The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-03-21
The Queens speech to Parliament.

LONDON, March 19.-Parlament rea,sem-
bled to-day. Shortly after the opening the
members of the House of Commons were
summoned to the Chamber Of Peers to hear
the Queens speech. 1t is as follows:
My Lords and Gentlemen: recur to your
advice at the earliest period permitted by ar
raDgement consequent upon the retirement
OF the late administration. Our foreign rela-
tons continue most friendly, and shall not
fail to exercise the influence arising from
these cordial relations for the maintenance Of
European peace and the faithful observance
of international obligations. The marriage of
my son is at once q source Of happiness to
myself and a pledge OF friendship between
two great Empires.
The Ashantee war has terminated in the
capture and destruction of the capital, and
negotiations which, / trust, may lead to a
more satisfactory condition of affairs than
heretofore The courage, discipline, and en-.
durance of my forces, and the energy and
skill evinced in the conduct Of the eXpedi-
ton, has brilliantly maintained, under the
most trying circumstances, the Evolutionary
reputation of the British army.
deeply regret that the drought has at.
fected the most populous provinces Of an
Indian Empire, and produced extreme
scarcity-in some parts amounting to actual
famine-over an area Inhabited by many mil.
lions. I have directed the Governor-Gene-
raj Of India to spare no cost in Striving to
mitigate this terrible calamity.
Gentlemen Of the House OF Commons, the
estimates for expenditures during the COM
ing financial year will be forthwith submit
ted to you. My Lords and Gentlemen, the
DELAY and expense attending the transfer OF
land in England has long been felt to be a
reproach to our laws and serious obstacle
to dealings in real estate property. trust
measures which will now be submitted
for your consideration will be found cal
culated to remove much OF the eVli
which is complained of. You will proba-
bly be of the opinion that the rear-
rangement of the judicature, and the blend
Ing of the administration of law and equity,
which were effected in England by the enact
ment of the last session, ought to be extended
TO Ireland. You will be asked to devote
part of your time to the accomplishment Of
tins object. The greater part OF these
changes are applicable to tribunals in Scot
land, but you will be invited to consider the
most satisfactory mode Of bringing proce-
dure upon Scottish appeals into harmony
with recent legislation.
Among other measures relating specially
to Scottish interests, bill amending the
law relating to land rights and facilitating
the transfer Of land will be laid before you.
Serious differences have arisen and remon'
strances been made by large classes OF the
community as to the working OF the recent
act affecting the relationship between master
and servant, of the act of 1871, dealing with
offenses connected with trade and of the 10"
Of conspiracy. On these subjects am deslr-
Gus that, before attempting fresh legislation,
you should be in possession of all the material
facts and of the precise question in con-
troyersy. For this purpose have issued my
royal commission Of inquiry into the state
and working of the present laws with view
to their early amendment if found necessary.
A bill will be introduced dealing with such
parts of the act regulating the sale Of intox-
icatiBg liquors as have given rise to eQn-
plants and appear to deserve the inteffgr-
ence OF Parliament. 81
Your attention will also be directed to laws
affecting friendly provident societies. These
matters will require grave consideration. ]
pray the Almighty to guide your delibera-
tions. ,@.9s.rs W.. IA 1a:.. .,sss s,+