Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/23

 1899.] The Queen's Speech. [15

"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 serv- ing 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 acknow- ledge 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 Boyal Highness Prince George of Greece. The restoration of peace and order resulting from the establishment of his Boyal Highness' 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 which has robbed the people of Austria-Hungary of their beloved Empress. A conference, at which my delegates were present, was summoned at Borne to consider the dangers of the anarchist conspiracy. Though I was not able to concur in all the resolutions proposed at the conference, some amend- ments 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