NEWS OF THE WEEK.
pARLIAMENT was prorogued yesterday in a speech from the Throne to which no one, Liberal or Conservative, can take exception. The Queen recites the well-known story of the Soudan campaign, compliments her troops on the valour they eve displayed, and the Colonies on their loyal offers of assistance, especially thanking the Colony of New South Wales for the dis- tinguished services of its contingent. She anticipates that the death of the Mahal will enable her to perform with less difficulty the duties towards the Ruler and people of Egypt which events have imposed on her. She will not relax in her " efforts to place the government and good order of that country upon a firm foundation." ape tells us that her relations with all the Powers are friendly, and that she hopes that her negotiations with Russia will " lead at an early period to a satisfactory settle- ment." She speaks oiler interference in Bechuanaland as neces- sary in the interests of the native races. She refers to the steps being now taken to place the North-Western frontier of India in a condition of adequate defence. She records the satisfaction with which she has assented to the Bill for confederating the Australian Colonies, the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, the Scotch Secretary Bill,—under which, by-the-way, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon has been nominated as the first Secre- tary,—the Irish Land Purchase Bill, and the Dwellings of the Poor Bill. She announces the Commission appointed to inquire into the Depression of Trade, and "to ascertain whether it can be alleviated by any legislative measures." And then, referring to the Reform Bills and the coming Dissolution, she prays that the blessing of God may rest upon the extended liberties of her people, " and that the numbers who are called to the exercise of new powers will use them with the sobriety and discernment which for so long a period have marked the history of this nation." To that prayer we can all give a hearty amen.
