THE

THE commencement of the year 1852 found the British Empire in a generally prosperous and tranquil condition. With the exception of the lingering and vexatious warfare still prolonged in South Africa, the external relations of the country were peaceful in every quarter. The coup de main which had recently paralyzed the political system in France, and which was regarded in this country as the preparatory step in the transition from a republic to an empire, had excited some emotions of uneasiness among the friends of peace on this side of the Channel, but externally the amicable professions between the two countries had not undergone the slightest disturbance. The state of our domestic affairs was in almost all respects satisfactory. Trade was brisk and improving, the working classes in steady employment, the revenue, notwithstanding recent remissions of taxation, showing signs of increased productiveness in its several departments. The supplies of gold from Australia and California were still flowing in unchecked, in large quantities. The difficulties or at all events the complaints of the agricultural interests had become considerably mitigated. The aspect of political affairs at home, however, was indicative of a change. The removal of Lord Palmerston from the office he had so long filled, and from a ministry of which he was one of the chief pillars,

could not but excite lively anticipations of a crisis in the cabinet. The Whig administration had now lost by various casualties some of its most eminent members, and it seemed more than doubtful whether the Premier would be able to maintain his position through another session at the head of a party now seriously weakened by the alienation of one of its ablest members. Much interest was felt with respect to the explanations likely to be elicited on the opening of Parliament as to the causes of Lord Palmerston's removal, an event to which rumour had assigned various and conflicting interpretations.

On the 3rd of February the session, generally understood to be the last, of the existing Parliament, was opened by the Queen in person with the usual solemnities. Her Majesty read the following Speech from the Throne:

"My Lords and Gentlemen,—

"The period has arrived when, according to usage, I can again avail myself of your advice and assistance in the preparation and adoption of measures which the welfare of the country may require.

"I continue to maintain the most friendly relations with foreign powers.

"The complicated affairs of the Duchies of Holstein and Schleswig have continued to engage my attention. I have every reason to ex

pect that the treaty between Germany and Denmark, which was concluded at Berlin in the year before last, will, in a short time, be fully and completely executed. "I regret that the war which unfortunately broke out on the eastern frontier of the Cape of Good Hope, more than a year ago, still continues. Papers will be laid before you containing full information as to the progress of the war, and the measures which have been taken for bringing it to a termination.

"While I have observed with sincere satisfaction the tranquillity which has prevailed throughout the greater portion of Ireland, it is with much regret that I have to inform you, that certain parts of the counties of Armagh, Monaghan, and Louth have been marked by the commission of outrages of the most serious description. The powers of the existing law have been promptly exerted for the detection of the offenders, and for the repression of a system of crime and violence fatal to the best interests of the country. My attention will continue to be directed to this important object.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,— "The improvement of the administration of justice in its various departments has continued to receive my anxious attention, and, in furtherance of that object, I have directed bills to be prepared founded upon the reports made to me by the respective Commissioners appointed to inquire into the practice and proceedings of the superior Courts of Law and Equity.

"As nothing tends more to the peace, prosperity, and contentment of a country than the speedy and impartial administration of justice, I earnestly recommend these measures to your deliberate attention.

The Act of 1848 for suspending the operation of a previous Act conferring representative institutions on New Zealand will expire early in the next year. I am happy to believe that there is no necessity for its renewal, and that no obstacle any longer exists to the enjoyment of representative institutions by New Zealand. The formation of these institutions will, however, require your consideration, and the additional information which has been obtained since the passing of the Acts in question

"I have ordered estimates of the expenses of the current year to be laid before you.

"I rely with confidence on your loyalty and zeal to make adequate provision for the public service.

"Where any increase has been made in the present over the past year, such explanations will be given as will, I trust, satisfy you that such increase is consistent with a steady adherence to a pacific policy and with the dictates of a wise economy.

at a decision beneficial to that important colony.

It gives me great satisfaction to be able to state to you that the large reductions of taxes which have taken place of late years have not been attended with a proportionate diminution of the national income. The revenue of the past year has been fully adequate to the demands of the public service, while the reduction of taxation has tended greatly to the relief and comfort of my subjects.

I acknowledge with thankful

ness to Almighty God, that tranquillity, good order, and willing obedience to the laws continue to prevail generally throughout the country.

"It appears to me that this is a fitting time for calmly considering whether it may not be advisable to make such amendments in the Act of the late reign relating to the representation of the Commons in Parliament as may be deemed calculated to carry into more complete effect the principles upon which that law is founded.

"I have the fullest confidence that in any such consideration you will firmly adhere to the acknowledged principles of the Constitution, by which the prerogatives of the Crown, the authority of both Houses of Parliament, and the rights and liberties of the people, are equally secured."

In the House of Lords the Address was moved by the Earl of Albemarle. His Lordship began by referring to recent events on the Continent of Europe. If they took a rapid glance at the events on the Continent for the last four years, and compared them with what had happened at home, they would concur with him that they had every reason to be satisfied with their own institutions. Every nation, Every nation, however, had a right to live under the constitution which it chose to select. Nations were mutually dependent on each other, and that dependence increased with their propinquity. With regard to the state of the national defences, he considered it prudent to take all reasonable precautions against the possibility of invasion, which, however, he had no fear of. Having alluded to the necessity of law reform and to the grant of a consti

tution to New Zealand, the noble Earl proceeded, by a reference to statistics, to show the flourishing state of the country and the success of recent financial measures. He concluded by referring to the contemplated improvement in the representative system of the House of Commons.

Lord Leigh seconded the Address, briefly adverting to the different subjects touched upon in it. His Lordship's allusion to the returning prosperity of the agricultural interest excited some expressions of disapprobation on the Opposition

benches.

He

The Earl of Derby said that the subjects treated of in the Royal speech were exceedingly multifarious, and he drew an amusing picture of the inconsequential manner in which they were strung together. He lamented the absence of all allusion to the condition of the agricultural interest. then referred to the subject of Papal Aggression, which Her Majesty's Government had legislated for superficially and not substantially. He maintained that the Act of last session had been openly and ostentatiously set at defiance, and he invited the Government to say whether they were satisfied with it. On the subject of friendly relations with foreign Powers, he expressed a conviction that there must have been some serious cause which had induced Her Majesty to dispense with the services of one of the most able servants of the Crown. He was not bound by any official reserve from speaking openly on the subject of our relations with France. It was not for us to canvass the morality or the acts of the French Government, since it had been backed by the will of the people. He firmly believed that