The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-08-06
my EMPIRE"
Parliament PrOrOgucd by
the Queen.
Her Relations With Other
Powers Cordial.
But She Couldn't Control the Course
of the King Of Greece.

London, Aug. h-Ihe House OF CON-
mons met today and passed the third
reading of the appropriation bill, which
was then forwarded to tie House of
Lords. where II passed all stages. Both
houses then suspended business until 2:30
p. m, when the queens speech prorogu-
ing parliament was read. 1t was as
follows:
"My Lords and Gentlemen-At the
close of the session. during which there
has been disturbance and conflict In
Europe. am glad to be able TO inform
you that the cordiaiity OF my relations
with foreign powers remains Unchanged.
The united influence of the six powers,
signatories Of the treaty of Paris was
earnestly exerted early in the year to dis
suade the King of Greece from war
upon which he unhappily decided to
enter.
"Though they failed In this endeavor.
they were able to bring about an early
suspension of hostilities between the two
belligerents and open negotiations for
peace These proceedings are protracted
and q formal treaty has not yet been
signed but there Is good ground for be-.
lieving that all the most important mat
ters In controversy have been adjusted,
end that In return for an adequate y.
Turks, with slight modification of the
frontier, will be restored to Greece.
II have given notice TO the King Of the
Belgians and the German Emperor TO
terminate the treaties OF 1862 and 1866.
whereby l am prevented from making
with my colonies such fiscal arrangements
within my empire a. seem to me expe-
dent
SIN consequence Of the infraction Of the
Chinese government of certain stipula-
tions of the convention Of 1894, fresh
convention has been concluded, estab-
fishing the frontier of Burmah and China
more advantageously to my empire and
opening the west river of China to Eu-
ropean commerce.
II have concluded treaty of commerce
and friendship with King Menelik.
1.-The presence Of representatives OF the
colonies and India at the cerem onies of
the celebration OF the Goth year OF my
reign has contributed To the strength of
the bond OF union in oil parts Of my en-
pire and additional proof Of the attach
ment of the colonies to the mother
country has been furnished In the fiscal
legislation of Canada and the contribu
tion that Cape Colony, following the
example of Australia, has offered for our
naval defense.
1.-The famine which, to my profound
grief. has prevailed In large portions of
my Indian dominions since the autumn
of last year. has taxed severely the re-
sources of that country. i gladly
acknowledge the energy and self-saeriilce
of my officers Of all ranks both European
ana natives, and OF the many private per-
sons who, with untirinR zeal and anxious
desire to avoid otfense tn native feeling,
have labored to save life and relieve
suffering. An appeal To the sympathy of
my subjects in all parts Of my empire was
responded To in the most generous manner
and rejoice to learn that owing TO the
satisfactory rainfall. there is every pros
pect that the area of distress will very
greatly diminish
"The plague, which caused n large
number of deaths, has almost disappeared.
Tho Improvement IL mainly due to the
energetic and judicious steps of the local
governments. Every precaution will DO
adopted in view of the possibility of its
recurrence, but at present there Is n steady
decrease both OF its prevalence and fatal
effects.
"Gentlemcn of the House of Commons: /:
/ am grateful for the liberal provision
to which you have assented for increas-
ing the maritime forces of my empire.
only Lords and Gentlemen: lt has
given ne great pleasure to sanction the
arrangements you have made for enlarg-
ing tho inn ortant barbors OF Dover and
Gibraltar and for strength ening the mill
tnry dcfepses of INV empire. / anticipate
that the facilities you have given for the
practice OF military Inanoeuvres will con-
duce TO the greater efficiency of my army.
1.-The assistance your legislation has
given to the support OF Decessitous
schools will secure adequate provision for
education In localities where IL Is most
required and will i trust close for some
timo difficult and ANXIOUS controversy.
1.-The measure you have passed for the
compensation ot workmen injured by nc
cidcnts In the course Of their employ ment
Syyll confer great benefit upon a large
section OF the population.
~ recognize with satisfaction the steps
TO facilitate the transfer OF land, to pro-
tect the consumers of water in the me-
tropolis, and 20 relieve the distressed In
the congestod districts OF Scotland.
II rejoice that you have been able TO
provide more Efficient and moro econom /.
ical system for the judicial institutions
OF Ireland.
II pray that fruit Of your labors may bo
answered by the protection and blessing