Her Majesty's Speech contains abundant of the leading inhabitants of that part proof. That cordial alliance with France, of the colony, and which was believed by of which so signal a testimony has been the Governor and by the great majority recently given to the world by the friendly of the white inhabitants of the island meeting of the fleets in the ports of their to be a part of a widely extended conrespective countries, is still maintained and spiracy, such that nothing but the most still exercises its beneficial influence in the severe measures could prevent Jamaica promotion of peace throughout the world. from becoming a second Hayti. Under For, Sir, we are informed that the good such circumstances this most deplorable offices of Her Majesty's Government, in outbreak took place. Her Majesty's Goconjunction with that of the Emperor of vernment have thought it right that there the French, are at present occupied in the should be an impartial inquiry into those attempt to restore peace between Spain events, and that the Papers relating to and Chili. And as these good offices have them should be laid before Parliament. been accepted by Spain, there is good Under these circumstances, I do not think ground for hoping that the causes of dis- it would be wise now to enter into any agreement will be removed in a manner discussion of the question. Many charges which will satisfy the honour of both have been brought against Her Majesty's countries. In like manner the Treaty of Government for the suspension of GoverCommerce with Austria, the negotiations nor Eyre; but I must say that I feel for which had been begun under the Ad- that the course of the Government was ministration of Lord Palmerston, have not only the right one, but was the only been brought to a successful conclusion; one the Government could pursue. For and I believe that benefits will accrue to it is not to be understood that by this both countries under this treaty, similar suspension the Government has passed to those which have ensued under the any sentence of disapproval on Governor French Treaty. Again, the correspondence Eyre. So far from its being so intended between Her Majesty and the United by them, the step they have taken is siStates, with respect to injuries inflict-milar to that taken by the Government of ed on American commerce by cruisers the Earl of Derby when Sir John Young under the Confederate flag, has been was suspended for awhile from the office brought to a conclusion by the present of High Commissioner of the Ionian IsForeign Secretary in much the same man-lands, and the right hon. Gentleman the ner as it would have been had it fallen to present Chancellor of the Exchequer was the late Prime Minister to conclude it. sent out there. It was for the interest of The next topic on which I have to trouble Governor Eyre himself, that such a course the House is the recent events in Jamaica. should have been taken. I am sure that Not even in that tropical climate has ever his name would not stand as high as it a storm more suddenly gathered and burst should stand until it has been proved by an over its inhabitants, than did the news of impartial inquiry that the measures taken the events which had happened in Jamaica by him were necessary; and how could the burst upon the people of England. As far inquiry be impartial if Governor Eyre reas I know, not a trace of anything sug-mained Governor while the inquiry was gestive of such events is to be found being conducted? Her Majesty has inin the Papers laid before Parliament formed the House that the Legislature relating to the affairs of Jamaica. At the end of the year 1860 Sir Charles Darling, the then Governor, in a most able despatch depicting the state of the island, summed up its results in these words

"Thus it is that Jamaica at this moment presents, as I believe, at once the strongest proof of the complete success of the great measure of emancipation, as relates to the capacity of the emancipated race for freedom, and the most unfortunate instance of a descent in the scale of agricultural and commercial importance as a colonial community.

It was under these circumstances that the disturbances occurred at Morant Bay, which ended in the massacre of many

of Jamaica has proposed that the present political constitution of the island should be replaced by a new form of government, and that a Bill on the subject will be submitted for our consideration. The present state of things having met with the unanimous disapproval of all classes, we can only hope that one of the results of the new measure will be that the Government of Jamaica will be at last placed on a satisfactory footing. Her Majesty states that she watches with interest the proceedings which are still in progress in British North America with a view to a closer union amongst the Provinces. We must all feel

required to accomplish this I trust they sell) has recently announced that by the will be taken by the Government. But measure of Reform to be introduced that though the restoration of confidence is the Government had decided to stand or fall. first, I cannot think it to be the only duty At this present moment the attention of the Government. A conspiracy which of the country is not diverted by fear has been disapproved of by all the influen- of war or by the existence of any war, tial classes of the country, and which has as was the case at the time of Lord Aberbeen deprived of nearly all its leaders, deen's Government and Lord Palmerand which still remains, must have some ston's Government, who were in power strength in it. This strength lies, I fear, when the Italian war occurred. The in the wide-spread disaffection amongst Reform question is one of such importthe lower orders of the people. For this ance, and it has been so long before Pardisaffection there must be some cause. It liament, that there is a general unanimity may be the traditional hatred of Celt of opinion that it is time it should be against Saxon. It may be the recollection settled. There are many who think that, of former misgovernment and of former considering the present prosperous state suffering, or it may be that there still of the country, considering the general exist causes which keep it alive. What contentment and loyalty of the people, ever be the cause, I trust inquiry will there is no reason for a change; yet I be made-and, if causes do exist, that venture to think that it is prudent, just, Her Majesty's Government will deal with and wise now to legislate upon the questhem with a prudent, but bold and de- tion. Prudent, because since the time of cided hand. It is no use shutting our the last Reform Act, when the middle eyes to the facts of the case. Not only classes obtained power by the assistance of is there great disaffection amongst the the working classes, great progress had lower classes of the people still in Ire- been made in the power of the working land, but hundreds of thousands of Irish- classes themselves, by the increase of their men yearly leave our shores with feelings intelligence and power of combination. It of permanent hostility to England. is not prudent that such a power should be without the legitimate means of exercise through and in support of the institutions of the country. It is just, because considering how vitally affected are the interests of these classes by the legislation of this House, by questions of taxation, and, above all, by the great questions of peace or war-considering these things, it is only just that-consistently with the rights of others-the voice of the working classes should be heard in the deliberations of Parliament. It is wise, because I think it is the part of high statesmanship to call forth the whole power of the State, and that can alone be done by extending, as widely as can with safety be done, political rights and responsibilities. Such are the questions which Her Majesty has recommended to our attention, and upon which we shall have to deliberate and decide. Upon these deliberations and upon these decisions will in a great measure depend the future state of our country; and this being the case, I feel the House will gladly join in the prayer of Her Majesty that

After the length at which I have already troubled the House, I will not refer at any length to the various measure which are to be laid before the House, and to which allusion has been made in the Royal Speech. In the debates of the last Parliament upon the subject of Roman | Catholics there was a general unanimity of opinion that at any rate some parts of the oath required to be taken by them ought to be amended-that when it was so amended that all the oaths should be made uniform-and that a measure for accomplishing such an object ought to be introduced under the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government. In accordance with that general opinion, Her Majesty has announced that a measure will be introduced during the present Session. Her Majesty also informs us that she has directed information to be procured in reference to the rights of voting in the election of Members to serve in Parliament, and that when the information is - completed

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"the attention of Parliament will be called to In these and all other deliberations the the result, with a view to such improvements in blessing of Almighty God may guide our those laws as may tend to strengthen our free counsels to the promotion of the happiness institutions and conduce to the public welfare." of her people." In conclusion, he begged I rejoice to see that the noble Lord at to move that an humble Address be prethe head of the Government (Earl Rus-sented to Her Majesty, as follows:

an object to which Her Majesty continues to attach great importance:

"Humbly to assure Her Majesty that we have observed with great concern the extensive prevalence, during the last few months, of a virulent Distemper among Cattle in Great Britain; and that it is with deep regret, and with sincere sympathy for the sufferers, that we have learnt the severe losses which it has caused in many counties and districts: whilst it is satisfactory to know

that Ireland and a considerable part of Scotland are as yet free from this calamity, which gives us reason to trust, with Her Majesty, that by the precautions suggested by experience, and by the Divine blessing on the means which are now being employed, its further extension may be arrested:

"To thank Her Majesty for directing the Orders which have been made by the Lords of Her Majesty's Privy Council by virtue of the powers vested in them by Law, with a view to prevent the spreading of this disease, to be laid before us; and to assure Her Majesty that our best attention shall be given to the expediency of an Amendment of the Law relating to a subject so deeply affecting the interests of the People:

"To thank Her Majesty for directing that in. formation should be procured in reference to the Rights of Voting in the Election of Members to serve in Parliament for Counties, Cities, and Boroughs, and to assure Her Majesty that, when that information is complete, our earnest attention will be given to the result thus obtained:

"Humbly to assure Her Majesty that, with Her, we fervently pray that the blessing of Almighty the happiness of Her Majesty's People." God may guide our counsels to the promotion of

MR. GRAHAM said: Mr. SpeakerSir, I rise to second the Address which has now been proposed, profoundly sensible of the honour conferred on the great constituency which I represent, and on myself by my being invited to do so, and soliciting the patience and indulgence of the House, of my need of which in the discharge of that duty I am most painfully conscious, and which I am assured will not, in such circumstances, be denied me. There must be but one feeling of loyal satisfaction in all our minds in that the Queen has come down to-day in person to address us, and to inaugurate the new Parliament by her presence, and return to the more promi

"Humbly to thank Her Majesty for having directed that the Estimates of the ensuing year shall be laid before us, and for having caused them to be prepared with a due regard to economy, and to the maintenance of efficiency in the Public Ser-nent engagements of public life, whose vice :

"To thank Her Majesty for informing us that the condition of Trade is satisfactory :

"Humbly to express our thanks to Her Majesty for informing us that a Conspiracy, adverse alike to Authority, Property, and Religion, and disapproved and condemned alike by all who are interested in their maintenance, without distinction of creed or class, has unhappily appeared in Ireland, and that the Constitutional Power of the ordinary Tribunals has been exerted for its repression, and the authority of the Law firmly and impartially vindicated:

“Humbly to assure Her Majesty that our serious consideration shall be given to the Bill to be submitted to us, founded on the Report of the Royal Commission on the subject of Capital Punishment; to the Bills for amending and consolidating the Laws relating to Bankruptcy, and for other improvements in the Law; to the measures for extending the system of Public Audit to branches of Receipt and Expenditure, which it has not hitherto reached, and for amending the provisions of the Law with respect to certain classes of Legal Pensions; and to the subject of the Oaths taken by Members of Parliament:

constrained absence from them has been regarded with so profound sympathy. And although in this new Parliament we miss the familiar face of one who had been so long the presiding spirit of the House of Commons-whose name had become a household word in all our homes-a watchword of our rights and liberties throughout the world, I rejoice to think that, great as is the loss we have sustained by his death, the prosperity and the progress of our country are not dependent on individual lives, however illustrious or gifted, and there is no inconsistency between the deepest and most earnest sense of that loss, and the most perfect confidence in the new leaderships for which it makes room. The Address refers to the subject of Parliamentary Reform, and promises a measure for its accomplishment; and for this department of the work before us these new leaderships seem peculiarly adapted-adapted alike by the acknowledged confidence of those at the head of Government in the wisdom and justice of Reform, and by their proved possession of the confidence of the country. Whatever truth there may have been in the allega