Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-02-08
HCT0RIA's SPEECH.
Delivered at the Opening Of Parliament
Prince Leopold's Marriage
Egyptian Affairs. -
Local Self-GOyerpment for English and
Welsh COanties-The Condition
of ireland.


follows:
MY LORDS AND GENrLEsIEN-It is with
much satisfaction that / again invite your
advice and assistance in the conduct of public
affairs. have given my approval to the
marriage between Prince Leopold and the
Princess Helena, of Waldeck. 1 have every
reason to believe this will be a happy union.
| continue in relations of cordial harmony
with all foreign powers. The treaty for the
cession of Thessslly to Greece has now been
executed in its main provisions. The trans
fer of sovereignty and occupation was ef-
fected in a manner honorable to all con-
cerned. In concert with the president of the
French republic, have given careful atten-
ton to the
AFFAIRS OF EGYPT
where existing arrangements imposed on me
special obligations. / shall use my infiu-
euce to maintain the rights already estab-
lished, whether by hrmans OF the sultan OF
by the various International engagements, in
a spirit favorable to the good government Of
the country and the prudent development OF
its Institutions. / have pleasure in inform.
ing you that the restoration of peace beyond
the northwestern frontier, together with the
continued internal tranquility, plentiful
seasons and increase OF revenue has enabled
my government in India to resume the works
of public utility which has been suspended,
further improvement of the condition OF the
people.
THE CONVENTION WITH THE TRANsvAAL
has been ratified by representative assem-
bly,, and / have seen reason to qualify
my anticipations to its advantageous work
Jog. have, however, to urge that, although
hostilities have not been renewed in Basuto-
land, the country still remains unsettled.
Gentlemen OF the house of commons, the
estimates for the service of the year are in
an advanced state OF preparation, and will
be promptly submitted TO you. My lords,
my communications with France on the SUBJ
ject OF a commercial treaty have not been
closed. They will be prosecuted by me, as l
have already acquainted you, with the desire
to conclude a treaty favorable to extended
intercourse between the two nations, TO whose
close amity attach so great value.
THE TRADE OF THE COUNTRY,
both domestic and foreign, has for some
time been improving, and the mildness of
the winter has been emineEtly suited to
farming operations. Better prospects are, /
trust, thus opened for the classes imm ediately
concerned in agriculture. The public rev.
enue, which is greatly, though not always, at
once affected by the state of industry and
commerce, has not yet exhibited an upward
movement in proportion to their increased
activity.
THE CONDITION OF IRELAND
at this time, as compared with that which 1
described at the beginning of last year, shows
signs of Improvement, and encourages the
hope that perseverance in the course you
have pursued will be rewarded with the
happy results which are so much to be de-
sired. Justice has been administered with
greater efficacy, and intimidation, which has
been employed to deter occupiers of land
IL IL.
availing themselves OF the act of last session,
shows, upon the whole, diminished force.
My efforts, through the bounty of Provi-
dence, have been favored by an abundant
harvest in that portion of the kingdom.
In addition to the vigorous execution Of
the provisions OF the ordinary law, have not
hesitated, under the painful necessity of the
case to employ largely the exceptional
powers entrusted TO me for the protection OF
life and property by the two acts of last ses-
sion Yon will be invited to deal with pro-
posals for the establishment in English and
Welsh cOuntic~-eL local self-government,
which has SO long been enjoyed by the towns,
together with enlarged powers of administra-
ton and with the financial charges, which
will give you an opportunity of considering
both as TO town and county, what may be the
proper extent and most equitable and proyi-
dent form OF contribution from the imperial
taxes in tiTe-r va:s-
proposals, i'll SO far as they,,are financial, will
apply to s s.rr 80
THE WHOLE OF GREAT BRITAIN.
1t will be necessary to reserve the case of
Ireland for separate considerations, in con-
nection with the general subject of local adj
ministration. have directed measures to
be prepared and submitted to you for the re-
form of the ancient disquietude, the corpora
ton of London and for the extension of the
government to the metropolis at
large. The bills will again be laid before
you with which, during the last session, not
the length of its duIation and
your unwearied labors, it was found impos-
sible to be proceeded with. l refer particu-
larly to those concerning bankruptcy, the re-
preston of corrupt practices at elections and
the conservancy OF rivers and the prevention
of floods. Measures will also be proposed to
you with respect TO the criminal code and to
the consolidation and amendment of laws al
fecting patents. The interests OF some por-
tons OF the kingdom
HAVE SUFFERED PECUNIARLY
Of late years from the extreme pressure of
public business on your time and strength,
but trust that during this session you may
be able to consider the bills which will be
presented to you in relation to the law of
entail and OF educational endowment in
and to improve the means of educa-
ion in Wales. | command these and other
subjects with confidence to your care, and it
Is my earnest prayer that your wisdom and
energy may, under the blessing OF God, prove |
equal TO the varied and increasing needs of |
his extended empire.
The speech was read by Lord Selborne.
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