The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-02-15
EngIand's Ruler Reads Address
from Throne
SAYS ENGLAND IS NEUTRAL
Russo-Japanese War "Unhappily Con
tlnues"-Sltuatlon In the Balkans
Ia Becoming Such as to
Cause Anxiety.

was opened this afternoon by King Ed
ward with all the historic pageantry
which has marked the ceremony since his
accession.
The sovereign himself read the speech
from the throne to the assembled lords
and commoners in the upper chamber.
The document was commonplace. The
only reference to the Russo-Japanese
war, which the King said ''unhappily
continues was to announce that my
government has been careful to observe
in the strictest manner the obligations
incumbent upon a neutral power"
The rest of the speech was devoted TO
the Balkans. and says the situation con-
finues TO give cause for anxiety. The
measure adopted at the instance of the
ustro-Russian governments have been
instrumental in bringing about some
amelioration in the state OF the disturbed
districts, but these measures have still
TO be supplemented by radical reforms.
especially of the financial system, before
any permanent improvement can be ef-
fected In the administration of these
provinces of the Turkish empire
Visit of PortueaI's Ruler.
The speech noted with satisfaction that
the Austro-Russian governments had
submitted to the Porte proposals for this
purpose. and added that the British gov
eminent was in communication with the
powers concerned upon this importan.
subject. Congratulatory references were
made to the visit of the King and Queen
of Portugal to England, to the ratifca.
IL. IT,, a
to the arbitration agreements with Swe-
den and Norway. Portugal and Switzer-
land. The speech also mentioned the in
.ternational commission entrusted with
the investigation OF the companies con-
nected with the disaster to British
trawlers, which resulted from the action
of the Russian fleet in the North sea.
and of apportioning the responsibility for
fhis deplorable incident"
The King expressed the hope that the
steps to establish a representative consti-
tuition for the Transvaal would result
in substantial progress toward the ulti
mate goal Of complete elf-government,
The King referred to the Thibetian ex-
,pedition. to the exchange of visits be-
tween representatives OF Lord CurZon of
Kedlestone. the Viceroy of India and
the Ameer of Afghanistan, to discuss
questions affecting the relations OF the
two governments. and concluded with
mentioning the proposals for the redstri-
button of parliamentary seats to be laid
before the commons, the alien bill to be
introduced and the legislation dealing
with the unemployed. besides other unim-
portant domestic legislation.
At the resumption of business, Lord
Chancellor Halsbury read the Kings
speech and the Marquis of Winchester
Conservative moved the address in re-
ply.
Refers to War in Far East.
Earl Spencer. the liberal leader, re-
ferred to the war in the far east He
said 1t was the most earnest desire of
the people of Great Britain to see The
end of the conflict and he trusted his
majestys government would not lose
fair and proper interest to bring the con-
fiict to peaceful solution.
Foreign Secretary Lansdowne expressed
his sorrow and concern at the contlnuace
of the war in the far east, and said that
should an opportunity for bringing 1t to
a close present itself, the government
would avail itself therof with alarcty.
but an attempt at Intervention now would
mean retarding the very object desired.
Speakig on the subject of Macedonia,
Lord Lansdowne said that there was
concensus of opinion among the powers
in favor OF drastic reforms. and a scheme
would be proposed which ne hoped would
meet with sympathetic criticism
After few words from Lora Gosehen,
liberal, the address was agreed to- and
House of Lords adjourned.
House Of Commons Assemblies.
The houce of commons assembled for
business at o'clock. Joseph Chamber
lain. Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman.
Arthur j Balfour and other favorites
were warmly greeted by their respective
supporters.
In the house w. A. Mount. conserva-
tive moved and Samuel Roberts, conser-
: vative, seconded the address in reply to
the Kings speech.
The first division approaching party
lines occurred in the house of commons
when Mr.. Dalziel. liberal moved that the
house censure Lord Arlington for breach
of privileges by his action in the North
Dorset election. Premier Balfour said
nothing could be gained by continuing
the discussion and moved the previous
question, which was carried by 257 to 121
votes.
Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, the
liberal leader In the house. speaking on
MIR. Mounts motion, bitterly assailed the
government. which he said was evading
the fiscal question as shown by the fail
ure of the mover and seconder of the
address to mention this important sub
ject He added that the opposition
would shortly endeavor to secure
straight answer from Mr.. BdlIouf snow
ing whether or not he agreed with
Joseph Chamberlain proposals.
Sir Henry Campbell Zimmerman spoke
at great length, attacking the govern
ment's policy in Thibet and South Africa
and in fact at all points. He continued
speaking almost up to 1880 p. M, when
Sir Edgar Vincent conservative. took
up the debate and was speaking when the
house suspended its sitting.
The first hour and half of the night
session was taken up with desultory
speeches in the debate upon the address
in reply to the speech from the throne.
BaIfour Replies to Zimmerman.
Premier Balfour rose at 1890 o'clock to
reply to Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman
Mr.. Balfour justified the governments
action in Thibet, and said 1t was the min
istry's earnest desire to maintain the
friendliest relations with Afshanistan
and that negotiations to that end were
proceeding satisfactorily. He also de-
Tended the sugar convention. Replying
to Sir Henry Cambell- Bannerman's asser-
ton that the government was too feeble
to carry out an effective policy. Mr.. Bal
four said the decision lay entirely with