NEWS OF THE WEEK
PARLIAMENT was opened by Commission on Tuesday, and the Queen's Speech read to a small knot of Peers and a - - ,boxfull of Members from the Lower House. The Speech appears to
it wo out of on the rejoicin quite f ul it had 1-..een composed by a sub-editor. After the usual sentences abo the friendliness of Foreign Powers, and a statement that /./t
A estimates will impose a diminished charge" upon the country, Her Majesty promises an Irish Tenure Bill " adapted to the peculiar circumstances of the country," calculated " to bring about improved relations " among the agricultural classes, and to inspire at that steady confidence in Law, and that desire to render assist- ance in its administration which mark Her Majesty's subjects in general." A Bill has been prepared for " the enlargement on a eomprehensive scale of the means of National Education." As to University Tests, Her Majesty, in a paragraph curiously vague, recommends " such a legislative settlement as may extend the usefulness of those great institutions, and heighten the respect with which they are regarded." Bills—we have no idea what bills—are to be presented by the Poor Law Board ; and there will be a Licensing Bill, a bill " for facilitating the transfer of land," a bill " regulating the succession to real property in cases of intes- tacy," a bill " amending the laws as to the disabilities of members of trade combinations," and a Merchant Shipping Bill. Finally, Her Majesty admits an extension of agrarian crime in Ireland, declares that the " indisposition to give evidence in aid of the administration of justice has been alike remarkable and injurious," and promises that " although she trusts for the removal of such evils" to the effect of permanent reforms, she will not hesitate if need be to propose the adoption of "special" measures. hates been cut down at the last moment, for the Times declared that Id contain paragraphs which no one would have invented is own head, as, for example, one congratulating France establishment of the constitutional regime, and another in Prince Alfred's reception in Calcutta. It is, however, enough, and for a wonder is nearly as well written as if
