The record-union., 1895-08-16
Her Majesty's Address Read Be-
fore the British Parliament.
THE PEACE OF EUROPE NOT AT
PRESENT ENDANGERED.
Upon a Body of British Missiona-
ries ia China Have Been Reported
Anxiously Awaiting the Decision
of the Sultan in Regard to the Re-
forms in Armenia Suggested by the
Powers.

Powers.
LONDON, Aug. 15.-The House of Com
mons met at o'clock this afternoon. and
the mem bers were at once summoned by
the Usher of the Black Rod to the House
of Lords to hear the reading of the
Queens speech. The speech was as fol-
lows:
"1fy Lords and Gentlemen: Communi-
cations which / received from foreign
powers assure me OF the continuance OF
their good will. l am happy to say that
no international complication has arisen
in any quarter that is calculated to en-
danger the peace of Europe. The var
between China AMI Japan, which was in
progress at the end of the last session.
was brought to close by peace which
trust will be enduring. [ have observed
strict neutrality during the war, and
have not taken any action IN respect
thereto, except such as appeared likely to
be favorable to the termination of hOstlll-
ties.
81 deeply regret to say that most afro
cious Outrages upon body OF Engllsh
missionaries have been reported in the
p province OF Fukion. China. In reply to
an earnest representation addressed TO the
Chinese Government by my directions
active measures, which l trust will prove
effective, are being taken to punish the
murderers, and all who were IN any de-
gree responsible for these crimes.
International troubles which have
broken out in the Armenian districts or
Asiatic Turkey have been attended with
horrors which have moved the indigna-
ton or the Christian nations Of Europe
generally, my people especially. My
ambassador and the ambassadors Of the
En- peror of Russia and the President of
the French republic. acting together,
have suggested to the Government of the
Sultan the reforms which in their opin-
ion are necessary TO prevent recurrence
of constant disorder. These proposals
are now being considered by the Sultan.
I am enXiously awaiting his decision.
"Gentlemen Of the House of Commons,
the estimates for service for the year.
which were not voted by the last Parlia-
ment, will be laid before you. My Lords
and Gentlemen, at this season Of the year
it will probably be found more convent
ent to defer until another session con-
sideratIon of any important Legislative
matters, except those necessary to pro-
vide for administrative charge OF the
year."
The commission to read the Queens
speech consisted of: Lord Halsbury (the
Lord ChancellOr). the Duke of Portland.
the Earl of Latham, Viscount Cross and
Lord Balfour Of Burlelgh. All were at
tired in their scarlet and ermine robes of
Office. Lord Halsbury read the speech,
while Speaker Gulley and the members
of the House of Commons stood at the
bar. When the reading was concluded
the Speaker and the other mem bers of
the House of Commons returned to their
own chambers.
n Z
Marl borough moved the address in reply
to the Queens speech, which motion was
seconded by Lord Ampthill.
In the House of Commons Hon.
Twodehouse Leigh, Conservative, and
eldest son Of Lord Newton. moved the
address in reply to the Queens speech.
Newton was seconded by the new Con-
bert Robertson.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt, leader
of the Liberals in the House. said be
hoped the Armenian question would not
be allowed to sleep. He pressed the
for information as to their
regarding the Irish question.
Right Hon. A. j. Balfour, First Lord
of the Treasury, said tie Government
was doing its best to carry into effect the
policy regarding Armenia that had been
by the Liberals, but they must
guard anything suggestive Of a crusade
in which Moslems would be arrayed
against Christians. 1t did not appear to
be a certainty that legislation upon the
Irish land question should be had until
the next session Of Parliament.
Sir Charles Dixie reminded him that
the Chinese Government had always pro-
tested against the residence of mission
aries in the empire. and said that mission
aries certainly ought to conform in every
possible way to the customs Of the coun-
try, but he added, he feared that they did
not always do so.
John Redmond, the Psrnellite leader,
then moved the amendment to the ad-
dress in reply to the Queens speech, of
which he had previously given notice,
calling upon the Government to declare
its policy in regard to home rule for Ire
land, the reform of the land laws, the
purchase of land, evicted
tenants and the industrial condition of
the country.
John Dillon, speaking in support of
MIR. Redmond's amendment, contended
that the home rulers had returned to
Parliament stronger than ever, having
won from the Unionists two seats in Ire
land, where the national opinion had not
been altered by the English political revo-
luton. He admitted that there was an
ominous silence in America regarding
.he Irish question which he confessed he
lid not like. 1t was a sign, he said. that
,he mighty work effected by Parnell in
leading the people there to believe that
[reland's cause would be won by consti-
.utional agitation in Parliament had been
destroyed. He appealed to the Govern
nent to use their strength by showing
ustice.
Gerald W. Balfour, Chief Secretary for
Ireland, thanked the Irish mem ber5 who
lad spoken for their moderate language.
The Governments attitude toward home
.ule, he said. was and would continue to
)e one of unfiinching opposition. They |
could not Introduce land bill now,
owing to its necessarily controversial |
character. He did not regard a temporary
dill as desirable. The question regard |
ng evicted tenants, he declared, was not |
10 urgent as reported. Mr.. Dillon had /
that it was possible to frame
on-contentious bill in relation to the |
and the Government, Mr.. Bal |
our said, was prepared 10 consider such |
bill should one be submitted.
The statement of the Chief Secretary |
vas greeted with cheers from the Irish |
benches.
Continuing, Mr.. Balfour said regarding |
he other matters mentioned that the /
Government would fairly consider them, |
md If they were able to promote the |
of Ireland by the adoption of /
he measures proposed they would do SO.
Their desire was to remedy every legiti- !
nate grievance, regardless of creed or |
lass, aiming not only at just but a |
generous promotion OF the industrial anC |
material development of the country by |
lowing the seeds of future prosperity.
The conclusion of the Chief Secretary's /
.emarks provoked great cheering.
Timothy Harrington, in support of the |
referring to the attitude of |
he Liberal party toward home rule dur. |
ng the last session, said: They ran |!
way from IT,"
This provoked adverse comment from