The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-01-18
roREaGN rsrEEL.IaEyIcE.
.s Engfana.
OPENING OF pARLIaaEST-fHE QUEENS
SPEECH

IoSpoS, January Il. Parliament met to-
day. AS the Queen did not open the ses-
sion ii, person there was no State ceremo-
nial. and the proceedings were confined to
what usually takes place when the opening
ID by ROYAL commission. The weather was
very fine, being calm and exceptionally
mild.
The Queens speech states that she sum-
moned Parliament before the usual time OF
meeting in order that it might become ac-
auainted with the effort she has made to ter.
inmate the war, and that che might have Its
advice and assistance. She ulIudes to her
having declared her intention Of the out
break OF the war to observe neutrality in o
contest which she lamented, but failed to
prevent. so long as the interests OF her en-
.pire, as defined by her Government, were
not threatened. The Russian successes
convinced the Porte that it should endea-
yor to bring hoStilities to close. The
Sultan's Government accordingly addressed
to the neutral Powers, parties to the treaties
relating to Turkey, an appeal fortbeir good
offices. Ii did not, however, appear to ma
iority Of them that they could fully comply
with the request. and the Porte was 80 in
formed. The Porte then determined to
make separate appeal to her Government,
and she at once agreed to inquire of the
Car IL be would entertain peace overtures.
The Car, in reply, expressed his earnest
desire for peace, and stated his opinion rs
to the course which should be pursued to
obtain it. Upon this subject communica-
lions have taken place between the Govern
ments OF Russia and Turkey through her
good Offices, and she earnestly trusts they
NAV lead to termination OF the war, and
she will spare no efforts to promote that
result. Hitherto in the war neither Of
the belliecrants has infringed the condition
OF which her neutrality is founded, and
she willingly believes that both are DESTROYS
to respect them as far as lies in their
power. SO long as her conditions are
not infringed her attitude will continue
the same, but she cannot conceal
from herself that should hostilities be I'M
fortunately prolonged, some unexpected
occurrence may render it incumbent on her
to adopt measures OF precaution. Such
measures could not be etfectually taken
without adequate preparation, and she
trusts to her Pariament'S libcraiity to sup
ply the means which may be required for
that purpose. The papers on these affairs
will he forthwith laid before Parliament.
Her relations with all foreign Powers con-
tinue friendly. Her Majesty expresses her
thanks that the Indian famine is nearly
ended. She refers to the condition OF ma
tive affairs in South Africa, which has
caused her much anxiety. The troops
there have been reinforced, but she trusts
for a peaceable and satisfactory settlement
shortly of all differences. The estimate OF
the year will soon be presented to the House
Of Commons. Her Majesty. in conclusion,
details a number Of measures Of local
character that will be LAID before Parliament.
Germany.
B1sMARcK's RETURN TO BERLIN POSTPONED.
BERLIN, January 16.-rhc North German
Gazette says: although Prince Bis
marck three weeks ago expressed a
hope OF returning to Berlin about the ed
instant, bis subsequent illness, in conse-
quence OF which he has scarcely quilted his
bed, renders it impossible now for him to
fix any date for bis return"
INCREASED TAX on TOBACCO.
LONDON, january 16.-A special dispatch
to the Morning Post from Berlin says:
"The Government has finally determined
to submit to the Imperial Parliament
motion for an increase Of tax, and duty on
tobacco as the first step in agcncra reform
OF imperial taxation"