VICTORIA. I am happy to be enabled to release you from The relations between myself and all foreign Powers continue to be cordial, and I look forward with hope and confidence to the uninterrupted maintenance of European peace. of The visit paid to this country, on the invitation of my Government, by the ruler Zanzibar, has led to the conclusion of a supplementary convention, which, I trust, may be efficacious for the more complete suppression of the East African slave trade. I have learnt with deep regret that the expedition despatched by my Indian Government from Burmah, with a view to open communications with the western provinces of China, has been treacherously attacked by an armed force while on Chinese territory. This outrage, unhappily involving the death of a young and promising member of my consular service, is the subject of careful inquiry; and no effort shall be spared to secure the punishment of those by whom it was instigated and committed. The condition of my Colonial Empire is generally prosperous. Progress has been made in the settlement of questions affecting the constitution and government of Natal, and I confidently look for important and valuable results from the proposal for a Conference of the South African Colonies and States. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, new inducement will be given to expend capital I have every reason to hope that the pro- 85 ships and their commanders abroad greater power for the maintenance of the rights of personal liberty. A Bill will be laid before you for punishing slave traders who are subjects of native Indian Princes. The arrangements which you have made with The affairs of my Colonial Empire, the respect to the reduction of the National Debt, and those for the better regulation of loans general prosperity of which has continued to for public works, will lead to valuable improve-advance, have received a large share of my ments in our system of imperial and local finance. The enactment for a registration of trade marks will supply a deficiency that has for some time been felt in our commercial system. new I trust that the Act constituting a Bishopric at St. Albans may prove advantageous to the vast population of the dioceses affected by the measure. In bidding you farewell for the recess, I pray that the blessing of Providence may follow your recent labours and accompany you in the discharge of all your duties. VICTORIA. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 8, 1876.] It is with much satisfaction that I again resort The insurrectionary movement which during the last six months has been maintained in the Turkish provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and which the troops of the Sultan have up to the present time been unable to repress, has excited the attention and interest of the Great I thank you for the liberal supplies which European Powers. I have considered it my duty you have voted for the public service. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It is gratifying to me to find that the I have with pleasure given my assent to an Act for facilitating the improvement of the dwellings of the working classes in large towns, which will, I trust, lead to the decrease of many of the principal causes of disease, misery, and crime. I feel sure that this legislation, together with that relating to the consolidating and amendment of the Sanitary Laws, and of the laws relating to Friendly Societies, will greatly promote the moral and physical welfare of my people. It has afforded me much satisfaction to give my assent to two important statutes for the amendment of the Acts relating to master and servant and trade offences, and of the law of conspiracy as connected with these offences-statutes which will, I trust, place the relations of employers and employed on a just and equal footing, and add to the contentment and goodwill of large classes of my subjects. Amongst the enactments which you have passed for the improvement of the law, I am well pleased to observe that a comprehensive measure for simplifying the title and facilitating the transfer of land in England has taken its place in the Statute Book; that an Act has been passed for the amendment of the Law of Entail in Scotland, and that you have made provision, by amending the Judicature Act of 1873, for bringing the great changes in my Civil Court and their procedure which it inaugurated into immediate and practical effect. The state of public business and the differences of opinion naturally arising on a varied and comprehensive scheme have, unfortunately, prevented you from completing the consideration of the Merchant Shipping Bill, but I rejoice that you have been able, by a temporary enactment, to diminish considerably the dangers to which my seafaring subjects are exposed. By the Agricultural Holdings Act you have greatly and beneficially enlarged the powers of owners, limited in interest to offer to their tenants a sufficient security for judicions outlay upon the farms they occupy; and while maintaining absolute freedom of contract, you have raised a presumption of rights, under which a a not to stand aloof from the efforts now being I have agreed to purchase, subject to your The representations which I addressed to the Chinese Government as to the attack made in the course of last year on the Expedition sent from Burmah to the western provinces of China have been received in a friendly spirit. The circumstances of that lamentable outrage are now the subject of an inquiry, in which I have| thought it right to request that a member of my diplomatic service should take part. I await the result of this inquiry in the firm conviction that it will be so conducted as to lead to the discovery and punishment of the offenders. Papers on all these subjects will be laid before you. I am deeply thankful for the uninterrupted At the time that the direct government of The humane and enlightened policy con- attention. Papers of importance and interest will soon be in your hands, showing the proceedings with respect to a Conference of the South African Colonies and States. The murder of a high officer of the Straits Settlements, whilst acting as Resident in a neighbouring Malay State, and the disorders ensuing on that outrage, have demanded the I trust that the interference of my troops. operations, which have been ably and energetically conducted, though not without the loss of some valuable lives, have restored order, and re-established the just influence and authority of this country. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates of the year to be prepared and presented to you without delay. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, Bills for regulating the ultimate tribunal of appeal for the United Kingdom and for the amendment of the Merchant Shipping Laws will be immediately submitted to you. Legislation will be proposed relating to the Universities and to Primary Education. Your attention will be called also to the Acts relating to the Inclosure of Commons, for promoting economy and to a measure and efficiency in the management of prisons, and at the same time effecting a relief of local burthens. Other important measures, as the time of the Session permits, will be introduced to your notice, and I pray that your deliberations may, under the Divine blessing, result in the happiness and contentment of my people. VICTORIA. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG, 15, 1876.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I am happy to be able to release you from your attendance in Parliament. My relations with all foreign Powers are of a friendly character, and I look forward confidently to the maintenance of the good understanding which now prevails. The efforts which, in common with other Powers, I have made to bring about a settlement of the differences unfortunately existing between the Porte and its Christian subjects in Bosnia and Herzegovina have hitherto been unsuccessful, and the conflict begun in those provinces has been extended to Servia and Montenegro. Should a favourable opportunity present itself, I should be ready, in concert with my Allies, to offer my good offices for the purpose of mediation between the contending parties, bearing in mind alike the duties imposed upon me by treaty obligations and those which arise from considerations of humanity and policy. A difference has arisen between my Government and that of the United States as to a proper construction of that article of the Treaty of 9th August, 1842, which relates to the mutual surrender of persons accused of certain offences. The inconveniences to both countries which would follow on a cessation of the practice of extradition are great and obvious, and I entertain the hope that a new arrangement may soon be arrived at by which this matter may be placed on a satisfactory footing. I am deeply thankful that my dear son the Prince of Wales has returned in good health from his lengthened journey through India. His presence in that part of my dominions has given occasion for the expression of feelings of loyalty and devotion to my Throne which I highly value. In pursuance of the power conferred upon me, I have, by proclamation, assumed the title of Empress of India. In making, as regards | India, this addition to the ancient style of my Crown, I have desired to record, on an occasion secure for my of peculiar interest to me, the earnest solicitude which I feel for the happiness of my Indian people. I trust that peace and order are re-established in the Malay Peninsula, and that the rulers of the native States will cheerfully accept the recommendations and assistance of my officers for the better government of their territories. The visit to this country of the President of the Orange Free State has resulted in a satisfactory settlement of the long controversy which has existed with reference to the Province of Griqualand, and an important advance has thus been made towards that friendly and cordial co-operation of neighbouring States which is essential to the interests of South Africa. The Conference on South African affairs, with regard to which papers have already been laid before you, is now sitting in London, and cannot fail to contribute largely to the settlement of various important questions. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the liberal supplies which you have voted for the public service. The additional outlay required to place my army and navy upon a proper footing of efficiency, and the check which has been given to the advance of the revenue by the comparative stagnation of trade, have compelled me to propose to you an increase of taxation. I desire to acknowledge the readiness with which you have responded to that appeal, and at the same time to assure you that no effort shall be wanting to keep the expenditure of the country within the bounds of moderation. I notice with satisfaction the increasing attention paid by you to the question of Local Finance, and your greater watchfulness over the costs of services which are every year becoming more important, and the consideration of which ought not to be dissevered from that of Imperial expenditure. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The Act which you have passed for the amendment of the laws relating to merchant shipping will, I trust, promote the safety of our ships and seamen, without imposing unnecessary restrictions upon the conduct of a service in the prosperity of which our national interests are in so many ways involved. The measure for making further provision respecting the elementary education of the country is one of great importance, and will complete the work on which successive Parliaments have for many years been engaged, by securing a due attendance at school of the children for whose benefit the means and the machinery of education have been so largely supplied. I have readily given my assent to a Bill for facilitating the regulation and improvement of commons, and for making such amendments in the Inclosure Acts as will, I hope, tend to the preservation of open spaces in the neighbourhood of large towns, and to the increase of the health and comfort of my people. The serious evils arising from pollution of rivers have long been the subject of public complaint, and I rejoice that you have passed a measure which, by checking those evils, will improve the sanitary condition of the country. I have observed with much satisfaction the arrangements which you have made for main taining and increasing the efficiency of the tribunal of ultimate appeal for the United Kingdom, by which, at the same time, the judicial committee of my Privy Council and my Intermediate Court of Appeal will be improved and strengthened. I anticipate the best result from the Act which you have passed providing safeguards against painful experiments upon living animals. I regret the pressure of other business has prevented the completion of your labours upon several measures of much importance. Among these I specially notice the Bills relating to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, to the administration of prisons, and to the law affecting maritime contracts. I trust, however, that the attention which you have given to these questions in the past Session may facilitate their settlement in the next. In bidding you farewell, I pray that the blessing of Providence may rest on your recent labours, and accompany you in the discharge of all your duties. VICTORIA. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 8, 1877.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It is with much satisfaction that I again resort to the advice and assistance of my Parliament. The hostilities which before the close of last Session had broken out between Turkey on the one hand and Servia and Montenegro on the other engaged my most serious attention, and I anxiously waited for an opportunity when my good offices, together with those of my Allies, might be usefully interposed. This opportunity presented itself by the solicitation of Servia for our mediation, the offer of which was ultimately entertained by the Porte. In the course of the negotiations I deemed it expedient to lay down and, in concert with the other Powers, to submit to the Porte certain bases upon which I held that not only peace might be brought about with the Principalities, but the permanent pacification of the disturbed provinces, including Bulgaria, and the amelioration of their condition might be effected. Agreed to by the Powers, they required to be expanded and worked out by negotiation or by conference, accompanied by an armistice. The Porte, though not accepting the bases, and proposing other terms, was willing to submit them to the equitable consideration of the Powers. While proceeding to act in this mediation, I thought it right, after inquiry into facts, to denounce to the Porte the excesses ascertained to have been committed in Bulgaria, and to express my reprobation of their perpe trators. An armistice having been arranged,a Conference met at Constantinople for the consideration of extended terms in accordance with the original bases, in which Conference I was represented by a special Envoy, as well as by my Ambassador. In taking these steps my object has throughout been to maintain the peace of Europe, and to bring about the better government of the disturbed provinces, without infringing upon the independence and integrity of the Ottoman Empire. The proposals recommended by myself and my Allies have not, I regret to say, been accepted by the Porte; but the Conference has gone to show the existence of general agreement among the European Powers, which cannot fail to have a material effect upon the condition and government of Turkey. In the meantime the armistice between Turkey and the Principalities has been prolonged and is still unexpired, and may, I trust, yet lead to the conclusion of an honourable peace. In these affairs I have acted in cordial co-operation with my Allies, with whom, as with other foreign Powers, my relations continue to be of a friendly character. Papers on these subjects will be forthwith laid before you. My assumption of the imperial title at Delhi was welcomed by the chiefs and people of India with professions of affection and loyalty most grateful to my feelings. It is with deep regret that I have to announce a calamity in that part of my dominions, which will demand the most earnest watchfulness on the part of my Government there. A famine not less serious than that of 1873 has overspread a large portion of the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay. I am confident that every resource will be employed not merely in arrest of this present famine, but in obtaining fresh experience for the prevention or mitigation of such visitations for the future. The prosperity and progress of my Colonial Empire remain unchecked, although the proceedings of the Government of the Transvaal Republic and the hostilities in which it has engaged with the neighbouring tribes have caused some apprehensions for the safety of my subjects in South Africa. I trust, however, that the measures which I have taken will suffice to prevent any serious evil. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates of this year to be prepared and presented to you without delay. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, Bills relating to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for amending the Laws of Bankruptcy and Letters Patent for Inventions will be laid before you. Your attention will be again called tomeasures for promoting economy and efficiency in the management of the prisons of the United Kingdom, which will at the same time effect a relief of local burdens. Bills will also be laid before you for amending the laws relating to the Valuation of Property in England, for simplifying and amending the law relating to Factories and Workshops, and for improving the law regulating the Summary Jurisdiction of Magistrates. Legislation will be proposed with reference to Roads and Bridges in Scotland and the Scotch Poor Law. You will be asked to constitute one Supreme Court of Judicature in Ireland, and to confer an equitable jurisdiction on the County Courts in that country. I commend to you these and other measures which may be submitted for your consideration, and I trust that the blessing of the Almighty will attend your labours and direct your efforts. VICTORIA. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG. 14, 1877.] I am happy to be able to release you from your attendance in Parliament. My relations with all foreign Powers continue to be friendly. The exertions which, since the commencement of disturbances in Eastern Europe, I have not ceased to make for the maintenance of the general peace have unfortunately not been successful. On the outbreak of war between the Russian and Ottoman Empires, I declared my intention of preserving an attitude of neutrality so long as the interests of this country remain unaffected. The extent and nature of those interests were further defined in a communication which I caused to be addressed to the Government of Russia, and which elicited a reply indicating friendly dispositions on the part of that State. I shall not fail to use my best efforts, when a suitable opportunity occurs, for the restoration of peace, on terms compatible with the honour of the belligerents, and with the general safety and welfare of other nations. If in the course of the contest the rights of my Empire should be assailed or endangered, I should confidently rely on your help to vindicate and maintain them. The apprehensions of a serious famine in Southern India which I communicated to you at the opening of the Session have, I grieve to say, been fully verified. The visitation which has fallen upon my subjects in Madras and Bombay and upon the people of Mysore has been of extreme severity, and its duration is likely to be prolonged; no exertion will be wanting on the part of my Indian Government to mitigate this terrible calamity. The proclamation of my sovereignty in the Transvaal has been received throughout the Province with enthusiasm. It has also been accepted with marked satisfaction by the native chiefs and tribes; and the war which threatened in its progress to compromise the safety of my subjects in South Africa is happily brought to a close. I trust that the measure which has been passed to enable the European communities of South Africa to unite upon such terms as may be agreed on will be the means of preventing the recurrence of similar dangers, and will increase and consolidate the prosperity of this important part of my dominions. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the liberal supplies which you have voted for the public service. I have issued a Royal Warrant to give effect to the provisions which you have made for ensuring adequate promotion to the officers of my army. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The measures which have been passed relating to the prisons of the United Kingdom will secure economy and efficiency in their management and, at the same time, effect a considerable reduction in local burdens. The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge under the Act to which I have gladly given my assent will obtain power to extend more generally the benefits of the higher education. The Acts for reorganising the Superior Courts of Justice in Ireland, and for reforming and conferring an extensive equitable jurisdiction on the County Courts, will largely improve the administration of the law in that part of the United Kingdom. I anticipate the best results from the Act which extends to the Sheriff Courts of Scotland jurisdiction in regard to heritable rights. In bidding you farewell, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest on your recent labours and accompany you in the discharge of all your duties. VICTORIA. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, JAN. 17, 1878.] MY LORDS ANd Gentlemen, I have thought it fit to assemble you before the usual period of meeting, in order that you might become acquainted with the efforts I have made to terminate the war now devastating Eastern Europe and Armenia, and that I might have the advice and assistance of my Parliament in the present state of public affairs. You are aware that after having unsuccessfully striven to avert that war, I declared my intention to observe neutrality in a contest which I lamented, but had failed to prevent, so long as the interests of my Empire, as defined by my Government, were not threatened. I expressed at the same time my earnest desire to avail myself of any opportunity which might present itself for promoting a peaceful settlement of the questions at issue between the belligerent Powers. The successes obtained by the Russian arms, 'both in Europe and Asia, convinced the Porte that it should endeavour to bring to a close hostilities which were causing immense suffering to its subjects. The Government of the Sultan accordingly addressed to the neutral Powers, parties to the treaties relating to the Turkish Empire, an appeal for their good offices. It did not, however, appear to the majority of the Powers thus addressed that they could usefully comply with the request, and they communicated this opinion to the Porte. The Porte then determined on making a separate appeal to my Government, and I at once agreed to make an inquiry of the Emperor of Russia whether his Imperial Majesty would entertain overtures for peace. The Emperor expressed, in reply, his earnest desire for peace, and stated at the same time his opinion as to the course which should be pursued for its attainment. Upon this subject communications have taken place between the Government of Russia and Turkey through my good offices, and I earnestly trust that they may lead to a pacific solution of the points at issue and to a termination of the war. No efforts on my part will be wanting to promote that result. Hitherto, so far as the war has proceeded, neither of the belligerents has infringed the conditions on which my neutrality is founded, and I willingly believe that both parties are desirous to respect them so far as it may be in their power. So long as these conditions are not infringed, my attitude will continue the same; but I cannot conceal from myself that, should hostilities be unfortunately prolonged, some unexpected occurrence may render it incumbent on me to adopt measures of precaution. Such measures could not be effectually taken without adequate preparation, and I trust to the liberality of my Parliament to supply the means which may be required for that purpose. Papers on these affairs will be forthwith laid before you. My relations with all foreign Powers continue to be friendly. I am thankful that the terrible famine which has ravaged Southern India is nearly at an end. Strenuous and successful exertions have been made by my Local Governments to relieve the sufferings of the population, and in that duty they have been powerfully seconded by the liberal aid of my people at home and in my colonies. I have directed that an inquiry should be made into the measures most proper to diminish the danger of such calamities for the future. The condition of native affairs in South Africa has of late caused me some anxiety, and has demanded the watchful attention of my Government. I have thought it expedient to reinforce my troops in that part of my Empire. I trust that a peaceable and satisfactory settlement of all differences may be shortly obtained. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates of the year to be prepared and presented to you without delay. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, A Bill will be laid before you upon the subject of County Government, and your attention will be again called to the consolidation of the Factory Law, and to the summary jurisdiction of magistrates. You will be asked at an early period of the Session to take into your consideration a Bill on the subject of cattle disease in this country. The questions of Scottish Roads and Bridges and of Endowed Schools and Hospitals in Scotland will also be brought before you. of Intermediate Education in Ireland, and to the Your attention will be invited to the subject Grand Jury Law in that country. Among other measures for the amendment of the law a Bill will be laid before you to simplify and express in one Act the whole Law and Procedure relating to Indictable Offences. I commend these subjects to your most careful consideration, and I pray that the blessing of the Almighty may attend and guide your deliberations. VICTORIA. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG. 16, 1878.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, When in a critical condition of public affairs you assembled at the commencement of the year, I pointed out to you that in the interests of my Empire precautions might become necessary, for which I appealed to your liberality to provide; at the same time I assured you that no efforts in the cause of peace should be wanting on my part. My relations with all foreign Powers continue to be friendly. Although the condition of affairs in South Africa still affords some ground for anxiety, I have learnt with satisfaction from the reports of my civil and military officers that the most serious disturbances which had arisen among the native population on the frontiers of the Cape Colony are now terminated. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the liberal supplies which you have voted for the public service. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The Act which has been passed for amending and greatly simplifying the law relating to factories and workshops will, I trust, still further secure the health and education of those who are employed in them. I have had much pleasure in giving my assent to a measure relating to the contagious diseases of cattle, which, by affording additional security against the introduction and spread of these diseases, will tend to encourage the breeding of live stock in the country and to increase the supply of food to my people. in a manner which cannot but improve their You have amended the laws as to highways classification and management, and at the same time relieve inequalities in the burden of their maintenance. I trust that advantage will be taken of the means which you have adopted for providing Bishoprics in the most populous districts of the country, and thus increasing the efficiency of the Church. I anticipate the best results from the wise arrangements which you have made for the encouragement of intermediate education in Ireland. The measure for amending and consolidating the Public Health Laws in that country is well calculated to promote the important object at which it aims. The measure passed in regard to roads and bridges in Scotland and for the abolition of tolls will greatly improve the management of highways in that part of the United Kingdom; while the Acts relating to education and to endowed schools and hospitals cannot fail to extend the benefits of education and improve the administration of charitable endowments in that country. In bidding you farewell, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest on your recent labours and accompany you in the discharge of all your duties. . Your response was not ambiguous, and contributed largely to a pacific solution of the difficulties which then existed. The terms of agreement between Russia and the Porte, so far as they affected pre-existing treaties, were, after interval of discussion, submitted to Congress of the Powers, and their counsels have resulted in a peace which I am thankful to believe is satisfactory and likely to be durable. an The Ottoman Empire has not emerged from a disastrous war without severe loss, but the arrangements which have been made, while favourable to the subjects of the Porte, have secured to it a position of independence' which can be upheld against aggression. I have concluded a defensive Convention with the Sultan, which has been laid before you. It gives, as regards his Asiatic Empire, a more distinct expression to the engagements which in principle I, together with other Powers, accepted in 1856, but of which the form has not been found practically effectual. The Sultan has, on the other hand, bound himself to adopt and carry into effect the measures necessary for securing the good government of those Provinces. In order to promote the objects of this agreement, I have undertaken the occupation and administration of the island of Cyprus. In aiding to bring about the settlement which has taken place, I have been assisted by the discipline and high spirit of my forces by sea and by land, by the alacrity with which my Reserves responded to my call, by the patriotic offers of military aid by my people in the Colonies, and by the proud desire of my Indian army to be reckoned among the defenders of the British Empire-a desire justified by the soldierly qualities of the force recently quartered at Malta. The spontaneous offers of troops made by many of the native Governments in India were very gratifying to me, and I recognise in them a fresh manifestation of that feeling towards my many previous instances. crown and person which has been displayed in VICTORIA. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, DEC. 5, 1878.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I regret that I have been obliged to call for your attendance at an unusual, and probably, to most of you, an inconvenient season. The hostility towards my Indian Government manifested by the Ameer of Afghanistan, and the manner in which he repulsed my friendly mission, left me no alternative but to make a peremptory demand for redress. This demand having been disregarded, I have directed an expedition to be sent into his territory, and I have taken the earliest opportunity of calling you together and making to you the communication required by law. I have directed that papers on the subject shall be laid before you. I receive from all foreign Powers assurances of their friendly feelings, and I have every reason to believe that the arrangements for the pacification of Europe made by the Treaty of Berlin will be successfully carried into effect. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The estimates for the ensuing year are in course of preparation, and will in due time be submitted to you. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I purpose that, after full deliberation upon the matters which have led me to anticipate your usual time of meeting, and after a suitable recess, you should proceed to the consideration of various measures for the public benefit, which will then be laid before you. I confidently commit to your wisdom the great interests of my Empire, and I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend your counsels. VICTORIA. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, AUG. 15, 1879.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I am happy to be able to relieve you from your laborious duties. My relations with other Powers continue to be cordial, and my influence with them will be employed in maintaining the obligations imposed by treaties and in promoting and consolidating the general peace. panies are well calculated to conduce to the you The depressed condition of the agricultural interest has naturally engaged your attention, and I have had much pleasure in complying with the address of the House of Commons requesting me to appoint a commission to inquire into the causes to which the depression is owing, and how far they can be remedied by legislation. I observe with satisfaction that have been able to consider the important subject of education in Ireland, and that you have agreed to measures which will form a fitting supplement to the enactment of last Session as to intermediate education. The primary The territorial arrangements stipulated in education of the country cannot but be stimulated the Treaty of Berlin have been faithfully by the careful provision you have made for executed, and the delimitation of the new fron-improving the position of the teachers, and the tiers is nearly completed. The Balkan Peninsula Bill you have passed for University education has been evacuated by the Russian army in will, I trust, supply what is needed for the accordance with the treaty. advancement of learning in its higher branches. In bidding you farewell, I pray that the blessing of Providence many rest on the labours with which you have been occupied during the Session. Under the unanimous sanction of the Signatory Powers, suitable provision has been made for the Government of the Ottoman Province of Eastern Roumelia, and I have with great satisfaction given my approval to the election of Prince Alexander of Battenberge as Prince of Bulgaria. The calamities inflicted by the late war have hitherto precluded the adoption of those reforms by the Ottoman Government of which it has acknowledged the necessity; but I have urged, and shall continue to urge, the importance of a timely compliance with its engagements in this respect. At the suggestion of my Government, in conjunction with that of France, a change has taken place in the Viceroyalty of Egypt, which the past misgovernment of that country has rendered necessary. The treaty concluded with the Ameer of Afghanistan, which has been laid before you, has happily terminated the war which his predecessor compelled me to undertake. By it my friendly relations with that State are reestablished, guarantees for its peace and safety given, and the frontiers of India strengthened. The ability displayed in this war by those in command of my troops, British and native, and the gallantry and endurance of the troops themselves, well deserved the thanks bestowed upon them by both Houses of Parliament. My acknowledgments are especially due to the manynative Princes who made offers of assistance, as well as to those whose forces were actually brought into the field, and I recognise in such zealous co-operation their attachment and goodwill to my Indian Empire. Since I last addressed you, my forces have been engaged in a serious conflict with the most powerful native ruler in South Africa. While I have pleasure in thanking them for vindicating the honour of the British arms, I must mourn over the sacrifice of many a precious life. I trust that the decisive success which has recently attended their operations will lead to the early establishment of peace on an enduring basis, and that my subjects in that part of the world, being thus relieved from the danger to which they have hitherto been exposed, may readily join in such arrangements as may best secure their safety and prosperity in the future. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the liberal supplies which you have voted for the public service. VICTORIA. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 7, 1880.] It is with much satisfaction that I again My relations with all foreign Powers continue to be friendly. The course of events since the prorogation of Parliament has tended to add sufficient security to the maintenance of European peace on the principles laid down in the Treaty of Berlin. Much, however, remains to be done to repair the disorder which the late war has effected in some parts of the Turkish Empire. A Convention for the suppression of the slave trade has been concluded between my Government and that of his Imperial Majesty the Sultan. At the close of your last Session I expressed my hope that the Treaty of Gandamuk had happily terminated the war in Afghanistan. In conformity with its provisions my Envoy with his retinue has been honourably received and entertained by the Ameer at Cabul. While engaged, however, in the exercise of their duties he and those connected with the Embassy were treacherously attacked by overwhelming numbers, and after an heroic defence were almost all massacred. An outrage so intolerable called for condign punishment; and my troops which, pursuant to the stipulation of the treaty, either had withdrawn, or were withdrawing, from the territories governed by the Ameer, were ordered to retrace their steps. The skill exhibited in the rapid march upon Cabul, and in the advance upon other lines of action, reflects the highest credit upon the officers and men of my British and native officers, whose bravery has shone with its wonted lustre in every collision with the enemy. The abdication of the Ameer and the unsettled condition of the country render the recall of my troops impossible for the present; but the principle on which my Government has hitherto acted remains unchanged, and while determined to make the frontiers of my Indian Empire strong, I desire to be in friendly relation alike with those who may rule in Afghanistan and with the people of that country. of My anticipations as to the early establishment peace in South Africa have been fulfilled. The capture and deposition of the Zulu king and the breaking up of the military organisation on which his dynasty was based have relieved my positions that part of the world from a danger which had seriously impeded their advancement and consolidation. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, By the Army Discipline Act you have for the first time placed upon the Statute Book in a complete code the laws relating to service in my army and my other military forces. You have arranged in a clear and comprehensive form the provisions for the due maintenance of discip-in line; you have improved the system under which enlistment takes place; and you have amended the regulations under which the Reserves can be recalled to the colours. The Act providing for the appointment of a Public Prosecutor and amending the law relating to the summary jurisdiction of magistrates will, I trust, greatly improve the administration of the criminal law. The alterations which you have made in the law relating to Banking and Joint-Stock Com In Basutoland a native outbreak of considerable importance has been effectually quelled by my colonial forces, while the Transvaal has been freed from the depredations of a powerful chief who, having successfully resisted the former Government of the country, had persistently rejected our attempts at conciliation. I have reason to hope that the time is now approaching when an important advance may be made towards the establishment of a union or confederation under which the powers of self-government already enjoyed by the inhabitants of the Cape Colony may be extended to my subjects in other parts of South Africa. Papers on these and other matters will be forthwith laid before you. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates of this year to be prepared and presented to you without delay. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The Commission which, at the close of the Session, I informed you I had issued to inquire into the causes of agricultural depression throughout the United Kingdom is pursuing its labours. In the meantime a serious deficiency in the usual crops in some parts of Ireland has rendered necessary special precautions on the part of my Government to guard against the calamities with which these districts were threatened. With this view they have called upon the authorities charged with the duty of administering relief to make ample preparations for the distribution of food and fuel, should such a step become necessary. They have also stimulated the employment of labour by advances on terms more liberal than those prescribed by the existing law. I feel assured you will give your sanction to the course which has been adopted, where it may have exceeded the power entrusted by Parliament to the Executive Government. for A proposal will be submitted to you providing the funds required for these exceptional advances on the security of the property administered by the Church Temporalities Commissioners. I trust you will be able to resume the consideration of the Criminal Code and of the improvement of the Law of Bankruptcy. Bills will be put before you for enlarging the powers of owners of settled land, for consolidating and amending the lunacy laws, and for simplifying the practice of conveyancing. I commend to you these and other measures which may be submitted for your consideration, and I trust that the blessing of the Almighty will attend and direct your labours. VICTORIA. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, SEPT. 8, 1880.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It is with satisfaction that I find myself at length enabled to release you from your arduous labours. I continue to receive assurances of the most friendly character from all foreign Powers. The failure of the Sublime Porte to execute, according to its engagement, a plan which was agreed upon in April last for the determination of the Ottoman frontier lying towards Montengro has caused unfortunate delays in the settlement of that question, and the Treaty of Berlin has not yet taken effect in other points of importance which remained open at the commencement of the Session. The Governments which were parties to that treaty have communicated to the Sultan their judgment on the means of bringing to a satisfactory settlement the Greek and Montenegrin frontier questions, on the administrative organisations of the European provinces of Turkey, and on the principal reforms required in the Asiatic provinces inhabited by Armenians for the attainment of the objects in view. I continue to place reliance on the fact that the concert of Europe has been steadily maintained in regard to the Eastern Question, and that the Powers which signed the Treaty of Berlin are pressing upon the Sublime Porte, with all the authority which belongs to their united action, the measures which in their belief are best calculated to ensure tranquillity in the East. I have not been unmindful, during the few months which have elapsed since I last addressed you, of the considerations which I stated would guide my policy on the north-western frontier of my Indian Empire. Measures have already been taken for the complete military evacuation of Northern Afghanistan, and some progress has [In a portion of this edition the two intermediate Queen's Speeches in 1880 are accidentally omitted. They are VICTORIA. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, MARCH 24, 1880.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, As the time assigned by law for the termina tion of the present Parliament is near at hand, I am induced, by considerations of public policy and convenience, to select this period of the Session for releasing you from your legislative duties, with a view to an immediate dissolution and the issue of writs for a general election. I cannot part from you without expressing my deep sense of the zeal and ability which, during more than six years, you have consistently displayed in exercising your important functions; nor without tendering to you my warm acknowledgments for the useful measures which you have submitted for my acceptance, and especially for the manner in which you have upheld a policy the object of which was at once to defend my Empire and to secure the general peace. My relations with foreign Powers are friendly and favourable to the maintenance of tranquillity in Europe. I entertain the confident hope that the measures adopted in Afghanistan will lead to a speedy settlement of that country. I have had much satisfaction in assenting to the Acts you have passed for the relief of the distress unhappily prevalent in parts of Ireland; and trusting that these measures will be accepted by my Irish subjects as a proof of the ready sympathy of the Imperial Parliament, I look forward with confidence to the restored prosperity of their country. I rejoice to observe the indications of a general improvement in trade, and that the commercial depression which I have had to lament appears to be passing away. I have witnessed with the greatest sympathy the heavy losses sustained by the various classes connected with the cultivation of the soil, and have viewed with admiration the patience and high spirit with which they have contended against an almost unprecedented series of disastrous seasons. I trust, with the blessing of Providence, a more favourable harvest may be looked for; and that from the Commission which I issued to inquire into the causes of agricultural depression, suggestions may come which will lead to the more profitable use of agricultural land, and to a higher development of this branch of national industry. The electors of the United Kingdom will be called upon forthwith to choose their repre given on this page.] sentatives in Parliament; and I fervently pray VICTORIA. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, MAY 20, 1880.] I avail myself of the earliest opportunity of The cordial relations which I hold with all the other Powers of Europe will, I trust, enable me to promote, in concert with them, the early and complete fulfilment of the Treaty of Berlin with respect to effectual reforms and equal laws in Turkey, as well as to such territorial questions as have not yet been settled in conformity with the provisions of that Treaty. I regard such a fulfilment as essential for the avoidance of further complications in the East. In accordance with this view I have deemed it expedient to despatch an Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of the Sultan. On the last cccasion of my addressing you I expressed my hope that the measures adopted in Afghanistan would lead to a speedy settlement of that country. Since that period the gallantry of my troops has continued to be conspicuous, and the labours of my Government in India have been unremitting. But I have to lament that the end in view has not yet been attained. My efforts will, however, be unceasingly directed towards the pacification of Afghanistan, and towards the establishment of such institutions as may be found best fitted to secure the independence of its people, and to restore their friendly relations with my Indian Empire. The condition of Indian finance, as it has recently been made known to me, has required my special attention. I have directed that you shall be supplied with the fullest information upon this weighty subject. I invite your careful notice to the important questions of policy connected with the future of South Africa. I have continued to commend to the favourable consideration of the authorities and of the people in the various settlements the project of confederation. In maintaining my supremacy over the Transvaal, with its diversified population, I desire both to make provision for the security of the indigenous races, and to extend to the European settlers institutions based on large and liberal principles of self-government. The annual estimates of charges, so far as they have not been already voted, will be promptly laid before you. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The late season of the year at which you commence your labours will, I fear, seriously abridge the time available for useful legisla tion; but I make no doubt you will studiously turn it to the best account. The Peace Preservation Act for Ireland expires on the 1st of June. You will not be asked to renew it. My desire to avoid the evils of exceptional legislation in the abridgment of liberty would not induce me to forego in any degree the performance of the first duty of every Government in providing for the security of life and property; but while determined to fulfil this sacred obligation, I am persuaded that the loyalty and good sense of my Irish subjects will justify me in relying on the provisions of the ordinary law firmly administered for the maintenance of peace and order. The provisions enacted before the dissolution of the late Parliament for the mitigation of the distress in Ireland have been serviceable for that important end. The question of the sufficiency of the advances already authorised by Parliament is under my consideration. A measure will at an early day be submitted to you for putting an end to the controversies which have arisen with respect to burials in churchyards and cemeteries. It will be necessary to ask you to renew the Act for secret voting. Among the chief subjects which will be brought under your notice as time may permit, will be Bills for giving more effectual protection to the occupiers of land against injury from ground game; for determining on a just principle the liabilities of employers for accidents sustained by workmen; and for the extension of the borough franchise in Ireland. These and all your labours I heartily commend to the blessing of God. |