The Portland daily press., 1878-01-18
ENGLAND.
The Queens Speech at Opening Parlia-



ment.
LONDON, Jan. 17.-Parliament met to-day
AS the Queen did not appear at the session
there was no state ceremonial.
Line queens speech states that she sun
moned Parliament before the usual time, tina
Il might become acquainted with the effort,
she has made 10 terminate the war, and that
she might have its advice and assistance.
Sne alluded to her having declared her 10.
tention at the outbreak of the war to preserve
neutrality in contest which she lamented, bul
Iailed TO prevent SO long as the interests oil
her empire were not threatened
The Russian successes had convinced the
Forte that it should endeavor to briag hostlities
to close. The Sultan's government had &C
cordingly addressed to the neutral powers
parties to treaties relating to Turkey, an appea
for their good offices. 1t did not. however
appear to majority of them that they could
usefully comply with the request and the Porte
was so informed. The Porte then determined
TO make separate appeal to her government
and she at once agreed to inquire, of the Gar
whet6er be would entertain peace overtures
The Gar in reply expressed an earnest desire
for peace, and stated his opinion as to the
course which should bs pursued to obtain it
upon this subject communications have taken
place between Russia and Turkey through he
good offices, and she earnestly trusts they NAV
lead 10 inc termination of the war. She viii
spare no effort to promote that result
Hitherto in the war, neither of the belliger
ents has 1nfringed the conditions on which hel
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 contracts
are not infringed her attitude will remain the
same; but she cannot conceal from herself that
should hostility be unfortu nately prolonge d
some unexpected occurrence NAV render it in.
cum Dent on her to adopt measures of precan-
lion. such measures could not be effectpally
taken without adequate preparations. and she
TRUSTS her ParlIamaDf'a
the means required for that purpose. The pa.
pers on these affairs will be forthwith laid he.
lore Parliament. Her relations with all for.
elgn powers continue friendly.
Her Majesty expresses her thanks that the
india famine has nearly ended The condition
OF native affairs in South Africa has caused
her some anxiety. The troops there have been
reinforced, but she trusts for a peaceable and
satisfactory settlement shortly of all differ
ences. The estimates 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 he laid
before Parliament
In the House of Commons this evening in
the debate on the address 10 reply to the
Queens speech Marquis of Huntington repeat-
ed tne accusation that the government wilfully
assumed association of isolation. 1t was moi
clear whether the governments appeal to the
lloerality OF Parliament was immediate or con-
tIngent on the further prosecution of the war.
There were grave objections to such a vote
Inc reasons given tor it in the royal speech
were so vague that it seemed either as il the
government knew what the unexpected recur-
renee they mentioned was and wished to bring
1t Oh, or were tempting the Turks to further
resistance.
Sir Stafford Northcote complained Of the on
poslllons persistent Misrepresentation of the
eminent had fixed determination to 90 to war
on behalf of Turkey. As regards their AL
legged isolation England was in the same posi-
ton as other neutral powers and would speak
out when 1t was deemed necessary. Govern.
ment did not know what the Russian proDosaIs
for pace would be-. They had at present no
proposals to make themselves. If the Russian
proposals IN any way affected the arrapge
ments between the European powers thew
must ~ receive the assent of those pow
OF considerable delicscy and anxiety
Ihey had no proposals to make at present bat
thought it right to say it might become their
unty 10 put themselves in a position to enable
Inem to take necessary precautions. They
were as anxious as any one to avoid the horrors
oWar ana stop the present conflict, but at the
same time they believed that now was the time
when by proper action they could prevent fur
Iher embodiment The government had no
secret intention but could not hope for success
lnless they had a proper support Of parlia-
nent.
Gladstone asked if he rightly understood that
me government had no proposals to make in
egard to grant until they knew the Russian
condition.
Northcote replied in the affirmative.
Gladstone was glad to hear that. He could
lot complain of the warning that the oovern.
nent might have to ask grant, but thoupht
hat nothing yet was known justifying such a
emand.
Mitchell Henry moved an amendment to tia
ddress praying an examination into Irish
rievances.
After some further discussion the debate was
djourned. ""'