The age-herald., 1901-02-15


  of what monarch should do. It is my earnest desire to walk In her footsteps. Amid this public and private grief, 1t Is satisfactory to me to be able to assure you that my relations with the other powers continue friendly The war in South Africa is not yet entirely terminal ed but the capitals of the enemy and his principal lines of communication are in my possession and measpres have been taken, which I trust will enable my troops to deal effectually with the forces by which they are still opposed.
 Regrets Loss of Life.
 T greatly regret the loss of life and ex- penditure of treasure due to the fruitless guerrilla warfare maintained by Boer partisans in the former territories of the two republics. Their early submission Is much to be desired in their own inter- ests, as, until it takes place, it will be impossible for me to establish in those colonies the institutions which will secure the equal rights of all the white inhabi- tants and protection and justice for the native population.
 'The capture of Pekin by the allied forces and the happy release of those who were beseiged in the legations, re- suits to which my Indian troops and my naval forces largely contributed, have been followed by the submission of the Chinese Government to the demands in- sistel on by the powers. Negotiations are proceeding regarding the manner in which compliance with these demands is to be effected.
 Australia.
 The establishment of an Australian commonwealth was proclaimed at Syd- ney on January l with many manifesto of ,eto iaia ing. My deeply beloved and lamented mother had assented to the visit of the Duke of Cornwall and York to open the first Parliament of the new common wealth in her name. A separation from my son, especially at such a moment cannot be otherwise than deeply pain ful, but I still desire to give effect to her late majesty's wishes, as evidence of her interest, as well as of my own, in all that concerns the welfare of my sub jects beyond the seas. I have decided that the visit to Australia shall not be abandoned, and shall be extended to New Zealand and the Dominion of Canada.
 'The prolongation of the hostilities In South Africa has led me to make a fur ther call on the patriotism and devotion of Canada and Australia. rejoice that my request has met with a prompt and loyal response, and large additional con tlTSenlS lTOm tneSe ColOnleS Wllls eIuDdTk for the seat of war at an early date.
 Ashanti Rebellion.
 'The expedition organized for the SUD- pression of the rebellion in Ashanti was crowned with signal success. The rn- durance and gallantry of my native troops, ably commanded by Sir James Willcocks and led by British officers, have overcome both the stubborn resist nd thp " rlilxa nf West Africa and the exceptional diffi- culties of the climate and season of the country in which the operations were conducted. The garrison of Coomassle which was besieged by the enemy has been relieved after a prolonged and gal lant defense. The principal kings have surrendered and the chief impeachment to the progress of the development of this rich portion of my West African possessions has now, hope, been finally removed.
 'The suffering and mortality caused by the prolonged drought in a large portion of my Indian Empire have been greatly alleviated by reasonable rainfall, but regret to add that in parts of the Bom- bay presidency distress of serious char Sacter still continues which my officers are using every endeavor to mitigate.
 Estimates for the Year.
 "Gentlemen of the House of Commons the estimates for the year will be laid be- fore you. Every care has been taken to limit their amount, but the naval and military reuirements of the country and especially the outlay consequent upon the South African war has involved an in- evtabe increase.
 ''The demise of the crown renders 1t necessary that renewed provision shall be made for the civil lists. place unre- servedly at your disposal those heredi- tary revenues which were so placed by