§ THE LORD CHANCELLORdelivered HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament, as followeth:—
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "The communications which I receive from Foreign Powers assure me of the continuance of their goodwill. I am happy to say that no international complication has arisen in any quarter which is calculated to endanger the peace of Europe.
§ "The war between China and Japan, which was in progress at the opening of the last Session, has been brought to a conclusion by a peace, which I trust will be enduring. I have observed a strict neutrality during the war, and have taken no action in respect to it except such as appeared to me likely to be favourable to the termination of hostilities.
18§ "I deeply regret to say that most atrocious outrages upon a body of English Missionaries have been reported from the province of Fukien, in China. In reply to earnest representations addressed to the Chinese Government by my directions, active measures, which I trust will prove effective, are being taken for the punishment of the murderers and of all persons who are in any degree responsible for these crimes.
§ "Internal troubles have broken out in the Armenian, districts of Asiatic Turkey, and have been attended with horrors which have moved the indignation of the Christian nations of Europe generally, and of my people especially. My Ambassador and the Ambassadors of the Emperor of Russia and of the President of the French Republic, acting together, have suggested to the Government of the Sultan the reforms which, in their opinion, are necessary to prevent a recurrence of constant disorder. These proposals are now being considered by His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, and I am anxiously awaiting his decision.
§ "A Resolution has been passed by both Houses of Parliament of my Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, proposing that the adjacent Crown Colony of British Bechuanaland should be incorporated with the Cape Colony. I have, in reply, signified my willingness to consider favourably an Act passed for that purpose, provided it contains proper safeguards for my interests and for those of my native subjects, especially in the matter of their lands, the liquor traffic, and the maintenance of their own system of justice.
§ "I have received satisfactory assurances on these points, and an Act has been passed by the Cape Parliament which I have every reason to expect will be found to fulfil my requirements.
§ "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ "The Estimates for the service of the year, which were not voted in the last Parliament, will be laid before you.
19§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "At this season of the year it will probably be found more convenient to defer to another Session the consideration of any important legislative measures except those which are necessary to provide for the administrative charges of the year."
§ Then the Commons withdrew.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.