§ THE PARLIAMENT, which had been I prorogued successively from the 24th day of December, 1888, to the 31st day of January, 1889; thence to the 21st day of February, 1889, met this day for the despatch of Public Business.
§ The Session was opened by Commission.
§ THE HOUSE OF PEERS being met;
§
THE LORD CHANCELLOR acquainted the House,
That Her Majesty, not thinking it fit to he personally present here this day, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, in order to the opening and holding of this Parliament.
§ Then Five of the LORDS COMMISSIONERS—namely, The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Halsbury); VISCOUNT CRANBROOK, The 2 EARL OF KINTORE, The EARL OF LATHOM; and VISCOUNT CROSS—being in their Robes, and seated on a Form placed between the Throne and the Woolsack, commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod to let the COMMONS know "The Lords Commissioners desire their immediate Attendance in this House, to hear the Commission read."
§ Who being at the Bar, with their Speaker:—The Commission was read by the Clerk:—Then