The Express.
London, England, 1867-02-15 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY EVMMO, FEBRUARY 15, 1867.

OPENING OF THE FRENCH CHAMBERS

importance of an institution of the country, and I
feel convinced will be accepted with patriotism.
The influence of a nation depends upon the
' number of men it is able to put under arms.
Do not forget that neighbouring States impose
upon themselves far heavier sacrifices for
the effective constitution of their armies, and
have their eyes fixed upon na to judge by
your resolutions whether the influence of France
shall increase or diminish throughout the world.
Let us constantly keep our national flag
at the same height. It is the most certain
means of preserving peace, and that peace mnat be
rendered fertile by alleviating misery and in-
creasing general prosperity."
" Heavy trials have assailed us in the course of
the past year. Inundations and epidemics have
desolated some of our departments. Benevolence
has assuaged individual suffering ; and credits will
Ibe asked of you to repair the disasters caused to
public property. Notwithstanding these partial
calamities, the progress of general prosperity has
not relaxed. During the last financial period the
indirect revenue has increased by 00 millions, and
foreign commerce by upwards of one milliard of
francs. The pommel hispreteeeent o( OW flUanCell
will soon allow us to give satisfaction upon a large
scale to agricultural and economic interests,
brought into light by the inquiry opened in
all parts of the country. Our attention must
then be turned to the reduction of certain
burdens which weigh too heavily upon landed pro-
' perty, and which prevent the speedy completion of
the channels of interior navigation, of our porta,
our railway, and especially of cross roads, the in-
dispensable agents for effective distribution of the
produce of the soil.
_

" Bills upon primary education, and upon co-
operative societies were submitted to you last
session, and I do not doubt you will approve the
arrangements they set forth. They will improve
the moral and material condition of the rural popu-
lation and of the working classes in our great cities.
" Each year thus opens a new horizon to our
meditation and our efforts. Our task at this mo-
ment is to form the public manners to the practice
of more liberal institutions. Hitherto in France
liberty has only been ephemeral. It has not been
able to take root in the soil because abuse has im-
mediately followed use, and the nation rapier pre-
ferred to limit the exercise of its rights than to en-
dure disorder in ideas as in things. It is worthy
of you and me to make a broader application of
these great principles, which constitute the glory of
France. Their development will not, as formerly,
endanger the necessary prestige of authority.
Power is now firmly based, and ardent passions, the
sole obstacle to the expansion of our liberties, will
become extinguished in the immensity of universal
suffr.ige. I have full confidence in the good sense
and patriotism of the people; and strong in the
right which I hold front them, strong in my con-
' science, which is solely desirous of good, I invite
you to march with me with a firm step on the
path of civilisation "