§ THE PARLIAMENT, which had been Prorogued successively from the 21st day of August, 1871, thence to the 7th day of November, thence to the 27th day of December, thence to the 6th day of February, 1872; met this day for Despatch of Business.
§ The Session of PARLIAMENT was opened by Commission.
§ The HOUSE OF PEERS being met—
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR acquainted the House.
§ "That it not being convenient for Her Majesty to be personally present here this day, She has been pleased to cause a Commission under the Great Seal to be prepared, in order to the holding of this Parliament."
2§ Then five of the Lords Commissioners, namely—The LORD CHANCELLOR, The LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The Marquess of Ripon), The LORD PRIVY SEAL (The Viscount Halifax), The LORD CHAMBERLAIN OF THE HOUSEHOLD (The Viscount Sydney), The LORD STEWARD OF THE HOUSEHOLD (The Earl of Bessborough), 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