Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-02-11
The Queens Speech at the Opening Of British
Parliament

faTlldnShk'
Ny Lords and Geatiemen:-
1t is with great satisfaction that again
meet you in Parliament and have recourse
to your assistance and advice.
My relations with foreign powers contin-
ne to be on a friendly and satisfactory foot
ing.
At the close of the last session, ! informed
YOU that overtures had been made to me, TO
ascertain whether if Conference should be
held by the Great Powers Of Europe, Tor the
purpose Of settling arrangements connected
with the present state and future condition
of Italy, Plenipotentiary would be sent bJ
me TO assist ut such Conference nave
since received formal invitation from the
Emperor Of Austria aud from the Emperor
of the French, to send a Plenipotentiary to .
Congress to consist of the representatives 81
the eight Powers who were parties to the
Treaties of Vienna of 1915, the objects Of
such Congress being stated to be to receive
communication of the treaties concluded ut
Zurich, and to deliberate, associating with
the aforementioned Powers, the Courts 81
Rome, of Sardinia, and Of the Two SlcllleS,
on the means best adopted for the pacitca-
ton Of Italy, and for placing its prosperity
on a solid and durable basis.
DESTROYS at all times, to concur n pro-
ceedingS having for their object the malnte-
nance of peace | accepted the invitation,
but, at the same time, | made known that IN
such Congress ! should stoadfastly main
tain the principle that no external force
should be employed to impose upon the peo-
pie of Italy any particular government Or
constitution.
Circumstances have arisen which have led
to postponement of the Congress- without
any day having been fixed for its meetlng
but, whether in Congress OF IN separate nego-
tiation, shall endcayor to obtain for the
people of Italy freedom from foreign inter
ference by force Of arms in their internal
concerns: and trust that the affairs Of the
Italian Peninsula may be peacefully and
satisfactorily settled.
am in communication with the Emperor
of the French, with view to extend the
commercial intercourse between the two
countries, and thus to draw still closer the
bonds of friendly alliance between them.
A dispute having arisen between SPAN
and Morocco | endeayored by friendly means
to prevent rupture, but ! regret TO say
without success.
Ny Plenipotentiary and the Plenlpoten-
tiary of the Emperor Of the French, having,
in obedience to their instructions, proceeded
to the mouth of the Peiho river, in order to
repair to Pekn, to exchange i'll that city the
ratification Of the treaty Of Tien-tsn, ~
pursuance of the 10th article Of that treaty,
their further progress was opposed by force,
and conflict took place between the Chinese
forts at the mouth Of the river and the naval
forces by which the Plenpotentiaries were
escorted.
The allied forces displayed on thisoccaslon
their usual bravery but, after sustaining
severe loss, were compelled to retire.
am preparing, in concert and co-opera-
ton with the Emperor Of the French, an ex-
petition intended to obtain redress and
fufilment Of the stipulations Of the treaty 81
Tien-tsin.
It will be gratifying u me il the prompt
acquiescence Of the Emperor 81 China "a the
moderate demands which will be made by
the Penipotentaries, shall obyiatc The ne
cessity for the employment Ut force.
An unauthorized proceeding by an oihcer
of the nited States, in regard to the Island
of San Juan, between Vancouver Island
and the main land might have led to q seri-
Gus collision between my forces and those OF
the United States. Such collision, however,
has been prevented by the judicious tOrbear-
ance of my naval and civil officers On the
spot, and BY the equitable and conclliatory
provisional arrangement proposed % this
matter by the government u the United
States.
trust that tile question of boundary, ont
Of which this affair has arisen, may be amt
cably settled IN q manner cOntormabIe with
the Just rights Of the two countries, a. de-
fined by the first article Of tile treaty Of 1916.
The last embers If disturbance in ny
East Indian dominons have been extin-
gushed Ny Niceroy has made peace
full progress through the districts which
had been the principal scene Of dlSor.
der, and by a iudicious combination u
firmness and generosity, my authority
has been everywhere solidly, and ! trust
permanently, established. | have received
from my Yiceroy the most gratifying &C.
count Of the loyalty Of my Indian subjects,
and of the GOOD feeling eyincod by tie ma
tive chiefs and the great landowners ~ the
country. The attention Of the Government
in India has been directed t. the develop
ment Of the internal resources Of the country,
and ! am glad 10 inform you that IN in-
proyement has taken place IN rs financial
prospects.
| have concluded treaty with the Tycoon
of Japan, and, q treaty regarding bOunda-
ries with the republic Of Guatemala.
Gentlemen ofthe House cf Commons
| have directed the estimates for the en-
suing year to be laid before you. They have
been prepared with view to place the mil
itary and naval services, and the detences
Of the country, upon an efficient footing.
am glad to be able to inform you that
the public revenue is ii . satisfactory condi.
ton.
M Lords and Gemicmen:-
have accepted with qualification and
pride, the extensive offers Of voluntary ser
vice which / have received from my subjects.
This manifestation Of public spirit has added
an important element to our system Of ma
tional defence.
Measures will be laid before you for
amending the laws which regulate the rep
resentatiop of the people in Parliament and
for placing that Representations upon .
\ broader and frmer basis.
/ earnestly recommend you 70 resume your
labors for the improvement at our iurispru
dence, particularly in regard % bankruptcy
the transfer Of land, the consolidation 80 the
statutes, and such 4 further fusion oi law and
| anr;t,, a. nv Ia naraSsarv tn insure that in