Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-02-24
Great Britain.

Parliament was opened on the 31st ultimo.
The crowd was much greater than usual on the
ITO TO the House. and the Queen was greatly cheer
~ ~ but Prince Albert was occasionally Kissed The
Ggu'Lisb Minister and several Turks in the crowd
rvpre cordially cheered.
Tho House was unusually full of splendid costumes
t,t no members of the American delegation were
oont the master of the ceremonies having sent
pntCe that all the diplomatic corps must appear in
lui T6o following is the Queens speech:
NV Lords and Gentlemen Il am ALWAYS happy
j.. osct YOU in Parliament, and on the present occa-
.on it is with peculiar satisfaction that recur 10
Onr assistance and advice.
The hopes which ] expressed at the close of the
lat session that speedy settlement would be effec
J of the difference existing between Russia and the
ottoman Porte have not been realiZed and | regret
" saw that state of warfare has ensued have
finued to act in cordial Co operation with the En-
Doror of the French, and my endeavors in coniunc
lion with my allies to preserve and to restore peace
baween the contendlng parties although hitherto I'M
sTccessful, have been unremitng, will not fail TO
orse;ye in these endeaVOrS bEt as the continuance
F The war may deeply affect the interests of this
country and of Europe think it requisite to make
Fnrtbef augmentation ofmy naval and military forces
with the view of supporting my representatives, and
If more efectualy contributing to the restoration of
peace.
have desired that the papers explanatory of the
nominations which have taken place upon this sub
10
Gentlemen of the House of Commons The esi-
mates of the year will be laid before YOU and trust
that YOU will find their consistency with the exigen
cies of the public service at this juncture They
have been framed with due regard to economy
Nv Lords and Gentlemen In the year lust ter.
minated the blessing of an abundant harvest has not
been vouchsafed TO US by the dispensation of Prov-
dence The price Of provisions has been enhanced
and tn e prvation of the poor increased but their
patience has been exemplary and the care of the
legislature, evinCed by reduction of the taxes af-
fecng the necessaries of life, has greatly tended to
preserve the spirit of contentment
have the satisfaction of announcing that the
commerce of the country is still prosperous that
trade both export and import has been largely on
the increase and that the revenue of the past year
has been more than adequate TO the demands of the
public services recommend TO your consideration
a bill which have ordered to be framed for opening
the coasting trade of the United Kingdom to the
ships of all friendly nations, and look forward with
satisfaction to the removal of the last legislative re-
srCtOn OF the use of foreign shipping for the bene-
fit Of my people.
Communications have been addressed by my
command to the Universities of Oxford and Cam
bridge in reference to improvements which it may be
desirable to effect in those institutions Those com
muncaOns will be laid before you, and measures be
proposed for your consideration with n view of giving
effect TO such improvements
The establishments requisite for the conduct of the
Civic service, and arrangement bearing lis cOndi-
ton have recently been under review, and | shall
direct plan 10 be laid before you which will have
for its object to improve the system of admission, and
thereby increase the efficiency of the service.
Recent measures of legal reform had proved highly
beneficial and the success which has attended them
will encourage you to proceed with further amend
ments Bills will be submitted to you for transmit
ting from ecclesiastical to civil courts, cognizance of
teStamentary and matrimonial causes and for giving
increased efficiency 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 law of settlement impedes the free
dom Of labor, and if this restraint with safety
be relaxed wOrkmen may be enabled to increase the
fruits of their industry, and the interests of capital
and of labor be more firmly united.
Measures will be submitted TO you for the amend
of The law relating to the representation of the
Commons in Parliament. Recent experience has
shown that it is necessary to take eecual pre-
cautions against the evils of bribery and corrupt prac
tees at elections 1t will also be your duty to con-
slider whether complete effect may not be given
to the principles of former acts whereby reforms
made in the representation of the people in Par
lament
In recommending this subject to your consideration,
my desire is 10 every of Just complaint
oncrease the general confidence in the Legislature,
and give additional stability to settled institutions of
the State. | submit to your wisdom the considera-
hon OF these important subjects, and Ipray God to
prosper your cOunsels and to guide your decisions
debate ensued on the subject of the policy of the
Government, during the progress of the Eastern diff
hcuty. Various members of the Government dcfen-
ded their course but the debate elected nothing,
cePt that ali now awaited reply from ST. Peters
burg.
The reply to the Queens speech will be unanimous
IRON both Houses
The British army is 10 be Immediately increased by
1000 regulars and the Navy by $4,000.
The Queens proclamation is expected 10 be issued
TO enroll for the Navy and it is said to be in con-
temptation TO appoint a Special Minister of War
charged with the practical details of the Army and
Navy ordinance.
An order in Council continues the militia in train
ing during the present year,