THE ROYAL SPEECH.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 60, 13 February 1877, Page 3

THE ROYAL SPEECH.

Parliament was opened to-day by Her Majesty the Queen. The speech stated that the object throughout the' Conference on the Eastern Question was to maintain the peace of Europe and obtain the better government of the disturbed provinces of Turkey, without infringing the independence and integrity of the Turkish Empire. Regret was expressed that the proposals of the Conference had been rejected, but the Speech stated that the result of the Conference showed a general agreement between the Powers, which could not fail materially to affect the condition of the Government in Turkey. It was hoped that the armistice would lead to an honorable peace. Throughout the negotiation, Great Britain acted cordially with her ajjies, with whom, as well as with the other Powers, her relations were most friendly. The Speech then referred to Her Majesty's assumption of the title of Empress of India. It concluded by stating that the prosperity and progress of the Colonial empire remained unchecked, and by expressing the hope that measures would be taken which would prevent serious evil arising from the recent proceedings in the Transvaal Republic. THE EASTERN QUESTION. In the course of debate upon the Address in Reply, Lord Derby said that peace depended upon whether the Czar decided upon his obligation to execute alone the decisions of the other six powers. Earl Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury protested against coercing Turkey. Lord Northcote said England wished to act in unison with the other Powers, and that, in case of the separate intervention of Russia, would be suspicious until peace fegotiations had been suspended.