§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "My relations with other Powers continue to be friendly.
§ "The expedition against the Dervishes, conducted with brilliant ability by Sir Herbert Kitchener and the Officers serving under him, has resulted in the fall of Omdurman and the complete subjugation of the territories which had been brought under the dominion of the Khalifa. I am proud to acknowledge the distinguished bravery and conduct of the British and Egyptian troops who have won this victory. My Officers are engaged in conjunction with those of His Highness the Khedive in the establishment of order in the conquered provinces.
§ "The Powers who have been in the occupation of Crete have delegated the authority necessary for the government of the island to His Royal Highness Prince George of Greece. The restoration of peace and order resulting from the establishment of His Royal High-ness's Government has been gladly welcomed by the Cretans of both religions.
§ "His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia has summoned a Conference to consider the possibility of limiting the vast armaments which impose so heavy a burden on every nation. I have gladly signified My willingness to take part in its deliberations. A profound impression has been created by the appalling crime 4 which has robbed the people of Austria-Hungary of their beloved Empress. A Conference, at which My delegates were present, was summoned at Rome to consider the dangers of the Anarchist conspiracy. Though I was not able to concur in all the resolutions proposed at the Conference, some amendments in the present laws of the Realm upon this subject appear to be required, and will be submitted for your consideration.
§ "Some of My West Indian Colonies have been visited by a hurricane of extraordinary violence, causing loss of life and great destruction of houses and other property. The consequent distress of the poorer inhabitants was promptly relieved, as far as possible, by the strenuous exertions of the local authorities, aided by contributions of money from other Colonies and from the United Kingdom.
§ "I have learned with great satisfaction that the Parliament of the Cape of Good Hope has recognised the principle of a common responsibility for the Naval defence of My Empire by providing for a permanent annual contribution towards that object.
§ "In parts of My Indian Empire I grieve to say the Plague still continues, and, though it has diminished in some districts previously affected, it has spread to fresh places in Southern and Northern India. Unremitting efforts continue to be made to relieve sufferers from the disease, to check its spread in India, and to prevent its transmission to other lands.
§ "I am glad to be able to inform you that the harvests of the past year have been abundant, and that the trade and revenue of the Country have recovered with a rapidity and completeness that has surpassed all expectation.
§ "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ "The Estimates for the service of the ensuing year will be laid before you. They have been framed with the utmost economy that the circumstances of the present time permit.
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "A Bill for more fully organising the Government of the Metropolis will be commended to your careful consideration.
5§ "A measure for the establishment of a Board for the Administration of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education in England and Wales will again be laid before you.
§ "You have already partially considered provisions for simplifying the process of private legislation for Scotland. They will again be brought before you.
§ "A Measure will be submitted to you for enabling local authorities to assist the occupiers of small dwellings in the purchase of their houses.
§ "Bills will also be introduced for encouraging agricultural and technical instruction in Ireland, and for the relief of the tithe rent charge payer in that country; for providing a more complete distribution of water supply in cases of emergency in the Metropolis; for the regulation of limited companies; for the prevention of the adulteration of articles of food; for controlling the contracts of money-lenders; for amending the Factory Acts in certain respects; and for amending the Law in respect to Agricultural Holdings.
§ "I pray that Almighty God may have you in His keeping, and guide your deliberations for the good of My people."
§ Then the Commons withdrew.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.