No. 168.
Mr. Welsh to Mr. Evarts .

No. 20.]

Sir: I attended the opening of Parliament yesterday and heard Her Majesty’s speech, as it was read by the Lord Chancellor. I have since received a copy of it from Lord Derby, which I beg to inclose, together with extracts from the Times and News, containing the addresses of the leading members of both houses of Parliament on the occasion.

I have, &c.,

JOHN WELSH.
[Inclosure in No. 20.]

opening of parliament.

Although the Queen did not open Parliament in person, there was a very large attendance at Westminster to witness the assembling of members of the two houses. The formal opening at two o’clock gave little opportunity for any manifestation of public feeling. The best known political personages were either absent from Westminster altogether, or were not seen on their way to the houses of Parliament. At the second meeting of the houses, at four and five o’clock, the case was different. At twenty-five minutes past four Mr. Gladstone, walking alone across New Palace Yard, was followed by a rush of some who recognized him, and raised “three cheers for Mr. Gladstone.” Lord Beaconsfield, driving up to the peers’ entrance a quarter of an hour later, accompanied by Mr. Montagu Corry, was also cheered; and the Prince of Wales, who arrived at the same place a little after Lord Beaconsfield, was very warmly received. The greater part of the crowd had, however, long before this time departed. Midhat Pasha passed unrecognized to the later sitting, across New Palace Yard and through Westminster Hall. About the same time, and in like manner, there passed in Mr. Lowe, Mr. Goschen, with Dr. Lyon Playfair, Lord Hartington, the Duke of Sutherland, Mr. Gathorne Hardy, Mr. Cross, Mr. Childers, and Mr. W. H. Smith, with Mr. Gerard Noel. When Prince Christian, the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Mary, and the Duke of Teck arrived at the peers’ entrance, there were not enough people left to raise a cheer. The Empress Eugenie, the Prince Imperial, the Duke of Argyle, the Marquis of Salisbury, and his son, also entered in silence. Even at the earlier sitting, [Page 243] the Duke of Teck, with the young prince, his son, riding by the entrance to New Palace Yard, was unobserved.

The first spectacle which the crowd had to enjoy was the procession of Beef-eaters. In pursuance of a custom which is ancient, but not immemorial, a small detachment of yeomen of the guard marched up to Westminster Hall soon after ten, to search the vaults beneath both houses, lest another Guy Fawkes should lurk there, aided by the new appliances placed at his disposal by modern chemistry. The Beef-eaters wore the ancient dress assigned to the corps by Henry VIII, a scarlet coat of a peculiar make, reaching down to the knees, guarded with black velvet, and badges on the coat before and behind. Their breeches were also scarlet, guarded with black velvet, and instead of hats they wore black velvet caps, round and broad-crowned, with ribbons of the Queen’s color. The corps was instituted by Henry VII in 1485, nearly two hundred years before any other regiment that is now in existence was raised; it was, in fact, the only standing force in the kingdom, with the exception of the honorable corps of gentlemen-at-arms. The men are selected for gallantry or good conduct from the non-commissioned officers of the army. The yeomen left again soon after eleven, having accomplished their task. The crowd grew thicker and thicker at the base of the statues of Lord Palmerston and Lord Derby immediately in front of the model of the obelisk. At half past twelve the Lord Chancellor drove down, and soon afterwards members of the House of Commons began to arrive or to pass into the house from the law courts. Toward the House of Peers at this hour it was chiefly ladies and others who had tickets, and not the peers themselves, who passed. Dr. Brady, Mr. Samuda, Sir Charles Russell, Lord Henry Somerset, Mr. Walter, Mr. Fawcett (who was cheered on his way up Westminster Hall), Mr. T. Brassey, Mr. Watkin Williams, Mr. Serjeant Simon, Mr. Arthur Peel, Sir W. Fraser, Mr. S. Morleg, Mr. R. J. Buxton, Mr. E. Potter, Sir G. Jenkinson, Mr. Malcolm, Major Cust, Sir H. Havelock, and Mr. Eaton, were among those who were seen to arrive at this early period and gathered in the house or in the lobby. At five minutes past two the gentleman usher of the black rod (Sir William Knollys) passed across the lobby, and immediately afterward returned escorting the speaker. The speaker was followed by a rush of members, who broke the line formed by visitors and officers in the lobby, and bore in with them to the House of Peers some spectators who had not received any invitation to be there.

All the afternoon the neighborhood of Westminster Palace remained crowded, but the police, under Mr. Gernon and Mr. Edis with Inspector Denning, at the entrance to the House of Commons, were easily able to maintain order. Comparatively few remained to witness the meeting for business. Among the early comers who passed without special recognition were Dr. Kenealy, Mr. Biggar, Major O’Gorman, Mr. O’Donnel, Mr. Parnell, Mr. O’Bierne, Mr. O’Connor Power, Sir L. Palk, Sir H. Peek, Lieutenant-Colonel North, Mr. Cremer Clarke, Lieutenant-General Shute, Mr. Chaplin, Mr. Allsopp, Mr. Majendie, and Mr. W. James. The Duke of Somerset, the Marquis of Bath, the Marquis of Lansdowne, Lord Roseberry, the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Shelborne, the Earl of Dudley, an attaché of the Chinese legation, and General Negrette, may also be mentioned among those whose arrival was observed as they passed in to take their places in the gallery or on the floor of the crowded houses, which last night began, amid unusually serious circumstances, their forty-first session during the reign of the Queen.

House of Lords, Thursday, January 17.

The royal commissioners took their seats in front of the woolsack at two o’clock. They were the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the Marquis of Hertford, Earl Beauchamp, and Lord Skelmersdale. There were not more than about thirty peers in the body of the house; but almost the whole of the peers’ benches were occupied by ladies. In the strangers’ gallery there was a crowded assemblage of ladies and gentlemen.

Immediately the royal commissioners had taken their seats, Sir W. Knollys, gentleman usher of the black rod, was desired to request the attendance of “the Commons.” Soon after the Speaker, attended by the black rod and the sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons, appeared at the bar, closely pressed by a large body of the members of the House of Commons.

The royal commission having been read by Mr. Bethel, one of the clerks at the table—

The Lord Chancellor said: We are commanded to deliver to you Her Majesty’s speech in Her Majesty’s own words. The noble and learned lord then read the following royal speech:

My Lords and Gentlemen: I have thought fit to assemble you before the usual period of your 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.

[Page 244]

“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 endeavor to bring to a close hostilities which were causing immense sufferings 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 Governments 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 question of Scottish roads and bridges, and of endowed schools and hospitals in Scotland, will also be brought before you.

“Your attention will be invited to the subject of intermediate education in Ireland, and to the grand-jury law in that country,

“Among other measures for the amendment of the law a bill will be to simplify and express in one act the whole law and procedure relating to indictable offenses.

“I commend these subjects to your careful consideration, and I pray that the blessing of the Almighty may attend and guide your deliberations.”

When the noble and learned lord had concluded the reading of the Queen’s speech, the sitting of their lordships’ house was at once suspended till five o’clock.

Their lordships reassembled at five o’clock, when there was a very large attendance of peers. Among them were the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Connaught, and the Duke of Cambridge. Every seat in the ladies’ gallery was occupied, and among the distinguished personages in the diplomatic gallery was Midhat Pasha, the late Grand Vizier.