I am happy to inform you that, notwithstanding the high price of food, the revenue has, up to the present time, been more productive than I had reason to anticipate. The increased use of articles of general consumption has chiefly contributed to this result. The revenue derived from sugar, especially, has been greatly augmented by the removal of the prohibitory duties on foreign sugar.

The various grants which you have made for education in the United Kingdom will, I trust, be conducive to the religious and moral improve ment of my people.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I think proper to inform you that it is my intention immediately to dissolve the present Parliament.

I rely with confidence on the loyalty to the throne and attachment to the free institutions of this country which animate the great body of my people. I join with them in supplications to Almighty God, that the dearth by which we have been afflicted may, by the Divine blessing, be converted into cheapness and plenty.

VICTORIA.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 23, 1847.]

MY LORDS AND Gentlemen,

Her Majesty has ordered us to declare to you the causes which have induced her to call Parliament together at the present time.

Her Majesty has seen with great concern the distress which has for some time prevailed among the commercial classes. The embarrassments of trade were at one period aggravated by so general a feeling of distrust and of alarm, that Her Majesty, for the purpose of restoring confidence, authorized her Ministers to recommend to the Directors of the Bank of England a course of proceeding suited to such an emergency. This course might have led to an infringement of the law.

Her Majesty has great satisfaction in being enabled to inform you that the law has not been infringed, that the alarm has subsided, and that the pressure on the banking and commercial interests has been mitigated.

The abundant harvest with which this country has been blessed has alleviated the evils which always accompany a want of employment in the manufacturing districts. Her Majesty has, however, to lament the recurrence of severe distress in some parts of Ireland, owing to the scarcity of the usual food of the people. Her Majesty trusts that this distress will be materially relieved by the exertions which have been made to carry into effect the law of the last Session of Parliament for the support of the destitute poor. Her Majesty has learnt with satisfaction that landed proprietors have taken advantage of the means placed at their disposal for the improvement of land.

Her Majesty laments that in some counties of Ireland atrocious crimes have been committed, and a spirit of insubordination has manifested itself, leading to an organized resistance of legal rights.

The Lord-Lieutenant has employed with vigour and energy the means which the law places at his disposal to detect offenders, and to prevent the repetition of offences. Her Majesty feels it, however, to be her duty to her peaceable and well-disposed subjects to ask the assistance of Parliament in taking further precautions against the perpetration of crime in certain counties and districts in Ireland.

Her Majesty views with the deepest anxiety and interest the present condition of Ireland, and she recommends to the consideration of

Parliament measures which, with due regard to the rights of property, may advance the social condition of the people and tend to the permanent improvement of that part of the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty has seen with great concern the breaking out of civil war in Switzerland. Her Majesty is in communication with her allies on this subject, and has expressed her readiness to use, in concert with them, her friendly influence for the purpose of restoring to the Swiss Confederation the blessings of peace.

Her Majesty looks with confidence to the maintenance of the general peace of Europe. Her Majesty has concluded with the Republic of the Equator a treaty for the suppression of the slave trade.

Her Majesty has given directions that this treaty should be laid before you.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, Her Majesty has given directions that the estimates for the next year should be prepared for the purpose of being laid before you. They will be framed with a careful regard to the exigencies of the public service.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

Her Majesty recommends to the consideration of Parliament the laws which regulate the navigation of the United Kingdom, with view to ascertain whether any changes can be adopted which, without danger to our maritime strength, may promote the commercial and colonial interests of the Empire.

Her Majesty has thought fit to appoint a Commission to report on the best means of improving the health of the metropolis; and Her Majesty recommends to your earnest attention such measures as will be laid before you relating to the public health.

Her Majesty has deeply sympathized with the sufferings which afflict the labouring classes in the manufacturing districts in Great Britain and in many parts of Ireland, and has observed with admiration the patience with which these sufferings have been generally borne.

The distress which has lately prevailed among the commercial classes has affected many important branches of the revenue; but Her Majesty trusts that the time is not distant when, under the blessing of Divine Providence, the commerce and industry of the United Kingdom will have resumed their wonted activity.

VICTORIA.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT SEPT. 5, 1848.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I am happy to be able to release you from the duties of a laborious and protracted Session.

The Act for the prevention of crime and outrage in Ireland, which received my assent at the commencement of the Session, was attended by the most beneficial effects. The open display of arms intended for criminal purposes was checked; the course of justice was no longer interrupted; and several atrocious murderers, who had spread terror through the country, were apprehended, tried, and convicted.

The distress in Ireland consequent upon successive failures in the production of food has been mitigated by the application of the law for the relief of the poor, and by the amount of charitable contributions raised in other parts of the United Kingdom.

took advantage of the existing pressure to excite On the other hand, organized confederacies plunder and confiscation were held out to tempt my suffering subjects to rebellion. Hopes of the distressed, while the most visionary prospects were exhibited to the ambitious. In this con

juncture I applied to your loyalty and wisdom for increased powers; and, strengthened by your prompt concurrence, my Government was enabled to defeat, in a few days, Juachinations which had and decision shown by the Lord-Lieutenant of been prepared during many months. The energy Ireland in this emergency deserve my warmest approbation.

In the midst of these difficulties you have continued your labours for the improvement of the laws; the Act for facilitating the sale of incumbered estates will, I trust, gradually remove an evil of great magnitude in the social state of Ireland.

The system of perpetual entails of land established in Scotland produced very serious evils both to heirs of entail and to the community, and I have had great satisfaction in seeing it amended upon principles which have long been found to operate beneficially in this part of the United Kingdom.

I have given my cordial assent to the measures which have in view the improvement

of the public health, and I entertain an earnest hope that a foundation has been laid for continual advances in this beneficent work.

GENTLEMAN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have to thank you for the readiness with which you have granted the supplies necessary for the public service.

I shall avail myself of every opportunity which the exigencies of the State may allow for enforcing economy.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I have renewed in a formal manner my diplomatic relations with the Government of France. The good understanding between the two countries has continued without the slightest interruption.

Events of deep importance have disturbed the internal tranquillity of many of the States of Europe, both in the north and in the south. These events have led to hostilities between neighbouring countries.

I am employing my good offices, in concert with other friendly Powers, to bring to an amicable settlement these differences; and I trust that our efforts may be successful.

I am rejoiced to think that an increasing sense of the value of peace encourages the hope that the nations of Europe may continue in the enjoyment of its blessings. Amidst these convulsions I have had the satisfaction of being able to preserve peace for my own dominions, and to maintain our domestic tranquillity. The strength of our institutions has been tried, and has not been found wanting. I have studied to preserve the people committed to my charge in the enjoyment of that temperate freedom which they so justly value. My people, on their side, feel too sensibly the advantages of order and security to allow the promoters of pillage and confusion any chance of success in their wicked designs.

I acknowledge with grateful feelings the many marks of loyalty and attachment which I have received from all classes of my people. It is my earnest hope that by cultivating respect to the law and obedience to the precepts of religion, the liberties of this nation may, by the blessing of Almighty God, be perpetuated.

VICTORIA.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 1, 1849.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The period having arrived at which the business of Parliament is usually resumed, I have called you together for the discharge of your important duties.

It is satisfactory to me to be enabled to state that both in the north and in the south of Europe the contending parties have consented to a suspension of arms for the purpose of negotiating terms of peace.

The hostilities carried on in the island of Sicily were attended with circumstances revolting that the British and French admirals were impelled, by motives of humanity, to interpose, and to stop the further effusion of blood.

I have availed myself of the interval thus obtained to propose, in conjunction with France, to the King of Naples, an arrangement calculated to produce a permanent settlement of affairs in Sicily. The negotiation on these matters is still pending.

It has been my anxious endeavour, in offering my good offices to the various contending Powers, to prevent the extension of the calamities of war, and to lay the foundations for It is my lasting and honourable peace. constant desire to maintain with all foreign States the most friendly relations.

As soon as the interests of the public service will permit, I shall direct papers connected with these transactions to be laid before you.

A rebellion of a formidable character has broken out in the Punjaub, and the GovernorGeneral of India has been compelled, for the preservation of the peace of the country, to assemble a considerable force, which is now engaged in military operations against the insurgents; but the tranquillity of British India has not been affected by these unprovoked dis

If

you shall find that these laws are in whole or in part unnecessary for the maintenance of our maritime power, while they fetter trade and industry, you will no doubt deem it right to repual or modify their provisions.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates for the service of the year to be laid before you; they will be framed with the most anxious attention to a wise economy.

The present aspect of affairs has enabled me to make large reductions on the estimates of last year.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I observe with satisfaction that this portion of the United Kingdom has remained tranquil amidst the convulsions which have disturbed so many parts of Europe.

The insurrection in Ireland has not been renewed, but a spirit of disaffection still exists; and I am compelled, to my great regret, to ask for a continuance, for a limited time, of those powers which in the last Session you deemed necessary for the preservation of the public tranquillity.

I have great satisfaction in stating that commerce is reviving from those shocks which at the commencement of last Session I had to deplore.

The condition of the manufacturing districts is likewise more encouraging than it has been for a considerable period.

It is also gratifying to me to observe that the state of the revenue is one of progressive improvement.

I have to lament, however, that another failure in the potato crop has caused very severe distress in some parts of Ireland.

The operation of the laws for the relief of the poor in Ireland will properly be a subject of your enquiry; and any measures by which those laws may be beneficially amended, and the condition of the people may be improved, will receive my cordial assent.

It is with pride and thankfulness that I advert to the loyal spirit of my people, and that attachment to our institutions which has animated them during a period of commercial difficulty, deficient production of food, and political revolution.

I look to the protection of Almighty God for favour in our continued progress; and I trust that you will assist me in upholding the fabric of the Constitution, founded as it is upon the principles of freedom and of justice.

VICTORIA.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG. 1, 1849.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, We have it in command from Her Majesty to inform you that the state of public business enables her to dispense with your attendance in Parliament, and to close the present Session.

Her Majesty has directed us to express her satisfaction with the zeal and assiduity with which you have discharged the laborious and anxious duties in the performance of which you have been occupied.

Her Majesty has given her assent to the important measure you have passed to amend the navigation laws, in full confidence that the enterprise, skill, and hardihood of her people

will assure to them a full share of the commerce of the world, and maintain upon the seas the ancient renown of this nation.

Her Majesty has commanded us to acquaint you that the friendly character of her relations with foreign Powers affords her a just confidence in the continuance of peace.

The preliminaries of peace between Prussia and Denmark have been signed, under the mediation of Her Majesty; and Her Majesty trusts that this Convention may prove the forerunner of a definite and permanent treaty.

Her Majesty's efforts will continue to be directed to promote the restoration of peace in those parts of Europe in which it has been interrupted.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, We are commanded by Her Majesty to return you her thanks for the provision you have made for the public service.

The public expenditure has undergone con

siderable reductions within the present year, and Her Majesty will continue to apply a watchful economy in every branch of the public service.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

We are commanded by Her Majesty to congratulate you on the happy termination of the war in the Punjaub. The exertions made by the Government of India, and the valour displayed by the army in the field, demand Her Majesty's warmest acknowledgments.

Her Majesty has observed with gratification the spirit of obedience to the laws which has been manifested by her subjects during the period which has elapsed since Her Majesty last addressed her Parliament.

It is the characteristic of our Constitution that it renders the maintenance of order com

patible with the fullest enjoyment of political and civil liberty.

The satisfaction with which Her Majesty has viewed the peaceful progress of her people in arts and industry has been greatly alloyed by the continuance of severe distress in one part of the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty has observed with pleasure your liberal exertions to mitigate the pressure of this calamity; and Her Majesty commands us to thank you for your unremitting attention to measures calculated to improve the general condition of Ireland. It is Her Majesty's fervent hope that it may please the Almighty Disposer of events to favour the operation of those laws which have been sanctioned by Parliament, and to grant to her Irish people, as the reward of that patience and resignation with which they have borne their protracted sufferings, the blessings of an abundant harvest and of internal peace.

VICTORIA.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, JAN. 31,-1850.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

We are commanded by Her Majesty to assure you that Her Majesty has great satisfaction in again having recourse to the advice and assistance of her Parliament.

The decease of Her Majesty Queen Adelaide has caused Her Majesty deep affliction. The extensive charity and exemplary virtues of her late Majesty will always render her memory dear to the nation.

Her Majesty happily continues in peace and amity with foreign Powers.

In the course of the autumn, differences of a serious character arose between the Governments of Austria and Russia on the one hand, and the Sublime Porte on the other, in regard to the treatment of a considerable number of persons, who, after the termination of the civil war in Hungary, had taken refuge in the Turkish territory.

Explanations which took place between the Turkish and Imperial Governments have fortunately removed any danger to the peace of Europe which might have arisen out of these

differences.

Her Majesty, having been appealed to on this occasion by the Sultan, united her efforts with those of the Government of France, to which a similar appeal had been made, in order to assist, by the employment of her good offices, in effecting an amicable settlement of those differ ences in a manner consistent with the dignity and independence of the Porte.

Her Majesty has been engaged in communications with foreign States upon the measures which might be rendered necessary by the relaxation of the restrictions formerly imposed by the navigation laws of this country.

The Governments of the United States of

America and of Sweden have promptly taken steps to secure to British ships in the ports of their respective countries advantages similar to those which their own ships now enjoy in British ports.

With regard to those foreign States whose navigation laws have hitherto been of a restrictive character, Her Majesty has received from nearly all of them assurances which induce her to hope that our example will speedily lead to a great and general diminution of those obstacles which previously existed, to a free intercourse by sea between the nations of the world. In the summer and autumn of the past year,

the United Kingdom was again visited by the ravages of the cholera; but Almighty God in His mercy was pleased to arrest the progress of mortality, and to stay this fearful pestilence. Her Majesty is persuaded that we shall best evince our gratitude by vigilant precautions against the more obvious causes of sickness, and an enlightened consideration for those who are most exposed to its attacks.

Her Majesty in her late visit to Ireland derived the highest gratification from the loyalty and attachment manifested by all classes of her subjects. Although the effects of former years of scarcity are painfully felt in that part of the present abundance of food, and the tranquillity United Kingdom, they are mitigated by the which prevails.

Her Majesty has great satisfaction in congratulating you on the improved condition of commerce and manufactures. It is with regret that Her Majesty has observed the complaints which in many parts of the kingdom have proceeded from the owners and occupiers of land. of her subjects should be suffering distress; Her Majesty greatly laments that any portion Majesty to witness the increased enjoyment of but it is a source of sincere gratification to Her the necessaries and comforts of life, which cheapness and plenty have bestowed upon the great body of her people.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, Her Majesty has directed the estimates for the year to be laid before you. They have been framed with a strict regard to economy, while the efficiency of the various branches of the public service has not been neglected. Her Majesty has seen with satisfaction the present state of the revenue.

MY LORDS ANd Gentlemen,

Some of the measures which were postponed at the end of the last Session for want of time for their consideration will be again laid before you. Among the most important of these is one for the better government of the Australian Colonies.

Her Majesty has directed various measures to be prepared for the improvement of the condition of Ireland. The mischiefs arising from party processions, the defects of the laws regulating the relations of landlord and tenant, the imperfect state of the Grand Jury Acts, and

the diminished number of electors for members to serve in Parliament, will, together with other matters of serious consequence, form the subjects of measures to be submitted for your consideration.

Her Majesty has learnt with satisfaction that the measures which have been already passed for the promotion of the public health are in a course of gradual adoption; and Her Majesty trusts that, both in the metropolis and in various parts of the United Kingdom, you will be enabled to make further progress in the removal of evils which affect the health and wellbeing of her subjects.

The favour of Divine Providence has hitherto preserved this kingdom from the wars and convulsions which, during the last two years, have shaken so many of the States of the Continent of Europe.

It is Her Majesty's hope and belief that by combining liberty with order, by preserving what is valuable, and amending what is defective, you will sustain the fabric of our institutions

as the abode and the shelter of a free and happy people.

It has afforded me great satisfaction to give my assent to the Act which you have passed for the improvement of the merchant naval service of this country; it is, I trust, calculated to promote the welfare of every class connected with this essential branch of the national interest.

The Act for the gradual discontinuance of interments within the limits of the metropolis is in conformity with those enlightened views which have for their object the improvement of the public health. I shall watch with interest

the progress of measures relating to this important subject.

I have given my cordial assent to the Act for the extension of the elective franchise in Ireland. I look to the most beneficial consequences from a measure which has been framed with a view to give to my people in Ireland a fair participation in the benefits of our representative system.

I have observed with the greatest interest and satisfaction the measures which have been

adopted with a view to the improvement of the administration of justice in various depart ments, and I confidently anticipate they will be productive of much public convenience and advantage.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The improvement of the revenue, and the large reductions which have been made in various branches of expenditure, have tended to give to our financial condition stability and security. I am happy to find that you have been enabled to relieve my subjects from some of the burthens of taxation, without impairing the sufficiency of our resources to meet the charges imposed upon them.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I am encouraged to hope that the treaty between Germany and Denmark, which has been concluded at Berlin under my mediation, may lead at no distant period to the restoration of peace in the north of Europe. No endeavour shall be wanting on my part to secure the attainment of this great blessing.

I continue to maintain the most friendly relations with foreign Powers, and I trust that nothing may occur to disturb the general peace. I have every reason to be thankful for the loyalty and attachment of my people; and while I am studious to preserve and to improve our institutions, I rely upon the goodness of Almighty God to favour my efforts, and to guide the destinies of this nation.

VICTORIA.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 4, 1851.]

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

It is with great satisfaction that I again meet my Parliament, and resort to your advice and assistance in the consideration of measures which affect the welfare of our country.

I continue to maintain the relations of peace and amity with foreign Powers. It has been my endeavour to induce the States of Germany to carry into full effect the provisions of the treaty with Denmark, which was concluded at Berlin in the month of July of last year. I am much gratified in being able to inform you that the German Confederation and the Government of Denmark are now engaged in fulfilling the stipulations of that treaty, and thereby putting an end to hostilities which at one time appeared full of danger to the peace of Europe.

I trust that the affairs of Germany may be arranged by mutual agreement in such a manner as to preserve the strength of the Confed

eration, and to maintain the freedom of its

separate States.

I have concluded with the King of Sardinia articles additional to the treaty of September, 1841, and I have directed that those articles shall be laid before you.

The Government of Brazil has taken new and, I hope, efficient measures for the suppression

of the atrocious traffic in slaves.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates of the year to be prepared and laid before you without delay. They have been framed with a due regard to

of land.

I am rejciced to find that you have thereby been enabled to relieve my people from an impost which restricted the enjoyment of light and air in their dwellings. I trust that this enactment, with others to which your attention has been and will be directed, will contribute to the health and comfort of my subjects.

I thank you for the assiduity with which you have applied yourselves to the consideration of the undue assumption of ecclesiastical titles cona measure framed for the purpose of checking

ferred by a foreign Power.

while repelling unfounded claims, you have It gives me the highest satisfaction to find that, maintained inviolate the great principles of re

But it is my confident hope that the pros-ligious liberty so happily established among us. perous condition of other classes of my subjects will have a favourable effect in diminishing those difficulties and promoting the interests of agriculture.

The recent assumption of certain ecclesiastical titles conferred by a foreign Power has excited strong feelings in this country, and large bodies of my subjects have presented addresses to me, expressing attachment to the throne, and praying that such assumptions should be resisted. I have assured them of my resolution to maintain the rights of my crown, and the independence of the nation, against all encroachment, from whatever quarter it may proceed. I have at the same time expressed my earnest desire and firm determination, under God's blessing, to maintain unimpaired the religious liberty which is so justly prized by the people of

this country.

It will be for you to consider the measure which will be laid before you on this subject.

The administration of justice in the several departments of Law and Equity will, no doubt, receive the serious attention of Parliament; and I feel confident that the measures which may be submitted to you with a view of improving that administration will be discussed with that mature deliberation which important changes in the highest Courts of Judicature in the kingdom imperatively demand.

A measure will be laid before you providing for the establishment of a system of registration of deeds and instruments relating to the transfer of property. This measure is the result of enquiries which I have caused to be made into the practicability of adopting a system of registration calculated to give security to titles, to diminish the causes of litigation to which they have hitherto been liable, and to reduce the cost of transfers. To combine the progress of improvement with the stability of our institutions will, I am confident, be your constant care. We may esteem ourselves fortunate that we can pursue without disturbance the course of calm and peaceable amelioration; and we have every thankful to Almighty God for the measure of tranquillity and happiness which has been vouchsafed to us.

VICTORIA.

cause to be

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG. 8, 1851.]
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I am glad to be able to release you from your attendance in Parliament, and I thank you for the diligence with which you have performed your laborious duties.

I continue to maintain the most friendly relations with foreign Powers.

I am happy to be able to congratulate you on the very considerable diminution which has taken place in the African and Brazilian slave trade. The exertions of my squadrons on the coasts of Africa and Brazil, assisted by the

vigilance of the cruisers of France and of the

United States, and aided by the co-operation of the Brazilian Government, have mainly contributed to this result.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the readiness with which you have granted the supplies necessary for the services of the year.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

It is satisfactory to observe that, notwithstanding very large reductions of taxes, the revenue for the past year considerably exceeded the public expenditure for the same period.

The attention you have bestowed on the administration of justice in the Courts of Law and Equity will, I trust, prove beneficial and lead to further improvements. I have willingly given my consent to a Bill relating to the administration of the land revenues of the Crown, which will, I hope, conduce to the better management of that department, and at the same time tend to the promotion of works of public utility.

It has been very gratifying to me, on an occasion which has brought many foreigners to this country, to observe the spirit of kindness and goodwill which so generally prevailed.

It is my anxious desire to promote among nations the cultivation of all those arts which are fostered by peace, and which in their turn contribute to maintain the peace of the world.

In closing the present Session it is with feelings of gratitude to Almighty God that I acknowledge the general spirit of loyalty and willing obedience to the law which animate my people. Such a spirit is the best security at once for the progress and the stability of our free and happy institutions.

VICTORIA.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 3, 1852.]

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The period has arrived when, according to usage, I can again avail myself of your advice and assistance in the preparation and adoption of measures which the welfare of the country may require.

I continue to maintain the most friendly relations with foreign Powers.

The complicated affairs of the Duchies of Holstein and Schleswig have continued to engage my attention. I have every reason to expect that the treaty between Germany and Denmark, which was concluded at Berlin in the year before last, will in a short time be fully and completely executed.

broke out on the eastern frontier of the Cape of I regret that the war which unfortunately Good Hope more than a year ago still continues. Papers will be laid before you containing full information as to the progress of the war, and the measures which have been taken for bringing it to a termination.

While I have observed with sincere satisfaction the tranquillity which has prevailed throughout the greater portion of Ireland, it is with much regret that I have to inform you that certain parts of the counties of Armagh, Monaghan, and Louth have been marked by the commission of outrages of the most serious description. The powers of the existing law have been promptly exerted for the detection of the offenders, and for the repression of a system of crime and violence fatal to the best interests of the country. My attention will continue to be directed to this important object.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have ordered estimates of the expenses of the current year to be laid before you.

I rely with confidence on your loyalty and zeal to make adequate provision for the public service.

Where any increase has been made in the estimates of the present over the past year, such explanations will be given as will, I trust, satisfy you that such increase is consistent with a steady adherence to a pacific policy and with the dictates of a wise economy.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The improvement of the administration of justice in its various departments has continued

to receive my anxious attention; and in furtherance of that object I have directed Bills to be prepared, founded upon the reports made to me by the respective Commissions appointed to enquire into the practice and proceedings of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, as nothing tends more to the peace, prosperity, and contentment of a country than the speedy and impartial administration of justice. I earnestly recommend these measures to your deliberate attention. The Act of 1848 for suspending the operation of a previous Act conferring representative institutions on New Zealand will expire early in the next year. I am happy to believe that there is no necessity for its renewal, and that no obstacle any longer exists to the enjoyment of representative institutions by New Zealand. The form of these institutions will, however, require your consideration; and the additional information which has been obtained since the passing of the Acts in question will, I trust, enable you to arrive at a decision beneficial to that important colony.

It gives me great satisfaction to be able to state to you that the large reductions of taxes which have taken place of late years have not been attended with a proportionate diminution of the national income. The revenue of the past year has been fully adequate to the demands of the public service, while the reduction of taxation has tended greatly to the relief and comfort of my subjects.

d comfortedge, with thankfulness to Almighty

God, that tranquillity, good order, and willing obedience to the laws continue to prevail generally throughout the country.

It appears to me that this is a fitting time for calmly considering whether it may not be advisable to make such amendments in the Act of the late reign relating to the representation of the Commons in Parliament, as may be deemed calculated to carry into more complete effect the principles upon which that law is founded.

I have the fullest confidence that in any such consideration you will firmly adhere to the acknowledged principles of the Constitution, by which the prerogatives of the Crown, the authority of both Houses of Parliament, and the rights and liberties of the people are equally secured.

VICTORIA.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JULY 1, 1852.]
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I am induced, by considerations of public policy, to release you at an earlier period than usual from your legislative duties.

The zeal and diligence, however, with which you have applied yourselves to your Parliamentary labours have enabled me in this comparatively short Session to give my assent to many measures of high importance, and, I trust, of great and permanent advantage.

I receive from all foreign Powers assurances that they are animated by the most friendly dispositions towards this country; and I entertain a confident hope that the amicable relations happily subsisting between the principal European States may be so firmly established as, under Divine Providence, to secure to the world a long continuance of the blessings of peace. To this great end my attention will be unremittingly directed.

I rejoice that the final settlement of the affairs of Holstein and Schleswig, by the general concurrence of the Powers chiefly interested, has removed one cause of recent difference and of future anxiety.

The amicable termination of the discussions which have taken place between the Sublime Porte and the Pacha of Egypt afford a guarantee for the tranquillity of the East, and an encouragement to the extension of commercial enterprise. The refusal on the part of the King of Ava of redress justly demanded for insults and injuries offered to my subjects at Rangoon has necessarily led to an interruption of friendly elations with that sovereign. The promptitude and vigour with which the Governor-General of India has taken the measures thus rendered

unavoidable have merited my entire approbation; and I am confident that you will participate in the satisfaction with which I have observed the conduct of the naval and military forces, European and Indian, by whose valour and discipline the important captures of Rangoon and Martaban have been accomplished, and in the hope which I entertain that these signal successes may lead to an early and honourable peace.

Treaties have been concluded by my naval commanders with the King of Dahomey, and all the African chiefs whose rule extends along the Bight of Benin, for the total abolition of the slave trade, which is at present wholly suppressed upon that coast.

I have had great satisfaction in giving my assent to the measure which you have wisely adopted for the better organization of the militia: a constitutional force which, being limited to purposes of internal defence, can afford no just ground of jealousy to neighbouring Powers, but which, in the event of any sudden and unforeseen disturbance of my foreign relations, would at all times contribute essentially to the protection and security of my dominions.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

to

The recent discoveries of extensive gold fields have produced in the Australian Colonies a temporary disturbance of society requiring prompt attention. I have taken such steps as appeared to me most urgently necessary for the mitigation of this serious evil. I shall continue anxiously to watch the important results which must follow from these discoveries. I have willingly concurred with you in an Act which, by rendering available to the services of those Colonies the portion arising within them of the hereditary revenue, placed at the disposal of Parliament on my accession to the throne, may enable them to meet their necessarily increased expenditure.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I have gladly assented to the important Bills which you have passed for effecting reforms, long and anxiously desired, in the practice and proceedings of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, and generally for improving the administration of justice. Every measure which simplifies the forms and diminishes the delay and expense of legal proceedings, without introducing uncertainty of decision, impairing the authority of the Courts, o lowering the high standard of the Judicial Bench, is a valuable boon conferred on the community at large.

I hope that the measures which you have adopted for promoting extramural interment of the dead, and for improving the supply of water, may be found effectual for the remedy of evils, the existence of which has long been a reproach to this great metropolis, and may conduce to the health and comfort of its inhabitants.

The extension of popular rights and legislative powers to my subjects resident in the Colonies is always to me an object of deep interest; and I trust that the representative institutions which, in concert with you, I have sanctioned for New Zealand, may promote the welfare and contentment of the population of that distant, but most interesting, colony, and confirm their loyalty and attachment to my Crown.

It is my intention, without delay, to dissolve this present Parliament; and it is my earnest prayer that, in the exercise of the high functions which, according to our Constitution, will devolve upon the several constituencies, they may be directed by an All-wise Providence to the selection of representatives whose wisdom and patriotism may aid me in my unceasing endeavours to sustain the honour and dignity of my crown, to uphold the Protestant institutions of the country, and the civil and religious liberty which is their natural result, to extend and improve the national education, to develop and encourage industry, art, and science, and to elevate the moral and social condition, and thereby promote the welfare and happiness of my people.

VICTORIA.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 11, 1852.]
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I cannot meet you for the first time after the dissolution of Parliament without expressing my deep sorrow, in which I am sure you will participate, that your deliberations can no longer be aided by the counsels of that illustrious man whose great achievements have exalted the name of England, and in whose loyalty and patriotism the interests of my throne and of my people ever found an unfailing support. I rely with confidence on your desire to join with me in taking such steps as may mark your sense of the irreparable loss which the country has sustained by the death of Arthur Duke of Wellington.

I am happy to acknowledge the readiness with which my subjects in general have come forward, in pursuance of the Act of last Session, to join the ranks of the militia; and I confidently trust that the force thus raised by voluntary enlistment will be calculated to give effective aid to my regular army for the protection and security of the country.

I continue to receive from all foreign Powers assurances of their anxious desire to maintain the friendly relations now happily subsisting with my Government.

Frequent and well-founded complaints on the part of my North American Colonies, of infractions, by citizens of the United States, of the Fishery Convention of 1818, induced me to despatch, for the protection of their interests, a class of vessels better adapted to the service than those which had been previously employed. This step has led to discussions with the Government of the United States; and while the rights of my subjects have been firmly maintained, the friendly spirit in which the question has been treated induces me to hope that the ultimate result may be mutually beneficial extension and improvement of our commercial intercourse with that great Republic.

The special mission which, in concert with the Prince President of the French Republic, I deemed it right to send to the Argentine Confederation, has been received with the utmost cordiality; and the wise and enlightened policy of the Provisional Director has already opened to the commerce of the world the great rivers, hitherto closed, which afford an access to the interior of the vast continent of South America.

I have the satisfaction of announcing to you that the sincere and zealous efforts of the Government of Brazil for the suppression of the slave trade, now nearly extinguished on that coast, have enabled me to suspend the stringent measures which I had been compelled reluctantly' to adopt, a recurrence to which I anxiously hope may be proved to be unnecessary.

The Government of her most faithful Majesty have fully recognized the justice of the claim which my Government have long urged for the abolition of the discriminating duties on the export of wine, and have passed a decree for giving complete effect to the stipulations of the treaty on this subject.

You will probably deem it advisable to resume the enquiries which were commenced by the late Parliament with a view to legislation on the subject of the future government of my East Indian possessions.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The estimates for the ensuing year will in due time be laid before you.

The advancement of the fine arts and of practical science will be readily recognized by you as worthy of the attention of a great and enlightened nation. I have directed that a comprehensive scheme shall be laid before you, having in view the promotion of these objects, towards which I invite your aid and co-operation.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

It gives me pleasure to be enabled, by the blessing of Providence, to congratulate you on the generally improved condition of the country, and especially of the industrious classes. If you should be of opinion that recent legislation, in contributing with other causes to this happy result, has at the same time inflicted unavoidable injury on certain important interests, I recommend you dispassionately to consider how far

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it may be practicable equitably to mitigate that injury, and to enable the industry of the country to meet successfully that unrestricted competition to which Parliament, in its wisdom, has decided that it should be subjected.

I trust that the general improvement, notwithstanding many obstacles, has extended to Ireland; and while I rely with confidence on your aid, should it be required, to restrain that unhappy spirit of insubordination and turbulence which produces many and aggravates all of the evils which afflict that portion of my dominions, I recommend you the adoption of such a liberal and generous policy towards Ireland as may encourage and assist her to rally from the depression in which she has been sunk by the sufferings of late years.

Anxious to promote the efficiency of every branch of our National Church, I have thought fit to issue a Commission to enquire and report to me how far, in their opinion, the capitular institutions of the country are capable of being made more effective for the great objects of religious worship, religious education, and ecclesiastical discipline.

ROYAL SPEECHES.

The measure which you have passed for the future government of India has been readily sanctioned by Her Majesty, in the persuasion that it will prove to have been wisely framed, and that it is well calculated to promote the improvement and welfare of Her Majesty's Eastern dominions.

Her Majesty regards with peculiar satisfaction the provision you have made for the better administration of charitable trusts. The obstacles which existed to the just and beneficial use of property set apart for purposes of charity and of education have been a serious public evil, to which Her Majesty is persuaded that in your wisdom you have now applied an efficient remedy.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, We are commanded by Her Majesty to thank you for the supplies which you have granted for the service of the present year, and for the provision which you have made for the defence of the country both by sea and land. Her Majesty will apply them with a due regard to economy, and consistently with that spirit which has at all times made our national security the chief object of her care.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

time.

The system of secondary punishments has usefully occupied the labours of successive Parliaments; and I shall rejoice if you shall find it possible to devise means by which, without giving encouragement to crime, transportation to Van Diemen's Land may at no distant period be altogether discontinued.

The subject of legal reform continues to engage my anxious attention. The Acts passed in the last Session of Parliament have been

followed up by the orders necessary for putting them in operation. Enquiries are in progress, by my direction, with a view of bringing into harmony the testamentary jurisdiction of my several courts; and Bills will be submitted to you for effecting further improvements in the administration of the law.

To these and other measures affecting the social condition of the country, I am persuaded that you will give your earnest and zealous attention, and I pray that by the blessing of Almighty God your deliberations may be guided to the well-being and happiness of my people.

VICTORIA.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG. 20, 1853.]
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

We are commanded by Her Majesty to release you from your attendance in Parliament, and at the same time to express Her Majesty's cordial approbation of the zeal and assiduity with which, during a protracted and laborious Session, you have applied yourselves to the consideration of many subjects of great importance to the public welfare.

Her Majesty has seen with much satisfaction that, by the remission and reduction of taxes which tended to cramp the operations of trade and industry, you have given fresh extension to a system of beneficent legislation, and have largely increased the means of obtaining the necessaries of life.

The provision which you have made for meeting the demands of the public service, not only in the present but also in future years, is of a nature to give permanent stability to our finances, and thereby to aid in consolidating the strength and resources of the Empire.

The buoyant state of the revenue, and the steady progress of our foreign trade, are proofs of the wisdom of the commercial policy now firmly established; while the prosperity which pervades the great trading and producing classes, happily without even a partial exception, affords continued and increasing evidence of the enlarged comforts of the people.

Her Majesty commands us to inform you that she continues to receive from her allies the assurance of their unabated desire to cultivate the most friendly relations with this country. It is with deep interest and concern that Her Majesty has viewed the serious misunderstand

the Ottoman Porte.

The Emperor of the French has united with Her Majesty in earnest endeavours to reconcile differences, the continuance of which might involve Europe in war.

Acting in concert with her allies, and relying on the exertions of the Conference now assembled at Vienna, Her Majesty has good reason to hope that an honourable arrangement will speedily be accomplished.

Her Majesty rejoices to be able to announce to you the termination of the war on the frontiers of the settlement of the Cape of Good Hope; and she trusts that the establishment of representative government in that colony may lead to the development of its resources and enable it to make efficient provision for its future defence.

We are also commanded to congratulate you that, by the united exertions of the naval and military forces of Her Majesty and of the East India Company, the war in Burmah has been brought to an honourable and successful issue; the objects of the war having been fully attained, and due submission made by the Burmese Government, peace has been proclaimed.

Her Majesty contemplates, with grateful satisfaction and thankfulness to Almighty God, the tranquillity which prevails throughout her dominions, together with that peaceful industry and obedience to the laws which ensure the welfare of all classes of her subjects. It is the first desire of Her Majesty to promote the advance of every social improvement, and, with the aid of your wisdom, still further to extend the prosperity and happiness of her people.

VICTORIA.

think it requisite to make a further augmentation of my naval and military forces, with the view of supporting my representations, and of more effectually contributing to the restoration of peace.

I have directed that the papers explanatory of the negotiations which have taken place upon this subject shall be communicated to you without delay.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

The estimates for the year will be laid before you, and I trust that you will find that, consistently with the exigencies of the public service at this juncture, they have been framed with a due regard to economy.

MY LORDS AND Gentlemen,

blessing of an abundant harvest has not been In the year which has just terminated, the vidence the price of provisions has been envouchsafed to us. By this dispensation of Prohanced, and the privations of the poor have been increased; but their patience has been exemplary; and the care of the Legislature, evinced by the reduction of taxes affecting the necessaries of life, has greatly tended to preserve a spirit of contentment.

I have the satisfaction of announcing to you that the commerce of the country is still prosperous; that trade, both of export and import, has been largely on the increase; and that the revenue of the past year has been more than

adequate to the demands of the public service. I recommend to your consideration a Bill which I have ordered to be framed, for opening the coasting trade of the United Kingdom to the ships of all friendly nations; and I look forward with satisfaction to the removal of the last legislative restriction upon the use of foreign shipping, for the benefit of my people.

Communications have been addressed by my command to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with reference to the improvement which it may be desirable to effect in their institutions. These communications will be laid before you, and measures will be proposed for your consideration, with the view of giving effect to such improvements.

The establishments requisite for the conduct of the Civil Service, and the arrangements bearing upon its condition, have recently been under review; and I shall direct a plan to be laid before you, which will have for its object to improve the system of admission, and thereby to increase the efficiency of the service.

The recent measures of legal reform have proved highly beneficial, and the success which has attended them may well encourage you to proceed with further amendments. Bills will be submitted to you for transferring from the Ecclesiastical to the Civil Courts the cognizance of testamentary and of matrimonial causes, and for giving increased efficiency to the superior Courts of Common Law.

The laws relating to the relief of the poor have of late undergone much salutary amendment; but there is one branch to which I earnestly direct your attention. The law of settlement impedes the freedom of labour, and if this restraint can with safety be relaxed, the workman may be enabled to increase the fruits of his industry, and the interests of capital and labour will be more firmly united.

Measures will be submitted to you for the amendment of the laws relating to the representation of the Commons in Parliament.

Recent experience has shown that it is necessary to take more effectual precautions against the evils of bribery and corrupt practices at elections. It will also be your duty to consider whether more complete effect may not be given to the principles of the Act of the last reign, whereby reforms were made in the representation of the people in Parliament. In recommending this subject to your consideration, my desire is to remove every cause of just complaint, to increase general confidence in the Legislature, and to give additional stability to the settled institutions of the State.

I submit to your wisdom the consideration of these important subjects; and I pray God to prosper your counsels and to guide your decisions.