The Savannah morning news., 1901-02-15

The establishment of the Australian
commonwealth was proclaimed at Syd-
ney, Jan. l, with many manifestations OF
popular enthusiasm and rejoicing. My
deeply beloved and lamented mother had
assented to the visit of the Duke of Corn
wall and York to open the first Parlia-
ment OF the new commonwealth in her
name. separation from my son, espe-
claiIy at such moment cannot be other
wise than deeply painful, but l still de-
sire TO give effect to her late Majesty's
wishes and as evidence of her interest.
as well as of my own, in all that con-
Germs the welfare of my subjects beyond
the seas, have decided that the visit to
Australia shall not be abandoned and
Shal De 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 Australasia l rejoice
thaI my request has met with a prcmpt
ana loyal response, and large addition Il
contlngents from those colonies will en-
bark for the seat of war at an early date.
The expedition organized for the sup
preston of the rebellion in Ashanti was
crowded with signal success. The endur-
ance and gallantry of my native troops,
ably commanded by Sir James WiIcocks,
ana led by British officers, have overcome
both the stubborn resistance Of the most
Warlike tribes of West Africa, and the ex-
ceDt1onal difficulties of the climate ana
season of the country, in which the op-
erations were conducted. The garrison of
Coomassie, which was besieged by the
enemy, has been relieved after a proong-
ed and gallant defense. The principal
kings have surrendered. and the chief
impediment to the progress of the devel-
opment of this rich portion of my West
African possessions has now, l hope, been
finally removed.
The suffering aud mortality caused by
the prolonged drought in a large portion
of my Indian Empire have been greatly
alleviated by a seasonable rainfall, but
l regret to add that in parts of Bombay
presidency distress of a serious character
still continues which my officers are using
every endeavor to mitigate.
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 requirements of the country and,
especially the outlay consequent upon the
South African war, has involved an in
evitable increase.
1.-The demise of the crown renders it
necessary that renewed provision shall be
made for the ciVi. list. place unreserved-
ly at your disposal those hereditary rev.
enues which were so placed by my prede-
cessor, and I have commanded that the
papers necessary for a full consideration
of the subject shah be laid before you.
MY Lords and Gentlemen: Proposals
will be submitted to your judgment for
increasing the efficiency of my military
forces.
Certain changes in the constitution of
the court of firal appeal are rendered nee
essary in consequence Of the increased
resort to it which has resulted from the
expansion of the empire, during the last
two -geneI ations,
Legislation will be proposed to you
for the amendment Of the law relating TO
education.
Legislation has been prepared and if
the time at your disposal proves to be
adequate, it will be laid before you for
the purpose of regulating the voluntary
sale by landlords to occupying tenants in
Ireland, for amending and consolidating
the factory and workshops acts, for the
better administration of the law respect
ing lunatics, for amending the public
health acts in regard to the water supply,
for the prevent on OF drunkenness N
licensed houses and public places, and for
amending the law of literary copyright
81 pray that Almighty God may con-
tinue to guide you in the conduct of your
deliberations and Ihat he may bless them
with success
The procession then was reformed, the
King proceeded to the robing room, un-
robed and left Westminster in the state
carriage in the same order as it entered.
The oath King Edward took was the
mo popery oath" imposed by the bill
of rights and the act of settlement of
the time Of Charles II.
ha oF h41c in 1o
House of Lords, the .ord chancellor read
the Kings speech, and the Marquis of
Waterford Conservative, moved the ad-
dress in reply.
Lord Manners seconded the motion.
Salisbury Refers to Our War.
Lord Kimberley, the Liberal'leader, said
the present conditions in South Africa
flied him with apprehension. The gov
ernmeut had been living in a FOOLS para
disc. Unless they enabled Gen. Kitchener
to speedily terminate the war, the situa-
ton could easily become more dangerous.
Lord Salisbury rose. He said the coun-
try could now hope confidently that the
promise of the King to follow in his
mothers steps would be abundantly borne
out He referred Lord Kimberley to the
Indian mutiny ard the American war
between which and the South African
campaign there was a great resemblance
Where great enthusiasm and persistency
existed in p country like South Africa
months must elapse before tranquility
could be restored. 1t was four years be-
fore the whole efforts of that very intel
l!gent and most efficient community, North
America, were able to bring the war Of
secession to a final and successful issue.
If the enemy he said. were allowed to
retain any portion of their independence
it would involve incessant Continuous
warfare.
1t would be an avowal to the world that
her frontier could be invaded in the most
insulting manner and tnat the empire was
powerless to effectively resist 1t.
The address was agreed to and their
lordships adjourned until Feb. 10.
The House of Commons, after short
recess, reassembled and message was
brought in from the King thanking the
Commons for their address OF sympa thy
and their expression of dutful attach
ment.
Gerald Balfour, president of the Board
of Trade, gave notice that al an early
date he would introduce a bill to amend
and consolidate the law regarding literary
copyright.
H. w. Foster, conservative, moved the
address IN reply to the speech from the
throne.
Sir Andrew y. Agnew, Unionist, Sec
onded the motion.
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman the
Liberal leader. dwelt on the government 3