LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 7, 8 January 1881, Page 2

LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

LoNDdN, Jfoatial'y 6. Parliament was opened to-day. The Queen's speech referred to the continued maintenance of the European conceH, and said that there was every ireason to hope that a peaceful solution of the Turko-Greek difficulty \volild he arrived at. Alluding to the state of affairs in Southern Africa, the speech stated that owing to the rebellion of the Boers it was now necessary to take strong measures to reassert British authority in the Transvaal. Tlie outbreak ih Basutoiahd would sooh, it \vas libpdd he suppressed. Regarding- Afghanistan, the speech announced that it was not intended to retain Candahar, and referring to the unsettled state of Ireland stated that her Majesty's Government would introduce Sills to provide for the necessary* coercive measures for the suppression of the existing agitation, and a Bill would at the same time be brought forward dealing with the Irish land qnestion, Mr Parnell bas taken bis Bett in tbe House of Commons, and has giveu notice of an amendment oa tbe Address ia Reply to tho Queen's Bpeech stating that be is convinced that peace in Ireland will not be promised by suspending exiaing law&. Tbe introduction of bills for the adoption of County Government in Ireland to secure tbe protection of person and property, and to restrict tbe sale and possession of arms bas been notified, and Mr Gladstone will move tbat tbe discussion of tliese measures sball take precedence of everything until tbey are passed. The first batch of Engineers to undertake the construction of tbe Isthmus Canal has embarked for Panama. X,ater. Parliament was formally opened to day. The Queeu's speech as previously telegraphed was a forecast, but is fully confirmed by the speech as delivered, except in regard to tbe Greek frontier question, referring to which the speech merely states tbat the Great Powers and England will determine the frontier line. Regarding Transraal it is stated thafc tbe rebellion there has indefinitely postponed the plans which were to have been instituted for securing an administrative autonomy to the settlers. The social condition of Ireland, tbe speech states, is alarming, and is in fact an extension of terrorism. Additional powers were necessary to deal with the state of afftiirß, and the Government will recommend the development o£ the Land Act. Tho speech further states that ifc will be proposed to abolish corporal punishment ia the army and navy. January 7. In the House of Lords to-day the address in reply to the speech from fche Throne was voted after a short debate. The Pope has written a letter to the Archbishop of Dublin in wbich he strongly condems tha method of the agitation of the Irish to obtain redress of tbeir grievances. He trusts tbat justice will be done even by the Government, but expects thafc Irishmen will respect the laws of their country. In tbe course of tbe debate Earl Beaconsfield said that the Government by reversing the policy of his administration bad endangered the peace of Ireland, and he blamed Ministers for nofc having earlier adopted a coercive policy. H» advised tbem to weaken (?) the handa of the Executive in Ireland. Earl Granville in reply denied the assertions of Lord Beaconsfield, and argued that the Government was not alone anßwerable for the state of Ireland. Ministers were determined to enforce respect for the law in that country. In the House of Commons the debate on address in reply is proceeding. Sir Stafford Nothcote attacked and Mr Gladstone defended the policy of the Government in Ireland. The latter admitted thafc tbe condition of the country was shameful, but urged that earlier action was not justified for the repression of disorder without Bteps being taken to redress the grievances of tbe people. Tho debate has been adjourned to next sitting.