The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-02-09
THE QUEENS SPEECH.

THE QUEENS SPEECH.
The ministerial document which by popular
fiction of the British Constitution is known
as the Queens speech was read at the opening
of Parliament yesterday by Lord Cairns the
sovereign's absence being apologized for on
the plea of recent indisposition. The speech
sketches in general terms Mr.. Gladstone's
programme for the present session, without
committing him positively to any special
measure, although engaging to press upon
the attention of Parliament certain reforms.
The Queen at the commencement of her
speech finds cause for congratulation in the
fact that there is at the present time great
disposition among the nations to resort TO
the good offices of their allies in cases of in
ternational difficulties, which may perhaps be
considered as hint to the United States on
the Alabama business With regard
to that vexed question no direct
allusion is made, but her
Majesty remarks that friendly sentiments are
entertained towards England in all quarters,
ana that these feelings she cordially recipro-
Gates. All of which is very pleasant and con-
soling, and may be taken as an assurance that
England will not unnecessarily assume bel
ligerent attitude even towards the warlike
Winnipegers. One piece of good news is
conveyed to her Majestys faithful subjects
in the announcement that the financial esti-
mates for the approaching fiscal year are
framed with view of diminishing the charges
upon the taxpayers, the revenues having
answered all the expectations formed at the
commencement of the last session.
An important reform is delicately limited
at, rather than openly insisted upon, when
the Queen says to the House of Commons
that she trusts that they will be disposed
to. carry to completion the inquiry insti-
tuted by them last year into the mode of con-
Quoting Parliamentary and municipal cleo
tions, and thus prepare material useful for
future legislation. If the House of Commons
carries out this suggestion in good faith, it
cannot fail to collect plenty of material for
legislation, as the open and avowed corrup
ton of the English elections is one of the
greatest scandals that the country has to
suffer under. The rascality that sometimes
rules at our elections, to the disgust of all
decent citizens, is but faint shadow of the
iniquity that brings discredit upon the Eng
lish system.
With regard to Ireland the speech is very
indefinite, and it is merely stated that pro-
position of some sort will be introduced re-
specting the occupation and acquisition of
land in Ireland in manner suited to the
peculiar circumstances of that country, and
which her Majesty believes will be calculated
to bring about improved relations between
the several classes concerned in Irish agricul-
ture, who collectively constitute the bulk of
the people. Allusion is made to the recent
extension of agrarian crime in Ireland, and
| for the removal of these and other evils a
main reliance is placed upon wise and neces-
sary changes in the laws.
| 1t is announced that, in fulflment of an en-
gagement with the United States, bill will
be proposed for the purpose of defining the
status of subjects who are citizens of foreign
countries, and who may desire naturalization,
and of aiding them in the attainment of that
object. This is a measure that has been de-
cided upon as necessary and expedient by all
parties, and there is therefore fair expecta-
ton that the present session of Parliament
will see the destruction of the hme-honored
but ridiculous and troublesome British prin-
ciple of 'once subject always a subject"
Her Majesty recommends the Legislative
settlement of the question of religious tests
in the universities of Oxford and Cambridge,
and presses upon the attention of Parliament
other matters of various degrees of impor-
tance. The speech contains few if any ex-
press promises but it indicates that MIR. Glad
stone intends to press for the adoption of
those reforms that are apparently most
needed, and if he succeeds in accomplishing
all the work that is laid out for him in the
Queens speech, he will have the satisfaction
of knowing that he has done more for the
permanent benefit of the country than almost
any Minister that has ever held the reins OF
power af.