The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRARY 21, 1866.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 219, 21 February 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBR ARY 21, 1866.

The English Mail has for once been up to time. The news it more than usually tame, still far from uninteresting. The anticipated opening of Parliament by Her Majesty the Queen in person, with a novel ceremony, is the leading talk at home. The pleasure of seeing Her Majesty again take her proper place in the government of the kingdom, well we imagine, be much marred by the eccentric ceremony upon which she insists. It has long been regretted that the Queen should have allowed genuine hear* sorrow to have assumed the appearance of morbid-mindedness. It had been supi posed that she had at last aroused herself j from that state of stupor, and again would display that vigor of mind and ' activity which has, in the past done so much to intensify the affection of her subjects. The fact that she declines to do more than have the robes of state placed upon the throne, and the speech read in her presence, is strong presumptive evidence that she will never again be the healthy minded ruler of yore. Among the chief topics of the Regal Speech will be the announcement of the betrothal of the Princess Helena to the brother of the Duke of Augustenberg, and a request that provision should be made for them. The match cannot be considered, in a worldly sense, a good one, for the Prince is said to possess neither position or money. Still, it gives satisfaction, it being known that the Queen has ardently desired that one of her married daughters should remain with her till the time of her death. The future session ot Parliament its looked forward to with considerable interest. It is generally understood that Earl Russell's Cabinet will bring forward the long talked of Reform Bill. The changes which have taken place would indicate such to be the resolve. Mr. W. E. Eobtee, who succeeds Mr C. IWtescue, as Under Secretary for the Colonies, is known to be an extreme Liberal. Mr. Bmgr? has beenmaking speeches in which

he has warmly eulogised Earl Eussell, promised him support, and declared that it is is intended to add a million of persons to the present electoral body— that is to double it. Moreover, the Home Secretary is demanding returns from officials, aud the information is understood to be wanted in aid of arguments for a reform scheme. The English papers are still giving marked attention to colonial- subjects --: strongly urging the removal of British troops from New Zealand ; applauding the "noble" policy of the Weld Ministry; and maintaining that it would be better for the Colony as well as for the Home country, if we were compelled to fight our own battles. They are almost unanimous in condemning the conduct of the Governor anl Ministry of Victoria, for the part they have taken in the existing parliamentary crisis ; it is generally believed that Sir Charles Darling will be recalled. The Jamaica revolt is the great topic of the day. It was indeed a sangunary conflict, for the short time it lasted. The slaughter for a few days, was something fearful to think of. The insurrection was a demonical conception, — the extermination of the Europeans in the most diabolical system of barbarism heard of, — the Hau Haus of New Zealand have the same idea in a milder form — and the punishment was sharp and sanguinary. It is said that 2000 of the rebels were either slain or hanged in a few days, their property taken, and their villages fired by the Europeans. It is difficult as yet to learn the particulars of this conflict. There certainly does appear reason to conclude that great, if not unjustifiable severity, was shown in its suppression. The Exeter Hall adherents have not been tardy in pouring out their viols of indignation at the treatment of the "poor negroes" — who obtained a freedom, they proved unworthy of, — at the cost of millions of British money. The conduct of Governor Eyre has been denounced in no measured terms, and by the force of Missionary clamor, the ■ Imperial G-overnment has been compelled to appoint a Eoyal Commissioner of " Investigation," and have sent out to Jamaica Sir Henry Storks to take Governor Eyre's place while the investigation is being carried out. The Eenian trials have resulted in the conviction of several, who have been sentenced to various terms of penal servitude. It is remarkable that the trials have been permitted to be carried on without disturbance, or even an expression of public sympathy with the prisoners. In America the movement is flagging, and it may be considered that the " Eenian" farce is nearly played out. The fear of a rupture with America is diminishing. The President's message is pacific. The demand for compensation is put down as a desire to test a question of inter-national law rather than to extort money. The subject of the discharge of the captam and crew of the Shenandoah has been raised, but it is not likely to lead to anything more than a paper war. The President's aim, according to his message, " will be to promote peace and amity with foreign nations, and he believes them to be actuated by the same disposition." The Mexican dispute still looks ugly. The journals of . New York consider the question is becoming seriously important, and great significance is attached to the movement of troops to Texas, and the suspension of the sale ol army materials. Canada is tranquil — the apprehension of a Eenian invasion having died out. The further items of European news supply but little of importance to comment upon at the present time.