§ His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR (in pursuance of His Majesty's Commands), as followeth:—
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "It is satisfactory to be able to close the first Parliament of My reign with the assurance that the cordiality of the relations between Great Britain and other Powers remains undiminished.
§ "The nature and extent of the reparation to be given by China for the unexampled outrages committed last summer have been the subject of protracted discussion among the Powers. I am glad to be able to inform you that, by a general agreement, in which China has concurred, the extent of the indemnity to be provided by that Government and the security for its payment to the various Powers have been determined; and the punishment of the guiltiest of the offenders has also been insisted on.
§ "The progress of My forces in the conquest of the two Republics by whom My South African Colonies have been 1292 invaded has been steady and continuous; but, owing to the difficulty and extent of the country to be traversed, the length of the Military operations has been protracted.
§ "The signal success which has attended the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to the Colonies has afforded Me the greatest gratification, which, I am convinced, is shared by all classes of My subjects throughout the Empire. The opening of the first Parliament of the Australian Commonwealth by the Heir to the Throne is an event of wide significance and deep interest, and the enthusiastic welcome which has been given to My son and his wife in every Colony they have visited is an additional proof of the patriotism, loyalty, and devotion of the people of My Dominions oversea.
§ "In My Indian Empire the recovery of agriculture and trade from the depression caused by the famine has been somewhat retarded by the lateness of the rainfall. The most recent information is, however, reassuring, and prospects are reported to be much improved. Should these favourable conditions continue, a rapid reduction in the present area of distress and the restoration to the population of their usual means of livelihood may confidently be expected.
§ "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ "I have to note with great satisfaction the liberal provision which you have made for the Naval and Military Services during the current year.
§ "I thank you for the arrangements you have made for the maintenance of the honour and dignity of the Crown; and especially for those which affect the state and comfort of My Royal Consort.
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "Your attention has been directed during the past Session mainly to the legislative provisions required by the special circumstances of the year. Unusual demands have been made upon the time at the disposal of Parliament by the demise of the Crown, by the continuance of an arduous war, and the necessity of raising fresh revenue by a wider range of taxation. While providing for the heavy expenditure of the war, you have further made provision for the increase in 1293 many important respects of the efficiency of the Naval and Military Forces of the Empire.
§ "I have observed, with great satisfaction, that you have passed a Bill to amend and consolidate that code of Factory Law from which so much benefit has already been derived by the working classes of this Country; and that the Law relating to youthful offenders has been amended in such a manner as will prevent the imprisonment of young children.
§ "The measure which you have adopted for vesting in local authorities the superintendence of certain important departments of education will in itself be of great benefit to them, and will prepare the way for further reforms.
§ "I am gratified to see that you have given effect to a widely expressed desire on the part of My subjects beyond the sea by authorising Me to make such additions to the Royal Title as may seem to Me expedient.
§ "I earnestly commend you to the merciful protection and guidance of Almighty God."
§ Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
§ After which the LORD CHANCELLOR said:—
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "By virtue of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in His Majesty's Name, and in obedience to His Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday the fifth day of November next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the fifth day of November next."