A GORGEOUS SPECTACLE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 112, 9 February 1928, Page 11

A GORGEOUS SPECTACLE

OPENING OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT THE KING’S SPEECH DEBATE ON ADDRESS-IN-REPLY The spectacle in the House of Lords at the opening of Parliament was a gorgeous one. The House of Lords ended the debate on the Address-in-Reply at a single sitting, but the debate in the House of Commons is likely, as usual, to be considerably more prolonged, as the Liberals and the Labour Party are to move amendments.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

(Rec. February 8, 7.30 p.m.)

London, February 7. To-day’s spectacle at the House of Lords on, the opening of Parliament was the same as it has been for centuries. The actors, both great and small, change, but the ritual is unchanging. The peers, in scarlet and ermine, were seated on the floor' of the chamber, while the bejewelled and gorgeously gowned peeresses were arrayed at the sides, the bishops were ranged in a row, and the diplomats sat tier on tier in their space. The lawyers, jn great wigs, were grouped around/ the .Woolsack. The most significant piece of stage management in the world was here to be seen. Rays of light from the great chandeliers picked out dazzling coronets and ropes of pearls worn by the peeresses, then suddenly, without warning, the lights were extinguished, and a lovelier, dimmer radiance fell over all through the stained glass windows, while the entire assemblage awaited the King. Five minutes elapsed, the chamber being filled with subdued conversation, then the lights, at half power, glowed softly, like golden oranges.

On the very stroke of midday the King, wearing the massive Crown and Rov'al robes, and surrounded by the great officers of State, slowly entered the chamber. The lights flashed up and the chamber was flooded with unrivalled magnificence, everybody standing. The King bowed slowly,, took his seat on the Throne, and said “My Lords, pray be seated.” The pages of honour draped his train, like a red cascade, over the steps, _ and pomp and majesty was at its height. There was no hurry or bustle, everything in place, and in silence the brilliant gathering sat awaiting the arrival of the faithful Commons at Black Rod’s summons. When the Commons had filed in and taken their places, the Speech, was handed to His Majesty, who, sitting, read it in a clear voice which echoed through the chamber.

THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN POWERS LEGISLATIVE MEASURES London, February 7. The customary enthusiasm greeted the procession of the King from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords, the Queen' watched his departure from a .window. Tlie King in his speech at tire opening of Parliament said: “Relations with foreign Powers continue friendly. It is the constant effort of my Government, in co-operation with the League of Nations, to secure the settlement of international differences and promote the cause of peace. I have invited the King of Afghanistan to visit me in Marchi I look forward to welcoming His Majesty, and it will be a. particular pleasure to receive His Majesty on his first visit to Europe. IMPROVED POSITION IN CHINA. “The position in China has so far improved as to permit large reductions of the naval and military forces sent to protect British and Indian subjects in the Concessions, but the internal disturbances and civil wars and the consequent insecurity of life and ■.property, both Chinese and foreign, still cause anxiety. Despite these discouraging circumstances, my Government will adhere to its declaration of policy, a year ago, as the basis on which it is prepared to meet Chinese aspirations when the Chinese can assure satisfactory protection for British lives and property. TREATY OF ARBITRATION WITH UNITED STATES. “The United States Government, on December 29, communicated with the

British Ambassador at Washington as a basis of negotiation to draft a new treaty of arbitration to replace the Treaty of Arbitration of 1908. The draft is being carefully and sympathetically studied" by my Government, and will be considered in communication with my Governments in the Dominions.

“Although the conditions of some of the principal industries, continue' to cause serious anxiety, I am glad to observe many encouraging .signs of progressive improvement both in Home and external trade, justifying the hope that, with co-operation and good-will, steady progress will be made in the coming year. My Ministers are now inquiring as to the possibility of relieving industry and agriculture of the burdens of local rates, and the changes in local government thereby involved.

“Proposals will be submitted amending the Parliamentary and local government franchise. Measures are to be presented relative to national health, insurance, and increasing the credit facilities of agriculturists.” , The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, in announcing Earl Haig’s death, gave notice that he would move a resolution in the matter to-morrow. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Colonel Lambert Ward, moving the Address-in-Reply to the King, aroused laughter by pointing out that the results of general elections had always been oti the knees of the gods, but the extension of the suffrage will mean that they were transferred to the laps of the 'goddesses. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald began: “This is the. most meagre King’s Speech I have' ever heard. The Government evidently thought that the session was going to be a long holiday. Well, the Labour Party will see about that.” He welcomed the references to China. All sections in China should be made aware that Britain hoped to co-operate in that self-governing Nationalist State in the friendliest way. He asked why the Factories Bill was omitted from the Speech o’r references to the Washington Convention. Moreover, there was not a word about coal. Mr. MacDonald said that the victory which had been secured for the coalowners by the Prime Minister was being used by the owners to enable them to be the owners of the men. The iron that was entering the souls of the ; miners was not the iron of poverty, but the iron of human degradation.

Mr. Lloyd George expressed satisfaction with Ithe references to China, which would make possible the withdrawal of some troops. The disastrous failure of the-Geneva Conference made it more necessary to try some treaty of arbitration between Britain and the United States to exclude the possibility of war, even the discussion of war. If it were known ■ that every subject of dispute would be the subject of judicial reference between the two countries, it would remove all discussion about rival armaments and bring about a new temper.—A.P.A. and “Sun.”

MR. J. R. MACDONALD

Rugby, February 7

In the debate oil the Address-’in-Re-ply to the King’s Speech, the Leader of the Opposi-

tion, Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald said that he welcomed most sincerely the reference made in the Speech to China. He said that it was most gratifying to know that troops were being withdrawn from China. He hoped that the negotiations now going on for the renewal of a Treaty of Arbitration with the

United States might be broadened out so that the issues raised at Geneva might again be considered with a view to a complete settlement.

THE LIBERAL LEADER. Mr .Lloyd George, the Liberal Leader, also welcomed the paragraph in tlie King’s Speech regarding China. He was very glad that the Foreign Secretary and the Government had come to the conclusion that things had improved to such an ex-

tent that it would be possible to withdraw quite a large number of troops from China. He wished it had been possible to say that things had improved to such tn extent that all the troops could be withdrawn, but it was

quite clear that that happy state

of things had not vet been reached. He reminded the House that he had throughout supported the Government’s policy in China, and expressed satisfaction that not merely had the Government and die Foreign Secretary adhered to the important declaration which Sir Austen Chamberlain made a year ago regarding the intentions of the Government, but that, despite the difficulties which had since been encountered, they had come to the conclusion that they saw no reason for departing from th<lt exceedingly wise policy. He called attention to tlie great difficulty which existed in China, remarking that there was no Government there which could be depended upon to exist bevond a few weeks, which made the task of any foreign Government in regard to negotiations very difficult. He dwelt on the favourable effect abroad which would be created by tlie policy of the Government in adhering to the declarations made a year ago. Dealing with the proposed new Treaty of Arbitration with the United States, Mr. Llovd George asked whether it would include every subject of dispute. He said that the failure of the Geneva Conference had been most disastrous, and made it more necessary

that some treaty of this kind should be entered upon between the two Governments, which would exclude even the possibility of war, and exclude even discussion regarding war between two countries. If that were done, there would be an end to the discussions of rival armament, and there would be a new temper brought about, which would achieve very great results. He emphasised the importance of fostering a spirit of good-will, co-operation, and partnership in foreign affairs between this country and the United States. THE PRIME MINISTER. The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, stated that the paragraph in the King’s Speech relating to China was

prepared on pur-| pose that it might | be made through-1 out the world in| that prominent | position. He was I glad that the en- i dorsement given to i it, both by Mr. I MacDonald and | Mr. Lloyd George, would make it a national policy, and that the whole world would recognise it as such.

With regard to

the American Arbitration Treaty, this was a difficult and technical subject. The Foreign Secretary proposed to deal to-morrow afternoon with any point regarding foreign policy which might be raised in the debate. —British Official Wireless. (Rec. February 8, 9.30 p.m.) London, February 7. Mr. Baldwin said he was glad of Mr. Lloyd George’s and Mr. MacDonald’s endorsement regarding China, as it made the Government’s policy a national policv. The Foreign Secretary would deal 'with the question of arbitration with the United States to-mor-row. Referring to the Franchise Bill, the Premier emphasised the point that newly enfranchised persons would be enabled to vote at the next general election. Regarding the small amount of business outlined, he said the Government had decided to wind up the session at the end of July and begin a new session in October or November. It was impossible to deal with a controversial matter like the Factory Bill before August. THE INDIAN COMMISSION.

Mr. Baldwin read a letter from Sir John Simon to the Viceroy proposing a joint free conference consisting of seven British commissioners and a corresponding body of representatives chosen by the Indian Legislatures. The letter pointed out that the conference, besides giving recognition of equal status, provides an opportunity for the _ free exchange of views and mutual influence best calculated to promote the largest possible measure of agreement. The letter emphasised that the Commission in no sense was an instrument of either the British or the Indian .Governments, but an independent, unfettered body approaching the Indian legislators as colleagues. The Commission was neither an executive nor a legislative body. It was only authorised to report and make recommendations. It was hoped to include in the report a faithful account of the opinions and aspirations of Indians. If preferred,, the Indian Joint Committees’ report could be annexed to the Commission’s, and both be presented to His Majesty and published simultaneously. LABOUR AMENDMENT. The Labour Party has tabled an amendment to the Address-in-Reply expressing regret that no mention was made in the .Speech of measures to grapple with the pressing urgency of unemployment, especially in the coal and other basic industries, and its menacing effects in many areas where industrial enterprise was being cripple’d and local government was breaking down.

Several members of all parties welcomed the scheme of credits for fanners

Mr. G. D. Hardie (Lib.) complained that reservists from China were not being reinstated in employment. The House adjourned. MEMORIAL TO EARL HAIG. The Labour Party tabled an amendment to Mr. Baldwin’s, motion for a memorial to the late Earl Haig, demanding that a select committee consider the most fitting form of memorial in view of Earl Haig’s known concern for ex-servicers, their widows and dependants.—A.P.A. and “Sun.” LIBERAL AMENDMENT OMISSIONS FROM SPEECH

London, February' 7

The Liberals have decided that Nir. Llovd George is to move an amendment regretting that the King’s Speech contains no indication that the Government appreciates the hardships of social and industrial life, or contemplates its amelioration, by measures for the development of national resources, the provision of work for the unemployed, or the solution of the slum problem. PARLIAMENT AT CANBERRA London, February 7. The speech of Colonel Lambert Ward (C.), in moving the Address-in-Replv to the King’s Speech, included pleasantlyphrased references to the Speaker’s Chair of Canberra, which would serve as a bond of union between the British and Dominion Parliaments He trusted that all the proceedings at Canberra would be characterised by the courtesy whieh was traditional in the Mother Parliament. The visit of the Duke and Duchess of York had given great satisfaction in Australia and New Zealand. —A.P.A. and “Sun.” DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS ENDED AT SINGLE SITTING (Rec. February 8, 7.30 p.m.) London, February 7. The House of Lords ended the debate on the Address-in-Reply at a single sitting. The Address was moved by the Duke of Montrose and seconded by Lord Cranworth. The latter described tlie extension of votes to young women as wise and statesmanlike. Viscount Haldane attributed the cryptic'nature of the King’s Speech to the approach of the general election. He, Viscount Fitzalan, and Viscount Younger all condemned the omission of reference to the reform of the House of Lords.

Earl Beauchamp demanded that the Franchise Bill should include electoral reform to prevent a repetition of minority governments like the present. He was disappointed that the Government had taken up the position of being a drag upon the activities of the League of Nations.

The Marquess of Salisbury, replying, said the Government favoured arbitration to the utmost length to which it could carry the Dominions’ and the British Government’s support. The Government would keep its pledge and deal with reform of the House of Lords

in the present Parliament.—A.P.A. and “Sun.” WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE PETITION BLOCKED AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE GATE London. February’ 7. Four advance guards of the “Flappers’ Vote” battalions had a quiet passage to No. 10 Downing Street, and delivered copies of a petition praying that the Bill be taken first in tlie present session, but they found the approach to Buckingham Palace entirely different.

“We would like to deliver a letter for the King,” said the leader, but the policeman at the main gate was courteously adamant, even after half-an-hour’s cajoling. Then the maidenly strategy failed badlv. Miss Woodman re-engageo the constable in earnest arguments as a barrage for Miss Coutrs-Trotter to storm the Privy Purse door, but another constable appeared from nowhere, slammed the door, gathered up the struggling Miss Coutts-Trotter, and gallantly deposited her in the street. The women then held a council and decided to effect a prosaic delivery By messenger.—A.P.A. end “Sun.”