Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-06
Victoria Congratulates Parliament on
the Condition Of Her Empire.
At PEACE WITH ALL EUROPE
The Troubles in India, Too, Are
Gradually improving.
END OF THE SION


mons met today at 10 o'clock in the MORN
ing and passed to the third reading the
appropriation bill, which was then for
warded to the house of lords. where it
passed all stages. Both houses then sus-
pended business until 2:3O pm. when the
queens speech proroguing parliament was
read. 1t was follows:
MY Lords and Gentlemen: At the close
of the session, during which there has been
disturbance and conflict in Europe, 1 am
glad to be able to inform you that the
cordially of my relations with foreign
powers remains unchanged. The united
influence of the six powers signatory Of
the treaty of Paris was earnestly exerted
early in the year to dissuade the King Of
Greece from a war upon which he unhap-
PLY desired to enter. Though they failed
in this endeavor they were able to bring
about an early suspension of hostil-ies
between the two belligerents and open
negotiations for peace. These proceedings
are protracted and formal treaty has
not yet been signed, but there is good
ground for believing that all the most i'm
portant matters in controversy have been
adjusted and that in return for an ade-
quate indemnity the Territory conquered
by Turkey with a slight notification of the
frontier will be restored to Greece.
ZoIlverein Treaty Terminated.
81 have given notice to the king of the
Belgians and the German emperor to ter
inmate the treaties Of 1862 and 1865, where
by 1 am prevented from making with my
colonies such fiscal arrangements within
my empire as seem to NE expedient.
I'm consequence of the infraction by the
Chinese government of certain stipulations
of the convention OF 1884, fresh conven-
ton has been concluded. establishing the
frontier of Burmah and China more ad-
vantageously to my empire and opening
the West river Of China to European COM
merce.
Il have concluded treaty of commerce
and friendship with King Merelik.
The presence of representatives of the
colonies and India at the ceremonies of
the celebration of the sixtieth year of my
reign has contributed to the strength of
the bond of union in all parts of my en-
pire. and additional proof of the attach
ment of the colonies 10 the mother country
has been furnished in the fiscal legisla-
ton of Canada and the contribution that
Cape Colony. following the example of
Australasia, has offered for our navy de-
Tense.
The Famine in India.
'The famine which to my profound grief
has prevailed in large portions of my In
dian dominions, since the autumn of last
year has taxed severely the resources of
that country. 1 gladly acknowledge en-
ergy and self-sacrifice of my officers of
all ranks. both Europeans and natives,
and of the many private persons, who
with untirlng zeal and anxious desire
to avoid offense to native feelings,
have Iabored to save life and relieve suf-
ferlng. An appeal 10 the sympathy of nv
subjects in all parts of my empire was re-
sponded to in the most generous manner
and | rejoice to learn that owing to TIE
satisfactory rainfall there is every prospect
that the area of distress will be very
greatly diminished.
he r,1n !,
Der of deaths, has almost disappeared. The
Improvement is mainly due to the ener-
setlc and JudicioCs steps of the local gov
errments. Every precaution will be adopt
renee; but at present there a steady de-
crease both of its prevalence and fatal eff
fects.
Special Thanks to the Commons.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons:
l am grateful for the liberal provision to
which you assented for increasing the mar
thine forces of my empire.
MY Lords and Gentlemen: It has given
me great pleasure to sanction the arrange
ments you have made for enlarging the
important harbors Of Dover and Gibraltar
and for Strengthening the military defenses
OIL my empire l anticipate that the facIl-
tiles you have given for the practice of
military maneuvers will conduce to the
greater efficiency of my army.
lie assistance your leSlSlatlOn mas
given to the support of necessitous schools
viii. secure adequate provision for educa-
ticn in localities where it is most required
and will L trust, close for some time diff
ficult ard anxious controversy.
The measure you have passed for the
compensation of workmen injured by ac-
cidents in the course of their employment
will confer great benefits upon large sec
ton of the population.
Il recognize with satisfaction the steps
to facilitate the transfer of land, TO pro-
tect the consumers of water in the metrop-
Oils and to relieve the distress in the con-
gested districts OF Scotland.
Il rejoice that you have been able to pro-
vide more efficient and more economical
system Tor the judicial institutions OF Ire
lard.
Il pray that the fruit of your labors may
be assured by the protection and blessing
OF the Almighty Cod.
Parliament was Drorogued until October
%. The proceedings terminated at 3:lo p.
m.