It is the shortest address of its kind ever delivered to Parliament, and
contains but little of special interest to the United States. Her Majesty
declares briefly that her relations with all foreign powers continue to be
most friendly.
Addresses were moved in both houses in response to the speech, and the debate
was continued in the House of Commons to a late hour last night, the Irish
home-rulers having proposed an amendment in their own interest, which was
however rejected by a very decided majority. Mr. Gladstone’s speech on the
purposes of this new party in British politics is worthy of your attention.
* * *
[Inclosure.]
My Lords and Gentlemen: I recur to your advice
at the earliest period permitted by the arrangements consequent on the
retirement of the late administration.
My relations with all foreign powers continue to be most friendly. I
shall not fail to exercise the influence arising from these cordial
relations for the maintenance of European peace and the faithful
observance of international obligations.
The marriage of my son, the Duke of Edinburgh, with the Grand Duchess
Marie Alexandrowna of Russia, is at once a source of happiness to myself
and a pledge of friendship between two great empires.
The war with the King of Ashantee has terminated in the capture and
destruction of his capital, and in negotiations which I trust may lead
to a more satisfactory condition of affairs than has hitherto prevailed
on the west coast of Africa.
The courage, discipline, and endurance displayed by my forces, both of
the land and sea service, together with the energy and skill evinced in
the conduct of the expedition, have brilliantly maintained, under the
most trying circumstances, the traditionary reputation of the British
arms.
I deeply regret that the drought of last summer has affected the most
populous provinces of my Indian Empire, and has produced extreme
scarcity, in some parts amounting to actual famine, over an area
inhabited by many millions. I have directed the governor-general of
India to spare no cost in striving to mitigate this terrible
calamity.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons: The estimates for the expenditure of
the coming financial year will be forthwith submitted to you.
My Lords and Gentlemen: The delay and expense attending the transfer of
land in England have long been felt to be a reproach to our system of
law, and a serious obstacle to dealings in real property. This subject
has, in former sessions, occupied the attention of Parliament, and I
trust that the measures which will now be submitted for your
consideration will be found calculated to remove much of the evil of
which complaint has been made.
You will probably be of opinion that the re-arrangement of the
judicature, and the blending of the administration of law and equity,
which were effected for England by the enactment of last session, ought,
on the same principles, to be extended to Ireland, and you will be asked
to devote some part of your time to the accomplishment of this
object.
The greater part of these changes would be inapplicable to the tribunals
of Scotland; but you will be invited, as to that part of my kingdom, to
consider the most satisfactory mode of bringing the procedure upon
appeals into harmony with recent legislation, and, among other measures
relating to her special interests, a bill for amending the law relating
to land-rights and for facilitating the transfer of land will be laid
before you.
[Page 501]
Serious differences have arisen and remonstrances been made by large
classes of the community as to the working of the recent act of
Parliament affecting the relationship of master and servant, of the act
of 1871, which deals with offenses connected with trade, and of the law
of conspiracy, more especially as connected with these offenses. On
these subjects I am desirous that, before attempting any fresh
legislation, you should be in possession of all material facts, and of
the precise questions in controversy, and for this purpose I have issued
a royal commission to inquire into the state and working of the present
law with a view to its early amendment, if it should be found
necessary.
A bill will be introduced dealing with such parts of the acts regulating
the sale of intoxicating liquors as have given rise to complaints which
appear to deserve the interference of Parliament.
Your attention will also be directed to the laws affecting friendly and
provident societies.
All these matters will require your grave consideration, and I pray that
the Almighty may guide your deliberations for the welfare of my
realm.