The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-02-10
Opening of Farlsamcnt--Address Of
Queen Victoria.

LONDON, Iebruary S.--The sessions OF
parliament were opened to-day. The
Queens speech was read by commission,
her Majesty excusing herself on account of
her recent indsposition.
The following is IN extended report Of
the Queens speech MS delivered by commits
sion:
Lords and Gentlemen, We have it in
command from her Majesty again to invite
You 10 resume your arduous duties, and to
express the regret of her Majesty that her
present indisposition has prevented her
from meeting you in person, as it had been
her intention to do.
bic public interest, friendly sentiments are
entertained in all quarters towards this
country, and these feelings her Majesty
cordially reciprocates. There is growing
disposition among nations to resort to the
good Offices of their allies in cases of inter
national difference. The conciliatory spirit
IN which several such cases have recently
hccn treated and determined encourage her
MaJesty's confidence in the maintainence
OF general tranquility. Papers will be
LAID before you with reference to the re-
cent occurrences in New Zealand.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons, -
Estimates for the approaching financial
year arc in forward state of preparation :;
they arc framed with q view, in the first
place, TO the effective maintenance of the
public establishments, and will impose o
diminished charge upon her Majcsty's sub
jects. The condition of the revenue has
answered the expectations formed in the
past session. Her aicsty trusts you will
DC disposed to carry into completion the
inquiry you last year instituted into the
mode OF conducting parliamentary and
municipal elections, and thus prepare ma
tcrials useful for carly legislation.
Lords and Gentlcmen,-It will be pro-
posed 10 amend the laws respecting the oc-
cupation and acquisition Of land in ireland
in manner adapted to the peculiar cir
cumStances Of that country, and calculated,
as her Majesty believes, to bring about i'm
proved relations Between the several classes
concerned in Irish agriculture, who col
lcctivc!y constitute the great bulk of the
people. These provisions, matured by your
impGrtiality and wisdom, as her Majesty
trusts, will tend to inspire among persons
with whom such sentiments may still be
wanting that steady confidence in the law,
and desire to render assistance in its effcc-
tive administration, which mark her Maies-
tvs subjects in general. This will aid in
consolidating the fabric of the empire.
We are further directed by her Majesty
to state that many other subjects of public
! importance appear to demand your care,
anu among them especially to inform you
bill has been prepared for the enlargement,
on Il comprehensive scale, of the means of
! t., ell of
engagement to the Government Of the
United States, q bill will hc proposed to you
for the purpose of defining the status of
subjects who are citizens Of foreign coun-
tries, and who may desire naturalization,
and Of aiding them in the statement of that
object. You will be invited TO consider
bills proposed in compliance with the report
of the commission on courts Of judicature,
for the improvement Of the constitution and
procedure of the superior tribunal, and of
the original appellate jurisdiction.
The question OF religious tests in the
universities and colleges Of Oxford and
Cambridge has been under discussion for
many years, and her Maiesty recommends
such legislative settlement Of tie questions
as may contribute to extend the useful
ness OF these great institutions, and heightcn
the respect with which they are justly re-
gardcd. Bills lave been prepared for cx-
tending the incidence OF rating and for
placing the collection OF large sums, 10
cally raised, for various purposes on SIM
pie and uniform rating.
Her Majesty likewise recommends you to
undertake m amendment to the laws which
regulate and grant licenses for the sale of
Gcr,ncnted and srirituous liquors. Mea-
sures will be brought under your considc-
ration facilitating the transfer of land i'll
cases intestary, amending the laws as to
disabilities Of members Of trade comblna-
tons, and for consolidating and improving
the BODY Of the statute which relates to
merchant shipping.
| While commencing to you these weighty
matters for legislation her Majesty COM
mands us to add that the recent extension
of agrarian crime in several parts of Ire
land. with its train OF accompanying events,
mas filled her Majesty with painful concern.
The Executive has employed freely the
means ut her command for the prevention
Of outrage, and partial improvement may
be observed.
Although the number of offences within
this class Of crime has been by no means so
great as at former periods, indisposition
to give evidence in aid Of the adminstra-
ton of justice has been alike remarkable
and injurious. For the removal Of such
evils her Majesty places main reliance on
the permanent operation Of a wise and ne
ccssary change in the laws. She will not
hesitate to recommend the adoption OF
special provisions should such policy ap-
pear during the session to be required by
tie paramount interests of peace and order.
Upon these and all other subjects her Ma
jcs,y prays that your. labors may be con-
stantly attended by the blessing Of God.
LONDON, February S.-Since the transfer
Of the telegraph lines to the Government
| - u ] L u. IL h.Ir,