CHARLES NAPIER and Colonel PENNE-
FATHER, congratulated the country on the good under-
standing which existed between England and France;
and intimated that, on a future occasion, he might call
the attention of their Lordships to the present state of
Ireland.
Lord BROUGHAM expressed great satisfaction that
the speech contained nothing from beginning to end
but congratulation. He refrained under present cir-
cumstances front adverting to the state of Ireland, but
trusted that Parliament would do its duty should the
law be found insufficient to maintain the present union
with that country. He trusted at the same time that
the Government would show a parental and kindly
feeling to the peotle of that country, and use rather