Parliament Opened

London, Feb. 8. - Parliament has opened with questions of great moment crowding for consideration, yet the prevailing tone was peace, progress and satisfaction. The queen's speech was notable for its omissions. Except for its unusual length and some freshening of topic it was not unlike those of other years. Few problems were presented by the west at the assembling of the lords and commons, the English outlook being distinctly toward the east. Fails to Mention China. Armenia was out of play with Turkey, Egypt and China, to the front. Yet oddily enough the queen's speech had no mention of China which served rather to increase than to diminish the importance in the eyes of parliament of the situation there. The speech was read as usual in the house of lords, the lords and commons being assembied there. The important paragraphs of the speech f olio w: "My Lords and Gentlemen: My relations with all of the other powers continue to be of a friendly character. Relations Are l lu-hanf-tl. "The negotiations between the Sultan of Turkey and the King of Greece have been concluded by the signature of a treaty of peace, under which the terrible state of war has been brought to an end, but in other respects the relations of the two powers are practically unchanged. Intelligence which is apparently trustworthy has been received of the intention of the khalifa to advance against the Egyptian army in the Soudan. I, therefore, have given directions that a contingent of British troops be dispatched to Berber to the assistance of nis highness, the khedive. Deprensions in West Imlir. "The report of the commission I appointed in December, 1896, to inquire into the condition of my West Indian colonies has conclusively established the existence of severe depression in those colonies caused by the heavy fall in sugar." Internal affairs were treated at length. Mention is made of a more prosperous year in India. Bills pending in parliament were enumerated, including one for "a system of a local government for Ireland, substantially similar to that established in Great Britain."