Opening of the British Parliament.

Manawatu Herald, 21 January 1902, Page 2

Opening of the British Parliament.

The proceedings at the opening of Parliament on Thursday were similar to those last year. The procession from Marlborough Honse to Westminster at the opening of Parliament was a magnificent ceremony. The King and Qnoen wore everywhere greeted with enthusiasm. There was a brilliant scene in the House of Lords.

Five State carriages preceded the State coach, which was drawn by eight cream horses in purple and gold trappings, and escorted by Life Guards. The Sovereigns smiled and bowed. The procession 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 electric light. The wearing of mourning by peeresses had ibeen suspended for the day. The King, dressed in a Field-Mar-shal’s uniform, wore the robe of State thrown well back. The Queen wore a black dress under a sweeping robe, relieved by strings of pearlff’and diamonds, and wearing the little diamond crown over a soft, white veil, looked gracious and queenly. THE SPEECH. The Prince and Princess of Wales and other Royalties were present in the House of Lords. The Princess wore a black dress and the ribbon of the Order of Victoria. No Nationalist members were present. The Agents-General had seats in the Royal gallery. Although it is a tradition of Parliament to listen in absolute silence, the passage in the Speech referring to the conduct of the troops evoked a distinct murmur of assent.

Tjhe King read the Speech in a clear voice. It declared that relations with the Powers were friendly. The course of the war had been favourable to the soldiers, despite the tediousuess of the guerilla struggle. Throughout they had displayed cheerfulness, endurance and humanity, even to their own detriment, deserving the highest praise. Further loyal offers of troops were acknowledged, and it was mentioned that contingents were coming from Canada, the Australian Commonwealth and New Zealand.

It was, the Speech said, trusted that the international Sugar Bounties Conference at Brussels would decide to abandon bounties, which were unfairly weighing on the sugar-produc-ing colonies and home manufacturers. The Isthmian Canal Treaty with America had secured a neutral canal open to the commerce and shipping of all nations. It was announced that the King of Italy had agreed to act as arbitrator between Britain and Brazil in regard to the disputed boundary of British Guiana. The relief of the famine in India was progressing, and hopeful results were expected from the Commissioner’s report. DEBATES IN BOTH HOUSES. The speech from the Throne gave rise to spirited debates in both Houses. In the House of Lords Lord Rosebery elicited from Lord

Salisbury that no overtures haft made by the Boors. Lord Boaebery added that he had nothing but commendation for the spirit and words of Mr Chamberlain in reply to Count von Bulow. Lord Salisbury welcomed Earl Spencer’s declaration that the in- ' dependence of the Boers was impossible, and said Britain must show no weakness. It was not Ministers' duty to say on what terms they would forgive the country's assailants before forgiveness was . asked. He solemnly warned the Liberals of the danger to the safety of the Empire resulting in any failure, however v alight, in regard to acknowledging, " the absolute supremacy of the King. In the Commons Sir Hennr Camp-bell-Bannerman and Sir W. Harcourt drew from Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain a resolute vindication of Lord Milner’s action in suspending the constitution of Gape Colony by the Ministry’s advice. The Ministry would hereafter receive an Act of indemnity.