New-York tribune., 1909-02-17
PARLIAMENT REOPENED
Kings Speech Tells of Improced
Foreign Relations.


London. Feb liking Edwards speech from the
throne contained no surprises and. expected the
legislation forecast by his majesty is largely social
in character The King began with graceful allu-
sion to his recent visit in Berlin,
Il was much impressed and sratihed at the
warmth OF the public reception given to the Queen
and myself by all classes of the community, ne
said. 1T afforded me great pleasure TO meet the
Emperor of Germany and the Empress again and
feel confident that the expressions OF cordial WEI
come with which were greeted in Berlin will
tend to strengthen those amcabe feelings between
the two countries that essential to their mutual
welfare and the mathematics of peace
Immediately after the usual reference to the CON
tnued friendness OF the foreign relations Of
Great Britain the King spoke OF the waterways
and fisheries agreements with America. Salts
factory progress has been made he said, in the
negotiations on outstanding questions with the
United States. treaty to regulate the use of
waterways adjacent 10 the international boundary
between Canada and the United States has been
arranged. and, this question being one of special
Canadian interest, the advice Of the Dominion gov
ernment was sought and followed throughout
My ambassador Washington has negotiated
also, with the cooperation of the Canadian and
Newfoundland ministers of justice, agreement
for reference to arbitration Of the North American
fisheries question, and trust that this agreement
Will be the means OF efrecting final and friendly
settlement of matters which have been long under
States"
After mentioning the continued anxiety concern
ing the situation IN Persia and the imperative de-
mand" for the introduction of representative inst-
tutions in that country the King said: Il am happy
think that there is now an improved prospect
FOR a solution OF the difficulties that have arisen
in the Balkans. and it il earnest hope that
settlement may be arrived 81 satisfactory 10 ali
the states whose interests are concerned.
His ma 5esty touched the Italian earthquake
referred to the budget, saying that in conse-
quence OF the old age pensions and the increase
which has become Necessary in the cost OF my
navy the expenditures this year will be consider
ahly IN excess OF those OF the last twelve months
Among the bills 10 be introduced In Parliament
the King mentioned the measure for the dlses'ao
Uahmenr Iand the disendowment of the ChuTch ih
Wales a bill dealing with the lack of employment
in the country. amendments TO the old age pelslo"
act and other purely domestic matters
In the course Of the debate the Kings speech
In both the House Of Lords and the House or COM
mons all the speakers congratulated the govern
p,.n an the success of the negotiations with
America Lord Lansdowne' speaking on oeH"'i -
the opposition in the House OF LORDS, saying
~ particularly congratulate the government on
its relations with America rejoice that first place
has been given TO relations with the OnA'eu
states That Is the power of all others Where II
would he intoIerable should non-reTnoYaoe causes
Of friction have the effect OF estrangemet Nor Is
t,ara my nower we would more gladly cooperate
with in showing other countries that II Suou'u
a,ar he bevond the powers Of two great nations 10
find an a1nicabie means OF removing the SOURCES u
international friction and difficulty
lord Iansdowne said that he reJotced 10 hhd 'hd'
.ho ,rovernment had been successful in carrying
the canadian and. it was hoped the Ne"iounu!an"
governments with it in the waterways ana hsn-
cries treaties. -,
Lord Iansdowne spoke with enthusiasm OF the
Kings visit to Berlin adding that there was every
reason TO hope It would have far reaching results
making for the peace OF the civilized world.
TIE Earl Of Crewe, Secretary for the Colonies
referred to the Importance and dihcuity Oh 'ne
Questions overcome by these treaties saying;
Lo,,1d ike n bear testimony TO the skill and
natience shown not only by Mr.. Bryce. but also by
Secretarv Root, and certainly not less pS 'he
canadian minister's in the discussion especalIy oI
the fisheries question. from which everybody has
sbied for many years past Both the colony ana
+ba United States have shown an earnest desire
toward accommodation. I sincerely hope that mat
ters will be brought TO the Hague lrlouha And ''e
question finally got out Of the way.
The crowd which gathered at Westminster to-day
for the opening Of Parliament was greater than
,,s,aI Queen Alexandra, the Prince and Princess
of wales and other members OF the royal Family
accompanied the King.
The House OF Lords when their majestles ap-
,aared was filled with peers and peeresses. mem
80 oP +ba lower house. diplomats and other rep
esantatves OF the official and social life OF Lon
don Among the peeresses We're several American
women including the Countess OF e'ra1aru' VINO
,,os Miss Beatrice Mills. of New York. The Earl
- cropard as master of the horse, took part in
the opening ceremonies.
Ambassador Reid and ]. Ridgely Carter sec
rotarv of the American Embassy were in the
automatic section. Arthur Orr, third secretary OF
~ embassy and Mrs Orr had seats in the royal
,,ar,. ,ybere were also Rear Admiral Charles II.
Stockton and Mrs Stockton Professor George
C.raffon Wilson and Mrs Wilson, and Commander
IotY II Gibbons the naval attache. and Mrs. Glib
hons Admiral Stockton. Professor wilson ana
l,,,apder Gibbons were present in their capacity
- delegates to the international naval conference,
,, IN session in London, and the courtesy OF at
.5onee was extended to their wives.
After the ceremonies their majesties drove back
o.. pnczineham Palace. The proceedings were car
- ,,,+ without incident, neither the unemployed
nor the suffragsts attempting to modest the royal
PROCESSION.