Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-01-10
From Enplaud.

Parliament was opened by the Queen on the
| 18th of December. The interior of the House
of Lords was unusually brilliant. A strong
| force of the corps diplomatique was present,
! in their array of uniforms, stars, collars, and
| ribbons. Mr.. Buchanan attended in citizen s
costume.
With the ceremonies thst have been handed
down from medieval times-with a gorgeous
procession of heralds, pursuivants, pages and
serving men, lords. and ladies bright-all as
hundred times described by the pens of tour
lists and others, whose business it is to be
graphic-the Queen entered the house. OF
course, all rose. Then Her Majesty husband,
Prince Albert, who, by-the-way, is becoming
rather stout, and slightly bald, as a respecta-
bic English pater fanlilias usually is-gave his
hand to his royal wife, and led her to the
throne. Her Ministers grouped themselves
around in imposing attitudes. Sir Augustus
Clifford, the Usher of the Black cd was dis
patched to summon "Her Majesty's Faithful
''Commons; - and in a few minutes that tu-
multuous, but respectable body came crowd
ing in, and took their places outside the fence.
or bar of the House. The manuscript Of her
speech was then placed in her hands, and
with clear, audible voice-Her Majesty is
noted for her pleasing intonation-the Queen
read the following: aa
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN: I have called you
together at this unusual period of the year in order
that, by your assistance, may take such measures
as viii enable me to prosecute the great war in
which We are engaged with the utmost vigor and
effect. This assistance [ know will be readily
given, for / cannot doubt that you share my con-
victon of the necessity of sparng effort to aug
ment my forces now engaged in the Crimea. The
exertions they have made, and the victories they
have won, are not exceeded in the brightest pages
of our history, and have filled me with admiration
and gratitude.
The hearty and efficient cooperation of the
brave troops of my ally, the Emperor of the
French, and the glory acquired in common, can
not fail TO cement still more closely the union
which happily subsists between the two nations
1t is with satisfaction inform you that, togeth
with the Emperor of the French. I have CON
cluded treaty of alliance with the Emperor of
Austria, from which L anticipate important adyan-
tageS to the common cause
Il have also concluded treaty with the United
States of America, by which subjects of long and
difficult discussion have been equitaby djusted.
"These treaties viii be laid before you.
'Although the prosecution of the will natur-
ally engage your chief attention | trust that 9th
er matters of great interest and Importance to the
general welfare will not be neglected acs
81 rejoice to observe that the general prosperity
of my subjects remains uninterrupted. The state
of the revenue affords me entire satisfaction
and 1 trust that by your wisdom and pru-
dence you will continue to promote the pro-
gress of agriculture, commerce and manufactures
"Gent1emem o fthe House of Commons: In the
estimates which will be presented to you'll trust
you viii find ample provision has been made for
the exigencies of the public service.
my Lor1S a1td Gentlen,eM: | rely with conf
dence on your patriotism and public spirit. I feel
assured that in the 1nomentoils contest in which
we engaged you will exhibit to the world the
example of united people. Thus shall we OBJ
tain the respect of other nations, and may trust
that ~ the blessing of God, we shall bring the
war to a successful termination,
The Queen haviHg delivered her speech rose,
and giving her hand to Prince Albert left the
house The brilliant Assem- bly, then dispersed.