The record-union., 1897-01-20

LONDON, Jan. 19.-Parliament re-
assembled to-day for what promises to
be the most important session since
Lord Salisbury assumed the reinS of
power. There was an unusually large
attendance in both houses. due largely
to the earnest appeals that had been
issued to the supporters by the leaders
of the various parties.
To each member of the House of Lords
Earl Salisbury had addressed a personal
letter: LAS it is probable that matters
Of vital Importance will be the subject
of discussion in both houses l venture to
express the hope that it may be consist
ent with your lordship's convenience to
be present in your place upon the open
ing and following days"
To the Conservative members of the
House of Commons Arthur James Bal
four had also addressed a letter saying
that LAS Parliament will be immediate
ly invited to discuss important public
questions, l earnestly hope that you
will make such arrangements as will
enable you to be present from the begin
ming of the session"
Sir William Harcourt also, in his ad
dress to the Radical members, laid
stress upon the matters of Importance
that would be brought at once under
discussion
There We're the usual scenes about
Westminster Palace yard. A large
crowd assembled early, and cheered
their favOrites. Sir William Vernon
Harcourt especially came in for a warm
reception. Shortly after the noon hour
no fro ha
upper chamber. and. preceded by the
Black Rod, the Commoners rushed pell
nell to the House of Lords, where the
Queens speech was read by commission
by the Lord High Chancellor, Lord Sal
isbury. 1t was as follows:
THE QUEENS SPEECH.
MY Lords and Gentlemen: Ny rela-
tions with all of the other Powers con-
tinue to be of friendly character. The
appalling massacres which have taken
place in Consantinople and other parts
of the Ottoman domains have called for
the special attention of the Powers sig
natory to the treaty of Paris. Papers
will be laid before you showing the con-
siderations which induced the Powers to
make the demand on the Ottoman Gov
ernment the subject of consultation be-
tween the representatives of the Powers
a Constantinople.
The action undertaken by the Khe-
dive of Egypt against the Khalaiff,
with my approval and assistance, has
been entirely successful. His forces,
supported by my officers and troops,
have won back the provinces of Dongo-
la to civilization by opera tions which
cd RI Ill eIy;l
and the way has been opened for a fur
ther advance whenever such a step is
judged to be desirable.
My Government has discussed with
the United States, as a friend of Vene-
zuela, the terms under which the pend
ing questions of dispute in the from
tier between that Republic and British
Guiana may be equitably subjected to
arbitration. An arrangement has been
arrived at with that Government, which
Will, l trust, effect an adjustment of
the existing controversy, exposing to
risk the interests of amy colonists who
have established rights in the disputed
territory.
TT is with much qualification that
I have concluded a treaty for general
United States, by which l trust that
all differences which may arise be-
tween us will be peacefully adjusted.
1 hope that this arrangement may have
further value in commencing to other
Powers the consideration of a principle
by which the danger of war may be
notably abated.
THE rebellion in Matabeleland has
been repressed by the steadfastness and
courage of the settlers reinforced by
my troops and volunteers, both of the
English and Dutch races I deplore
the loss of valuable lives which these
operations have entailed.
TT is with much regret and with
feelings of the deepest sympathy that
/ have heard that owing to the failure
of the autumn rains, scarcity and fam
inc affect the large portion of India
NY Government in that country is
making every effort to mitigate the suf-
fering and lessen the calamity bv the
development of railways and irrigation
works The forethought, through a
long series of years, to the preparation
of the most effective arrangements for
alleviating distress caused by famine
makes their task more hopeful than in
the case of previous visitations My
people throughout my dominions at
home and in India have been invited
to second with their liberality the ex-
ertions of the Government A plague
has also made its appearance in Bonn
bay and Karachee, and notwithstand-
ing the precautions adopted by the To-
ca, authorities it shows no signs of
decrease. 1 have directed my Govern
nfent to take the strongest measures
for the eradication of the pestilence.
MY Lords and Gentlemen: A meas
ure for the promotion of primary edu-
cation by securing the maintenance of
voluntary schools will be laid before
YOU and if time permits you will be
invited to consider further proposals
for educational purposes.
1T is desired to make better provis-