New-York tribune., 1875-02-06
GENERAL FOREIGN NEWS.

OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.
SPEECH FROM TIE THRoHE-rIIE BRUSSELS Con-
FERENCE-wHY PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER NJ
GOTIATIoNs WERE NOT ENTERTAINED-oTHER
FOREIGN AND COLONIAL RELATIONS DOMESTIC
AFFAIRS - THE SPEECH CRITICISED IN BOTH
HOUSES.
LONDON Friday, Feb. 8. 1875.
Parliament Teassembled to-day. The Qnecn, in
her speech, says:
My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN MY relations with all
foreign powers friendly The peace OF Europe con
tinues unbrOken, and trust IL will remain 3d. shall
do my eDdeavors thereunto.
The conference Brussels on the usages Of has
been concluded. My Governments has carefully exam
ined the Of It's deliberations but considering the
Importance Of the principles involved, and the widely
divergent opinions therein expressed and the improba
bty OF their reconciliation, have refused proposals
for further negotiations.
The Serrano Government In Spain has ceased TO exist
and Prince Alfonso has called the throne. Tho
question OF recognizing him. IN concert with other
Powers, Is now before my Government and decision
will not be long delayed earnestly hope that peace
will he speedily restored that great but unfortunate
country.
Exertions for the suppression Of the East African
slave trade have been relaxed. confidently trust
they Will result In the cOmpeto extinction OF that
traffic. which is equally repugnant to humanity and in
furious to legitimate commerce.
The differences between CHINA and Japan, threat
eninG war, are now happily adjusted. have learned
with pleasure That my Minister at PcKing largely
instrumental In effecting this re cult.
The past year has been OF general prosperity and
progress throughout the colonies
The Gold Coast shows steady advance in tie cstab-
i5hment OF civil government; peace has been main
tanned and slavery abolished HencefOrw ard there will
be freedom there elsewhere. shall doubtless have
your concurrence in any which it shall be
N via audi IN gNC 10 NJ
native administration In Natal
An ample harvest has restored prosperity IN India. BY
the blessing OF Providence able TO entirely avert
the loss Of life which was apprehended from famine.
Gentlemen OF he House Of Commons, the inances
IN a'satisfactOTY condition.
Tho trade OF the country has somewhat fallen short,
but there has been general prosperity supported By
excellent harvest. Reductions OF taxation have led to
steady Increase tho consumption OF the necessares OF
life and such articles as contribute to the revenue
The Queen recommends the repeal of exceptional
statutes in relation to the peace of Ireland, and the
enactment of laws for the transfer of land and
tho reconstruction of the judicature She also
recommends the passage of acts for the improvement
of the dwolli 60 of the working classes for the
solidation of the sanitary laws to prevent the pol
luton of rivers, and for tue establishment of the
Office of Public Prosecutor.
In the House Of Lords tonight the address in
reply to the Queens speech was moved and sec
Onded.
Earl Granville remarked that the list of
measures proposed by the Government was meager
and thought that to leave the question of the
milton of King ALI open to parliamentary criti
cism, was unprecedented.
The Duke of Richmond replied that the Govern
ment would decide that question on lis own re-
sponsiblity.
In the House of Commons, during the debate on
the Address, the Marquis of Harrington said he
trusted that Alfonso would not be recognized as
King of Spain until there was some proof that he
would rule IN accordance with the wishes of his
people.
The Address was adopted in both Houses.