Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-20
HER MAJESTY'S ADDRESS
To MiIords and Gentlemen of
Parliament.
SHE IS WELL PLEASED
With The Treaty With Uncle Sam on General
Arbitration.
TURKEY AND INDIA ARE REVIEWED
The Massacres of the One and Plaques of
the Other Discussed-An Unusual At
tendance at the Opening
of Parliament
TURKEY AND INDIA ARE REVIEWED

London, Jan. 19.-Parliament reassem-
bled today and the members of the house
of commons as usual proceeded to the
house of lords to hear the reading of the
queens speech, which was read by the
lord chancellor, as follows:
My Lords and Gentlemen:-My rela-
lions with all of the other powers con-
tinue to be of a friendly character. The
appalling massacres which have taken
place in Constantinople and other parts
of the Ottoman dominions have called
the special attention of the powers
signatory to the treaty of Paris. The
papers will be laid before you showing
the considerations which induced the
powers to make the present condition of
the Ottoman empire the subject of
special consulta lion by the representa-
tlVeS OF the powers at Cons tantinople.
The conferences of the six ambassadors
to the porte are still proceeding.
The action undertaken by the kedive
of Egypt against the khallfa, with my
approval and assistance, has been entire
ly. successful. His forces supported by
my officers and troops have won back the
fertile provinces of Dongola to civliZa-
ton by operations which were con-
Quoted with remarkable skill and the way
has been opened for a further advance
whenever such step is judged to be de-
sra bic.
Ny government has discussed with the
United States as q friend of Venezuela
the terms under which the pending ques-
tons OF the dispute in the frontier be-
tween that republic and British Guiana
may be equitably submitted to arbitra-
ton. Arrangements have been arrived
at with that government which Will,
trust, effect an adjustment of the exist
ing controversies without exposing to
risk the interests of any colonists who
have established rights in the disputed
territory.
1t is with much qualification that I
have concluded a treaty for general ar
filtration with the President OF the United
States, by which l trust that all differ
ences that may arise between us may be
peacefully adjusted. l hope that this
arrangement may have further value
in commenting to other powers the con-
sideration of the principle by which the
danger of war may be notably abated
The rebellion in 'Matabeleland and Ma
shonaland has been represSed by the
steadfastness and courage of the settlers
reinfoced by my troops and volunteers
both of the English and Dutch races
deplore the loss of valuable lives which
these operations have entailed.
The depressed condition of the sugar
industry in the West Indian colonies
has seriously affected their prosperity. 1
have appointed a commission to investi-
gate the causes and if possible suggest
means of amelioration.
1t is with much regret and with feel
ingS of the deepest sympathy that l
have heard that owing to the failure of
the autumn rains scarcity and famine
affect large portion of India.
My government in that country is
making every effort to mitigate the suf-
fering and lessen the calamity by the
development of railways and irrigation
works. The forethought given through
long series OF years to the preparation of
the most effective arrangements for al
1Axrs 13-+-N lxrf px .aa1rO
their task more hopeful than in the case
OF previous visit2tiCnS.
My people throughout my dominions at
home and in India have been invited to
second with their liberality the exertions
of the government. Papers showing the
extent of the famine and the measures
taken to relieve the suffering will be laid
before you.
A plague has also made it's appear
ance in Bombay and Kurachee, ard not
withstanding the precautions adopted by
the local authorities. it shows no signs of
decrease. l have directed my govern
ment to take the most stringent measures
for the eradication of the pestience.
Gentlemen of the house of commons:
The estima ties of the year will be laid be-
fore you. While DESTROYS of guarding
against undue expenditure l have felt
that the present condition Of the world
will not permit you to depart from the
spirit of prudent foresight in which you
have during recent years provided for the
defense of the empire.
My lords and gentlemen: A measure
for the promotion of primary education
by securing the maintenance OF voluntary
schools will be laid before you, and If
time permits, you will be invited to con-
slider further proposals for educa tional
legislation.
1t is desirable to make better provision
for the compensation of working people
who suffer from accidents, and bill
with>that object in view will be submitted
to you.
Your consent will be asked to pro-
visions which, in the judgment OF the
military authorities are required for the
efficiency of the military defences of the
empire.
A bill will also be submitted to you to
improve the arrangements for the water
supply of the metropolis.
In order to promote the interests of ag-
riculture which are of paramount inn
portance in ireland, you will be asked to
consider bill to stablsh a board of ag-
riculture, and further legislative pro-
posals will be brought before you If the
time at your disposal is sufficient for the
purpose.
Bills admitting the evidence of accused
rarcopc opoar.dippr the law IN raSpant tn