STATE OF PUBLIC OPINION at the Beginning of the Year-Progress of Events in Italy-Great Interest felt in England in these Transac- tions-The expected Reform Bill-General Absence of Agitation or Excitement on the Question-Financial Affairs-Expectations of large Changes in this Direction -PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED ON 24TH JANUARY-Her Majesty's Speech from the Throne-The Address in the House of Lords is moved by Lord Fitzwilliam, and seconded by Lord Truro-Speeches of Earl Grey, the Duke of Newcastle, Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Derby, and Earl Granville-The Address is agreed to, nem. con.-In the Commons the Address is moved by Mr. St. Aubyn, and seconded by Lord Henley-Mr. Disraeli enters at some length into the projected new commercial relations with France, and also into the Italian policy of the Government-Lord Palmerston in answer, states that the Commercial Treaty with France has been signed, and justifies its provisions-He also vindicates the policy of non-interference adopted by his Cabinet in regard to Italy-The Address is voted without opposition Some further debate on the French Treaty arises on bringing up the Report-Remarks of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and of Mr. Horsman-FOREIGN AFFAIRS-Warlike preparations in France -Mr. Kingslake addresses a question to Lord J. Russell on this subject-His answer-The Marquis of Normanby takes up the cause of the deposed Governments in Italy-He moves an Address to the Crown respecting the antici- pated annexation of Savoy and Nice to France-Speeches of Earls Granville, Grey, and Shaftesbury, the Duke of Newcastle, Earl of Derby, and other Peers-Second Motion of Lord Normanby reflecting on the Policy of the Sardinian Government The policy of that Power is vindicated by Earl Granville, the Marquis of Clanricarde, and other Peers-Explanations with respect to the relations of Sardinia and France in the House of Commons-Speeches condemnatory of the proposed annexation of Savoy are made by Mr. Kingslake and Sir Robert Peel-Remarks of Mr. Bright-Answer of Lord John Russell-Various discussions on the proposed annexation of Savoy and Nice-Strong animadversions on the conduct of the French Emperor by Mr. Roebuck-On the 12th March Lord John Russell enters into a full explanation respecting the Savoy question, and the proceedings of Her Majesty's Government in regard to it-Speeches of Mr. Whiteside, Mr. Horsman, Lord Palmerston, Mr. Disraeli, and other Members. THE THE principal subjects which engaged the public attention at the beginning of the year 1860 were the state of Italian affairs abroad, and the expected measures of Parliamentary Reform and financial policy at home. The progress of the constitutional cause in Italy was regarded with warm sympathy by the people of England without distinction of parties, and the moral support which the British Government lent to the Sardinian cause, while they, at the same time, strictly observed the principle of non-interference, was entirely in accordance with the public feeling on the subject. It will be seen that the course of events was watched with great anxiety and led to repeated discussions during the session of Parliament; though on the great principle of Italian independence there were very few exceptions to the general unanimity in the Legislature. At home, the prospect of a Reform Bill was viewed not without some anxiety by those who feared political agitation and change; but, apparently, with very little interest by the country generally. The leading advocates of Reform found their efforts to arouse popular feeling on the subject very feebly responded to, and it was suspected that a large section of the liberal party, though professedly friendly to such measures, would be by no means unwilling to see the question indefinitely postponed. A certain number of public meetings had been held previously to the commencement of the Session, and some manifestation of interest had been made; but it was not sustained, and bore the appearance of being factitious rather than real. The state of the public finances excited more real interest. It was known that there would be a considerable deficit in the Revenue to be supplied, and at the same time that increased armaments and defensive preparations would make augmented demands upon the public expenditure. It had also been for some time anticipated that the year 1860, in which the falling in of the Long Annuities was to bring with it a considerable reduction in the annual charge of the Public Debt, would be signalized as the era of some large financial changes; and the character of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as a financier, certainly not wanting in boldness and enterprise, gave assurance that the opportunity now offered would not be neglected.. In other respects, the circumstances of the country wore a favourable aspect-trade was in a sound and thriving state-the farming interest made no complaint, and the labouring classes were generally in full employment. The Legislative Session commenced rather before the usual time, the two Houses being summoned for the despatch of business on the 24th of January. On that day Parliament was opened with the usual ceremonies by Her Majesty in person, who delivered the following Speech from the throne: "My Lords and Gentlemen, "It is with great satisfaction that I again meet you in Parliament, and have recourse to your assistance and advice. "My relations with foreign Powers continue to be on a friendly and satisfactory footing. "At the close of the last Session I informed you that overtures had been made to me to ascertain whether, if a Conference should be held by the Great Powers of Europe, for the purpose of settling arrangements connected with the present state and future condition of Italy, a Plenipotentiary would be sent by me to assist at such a Conference. I have since received a formal invitation from the Emperor of Austria and from the Emperor of the French to send a Plenipotentiary to a Congress to consist of the representatives of the eight Powers who were parties to the Treaties of Vienna of 1815, the objects of such Congress being stated to be to receive communication of the treaties concluded at Zurich; and to deliberate, associating with the above-mentioned Powers the Courts of Rome, of Sardinia, and of the Two Sicilies, "Circumstances which have led to a postponement of the Congress, without any day having been fixed for its meeting; but whether in Congress or by separate negotiation, I shall endeavour to obtain for the people of Italy freedom from foreign interference by force of arms in their internal concerns; and I trust that the affairs of the Italian peninsula may be peacefully and satisfactorily settled. "Papers on this subject will soon be laid before you. 66 I am in communication with the Emperor of the French with a view to extend the commercial intercourse between the two countries, and thus to draw still closer the bonds of friendly alliance between them. "A dispute having arisen between Spain and Morocco, I endeavoured, by friendly means, to prevent a rupture; but, I regret to say, without success. "I will direct papers on this subject to be laid before you. "My Plenipotentiary and the Plenipotentiary of the Emperor of the French having, in obedience to their instructions, proceeded to the mouth of the Peiho river, in order to repair to Pekin to exchange in that city the ratifications of the Treaty of Tien-tsin, in pursuance of the LVIth Article of that treaty, their further progress was opposed by force, and a conflict took place between the Chinese forts at the mouth of the river and the naval forces by which the Plenipotentiaries were escorted. "The allied forces displayed on this occasion their usual bravery, but, after sustaining a severe loss, were compelled to retire. "I am preparing, in concert and co-operation with the Emperor of the French, an expedition, intended to obtain redress and a fulfilment of the stipulations of the Treaty of Tien-tsin. you. "An unauthorized proceeding by an officer of the United States in regard to the Island of San Juan, between Vancouver's Island and the mainland, might have led to a serious collision between my forces and those of the United States. Such collision, however, has been prevented by the judicious forbearance of my naval and civil officers on the spot, and by the equitable and conciliatory provisional arrange ment proposed on this matter by the Government of the United States. "I trust that the question of boundary out of which this affair has arisen may be amicably settled in a manner conformable with the just rights of the two countries, as defined by the first article of the Treaty of 1816. "The last embers of disturbance in my East Indian dominions have been extinguished; my Viceroy has made a peaceful progress through the districts which had been the principal scene of disorder, and, by a judicious combination of firmness and generosity, my authority has been everywhere solidly, and, I trust, permanently established. I have received from my Viceroy the most gratifying accounts of the loyalty of my Indian subjects, and of the good feeling evinced by the native chiefs and the great landowners of the country. The attention of the Government in India has been directed to the development of the internal resources of the country; and I am glad to inform you that an improvement has taken place in its financial prospects. "I have concluded a treaty with the Tycoon of Japan, and a treaty regarding boundaries with the republic of Guatemala. I have directed that these treaties shall be laid before you. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,— |