IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 317, 18 January 1902, Page 2

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

OPENING CEREMONIES. By Telegraph -Press Association—Copyright"' Loudon, Jan. 16. The new session of the Imperial Parliament was opened to-day. There was an imposing pro -sion from Marlboiough House to ' simiustcr, whore a magniheeut c ueny was observed. The King and Queen i -.tv) ore along the route, which was ct .• e.l with people, were greeted with t-nihu .as:--. There was a hciiiia:.. .eeno iu the House of Lords, which was crowded with poors and peeresses and distinguished personages. His Majesty King Edward read his Speech from the Throne. London, Jan. 17. At the opening of Parliament live State carriages preceded the State coach, which was drawn by eight cream horses, with purple and gold trappings. The Life Guards escorted it, their Majesties smiling and bowing to the people. The procession was was one of the most loyal and enthusiastic ovations ever witnessed. The spectacle in the House of Lords was one of great splendour under the effects of the electric light. Wearing mourning by Peeresses was suspended for the day. The King was dressed as a Field Marshall, and wore the robe of State thrown well back. The Queen was in a black dress under a sweeping robe, relieved by strings of pearls and diamonds, with a little diamond Crown over a soft white veil. She looked gracious and queenly. HIS MAJESTY'S SPEECH.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Jan. 17.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and other Royalties were present in the Bouso of Lords. The Princess wore a black dress, with ribbon of the Order of Victoria. No Nationalist members were present. The Agents-Gencral had seats in the Royal gallery. Although the tradition is that Parliament listen in absolute silence the passage of the Speech referring to the couduct of the troops evoked a distinct murmer of assent. The weather was dull, but fine. The King read the Speech in a clear voice. He declared that the relations with the Powers were friendly. The course of the war was favorable. The soldiers, despite the tediousness of the guerilla struggle, throughout had displayed cheerfulness, endurance, and humanity, even to their own detriment, and were deserving of the highest praise. The further loyal offers of troops were acknowledged. Contingents were coming from Canada, the Australian Commonwealth, and New Zealand. He trusted that the International Sugar Bounties Conference at Brussels would decide to abandon the bounties which were unfairly weighing on the sugarproducing colonies and home manufacturers. The Isthmian Canal Treaty with America secured a'neutral canal, opon to the commerce and shipping of all nations. He announced that the King of Italy had. agreed to act as arbitrator between Great Britain and Brazil in regard to dispute as to boundary in British Guiana. The relief of the famine-affected districts in India was progressing, and hopeful results were expected from the Commission’s report.

SPIRITED DEBATES IN BOTH HOUSES.

By Telegraph. Press Assoeiation. Copyright London, Jan. 17. The speech from the Throno gave rise to spirited debates in both Houses. In the House of Lords Lord Rosebery elicited from Lord Salisbury that no overtures had been made by the Boers. Lord Rosebery added that he had nothing but commendation for the spirit and words of Mr Chamberlain's reply to Count Von Bulow,

Lord Salisbury welcomed Earl Spencer’s declaration that independence of the Boers was impossible. He said that Great Britain must show no weakness. It was not our duty to say on what terms we would forgive our assailants before forgiveness was asked. He solemnly warned the Liberals of the danger to safety of the Empire resulting from any failure, however slight, in regard to acknowledging the absolute supremacy of the King.

In tho House of Commons Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman and Sir William Harcourt drew from Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain a statement of a resolute policy, vindicating Sir A. Milner’s action in suspending the constitution of the Cape Colony by the Ministry’s advice. The Ministry would hereafter receive an act of indemnity.