Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-02-25
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
FROM OUR LoNDo ON CORRESPONDENT
LONDON, FEBRUARY 2, 1854.

LONDON, FEBRUARY 2, 1854
The opening of Parliament has been undoubtedly
the great event of the week. The present session
will certainly be most important one 70 the civi-
LIKED world important in its discussions, its deve-
lopments, and its results. IL has commenced
auspiciously. The address was voted IN both
Houses without an attempt at any, even verbal,
amendment notwithstanding, seldom has any Ad-
ministration ever met Parliament under so heavy a
weight of accusation but it appears that vitupera
ton has exhausted ITSELF and calumny has nothing
more to do. Under all circumstances, and in the
presence Of all the accusations which have been
made the voting Of the address without an attempt
at amendment is justly considered as quasi vote
of confidence, and is almost guaranty that the
great Council of the nation, whilst discussing the
foreign interests Of the country, will not be dis
tracted with domestic party squabbles.
Her Majesty proceeded with the customary state
and ceremony from Buckingham Palace to West
minister, on Tuesday morning, to meet her loyal
Lords and her faithful Commons, probably never,
during her popular reign has large Of her
subjects assembled to greet her on her transit The
public appearance of her Majesty the signal for loyal
loud and most respectful GREETINGS but owing to the
which have been busiy circulated against the
PRINCE CoNsoRT these greetings not quite hearty
as they have been some former occasions.
At different parts Of the route Turks, dressed in their
national costume, who had to the procession,
we're received with most decided marks Of popular favor
As the carriage Of the Turkish Ambassador passed down
the Mall his Excellency most loudly cheercd. The
Russian Minister did not make his appearance. In no
part whatever of the did the marks Of dsap
probation Prince ALBERT any thing like pro-
minent character, and Had reports induced
more attentive watching for such manifestations, they
would probably have passed unnoticed The within
the House of Lords was more brilliant than usual The
Diplomatic corps assembled in great force The seats
assigned to them not sufficient for their
dation. The Diplomatic corps always their deco
raons upon these state occasions and their box present
ed blaze of stars, crosses, and ribands.
The following isthe Queens speech
NV Lords and Gentlemen! 4.
/ am always happy to meet you in Parliament, and
the present occasion it is with peculiar satisfaction that
recur to you for assistance and advice
The hopes which expressed at the close Of the last
session. that speedy settlement would be effected OF the
differences existing between Russia and the Ottoman
Porte have not been reazed and regret to say that
state of warfare has ensued have continued to act in
cordial cooperation with Emperor of the French and
my endeayors in conjunction with my allies to preserve
and restore peace between the contending parties, III
though hitherto unsuccessful, have been unremitting
will not fail to persevere in these endeavors but
the continuance Of the may deeply affect the inte
rests of this country and Of Europe think it requisite
make further augmentation of my naval and military
forces with the view Of supporting my representatives
and of eectuay contributing t, the restoration Of
peace. ...
gotaons which have taken place upon this subject shall
be communicated to you without delay
Gentlemen of The House of Commons:
The estimates of the year will be laid before you, and
trust that you will find their consistency with the ext
gences Of the public service at this juncture They
have been framed with due regard to economy
NV Lords and Gentlemen:
In the year just terminated the blessing of abun
dant harvest has been vouchaaed to by the dis
pensation of Providence the price Of provisions has been
enhanced and the prvatons of the poor increased but
their patience has been exemplary and the of the
legislature evnced by reduction Of the taxes affecting
the necessares of life has greatly tended to preserve the
spirit of contentment.
have the satisfaction Of announcing that the
merce the country is still prosperous that trade both
export and import has been largely the increase and
the revenue Of the year has been than ade
quate to the demands Of the public services.
recommend to your consideration bill which have
ordered be framed for opening the coasng trade OF
the United Kingdom the ships Of all friendly nations;
and look forward with satisfaction to the removal Of the
last legislative restriction the of foreign shipping
for the benefit of my people.
Communications have been addressed by my command
to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in reference
to improvements which it may be desirable to effect in
those institutions. These communications will be laid
before YOU and be proposed considers
ton with view give effect to such improvements The
establishments requisite for the conduct OF the civic SER
vice and arrangements bearing its condition have re-
laid before you which will have for its object to improve
the system of admission, and thereby increase the eff
cheney of the service. a.
Recent measures of legal reform have proved highly
beneficial and the which has attended them will
encourage you to proceed with further amendments.
Bills will be submitted to you for transmitting from &C.
ciesastical civil courts cognzance Of testamenary
and matrimonial causes, and for giving increased EN-
cheney to the superior courts of common law The laws
relating to the relief Of the poor have Of late undergone
much salutary amendment but there is one branch to
which earnestly direct attention The laws OF settle
ment impede the freedom of labor and this restraint
can with safety be relaxed workmen may be enabled to
increase the fruits of their industry and the interest OF
capital and labor be more firmly united Measures will
be submitted you for the amendment of the law
ating to the representation Of the commons in Para-
ment Recent experience has shown that is necessary
to take more cectua precautions against the evils Of
bribery and corrupt practices at elections 1t will also
be your duty to consider whether complete effect
NAV not be given the principles of former acts whereby
reforms were made in the representation of the people in
Parliament.
In recommending the subject to your consideration my
desire is to every of just complaint to in
crease the general confidence in the Legislature and give
additional stability the settled institutions Of the State
submit to your wisdom consideration Of these i'm
portant subjects and pray God to prosper your coun
sells and to guide your decisions
The greatest anxiety was evinced, especially by the
plomasts to hear the first sentence OF the speech but
the House of Commons at the bar were as usual tumu
tuously noisy. 1t was without some difficulty that
her Majesty made herself heard The Queen laid marked
stress and spoke in tone OF emphatic satisfaction of the
alliance with France She alluded, with great feeling
to the privaton which the poor have already endured
and THAR excnnnarv conduct.