The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-06 00:00:00

The Address of the French Corps Legislatif.

The following is the text of the address proposed
by the French'Corps Legislatif to the Emperor :
" Sire,—The Corps Legislatif shares the COB&
deuce with which the renewal of its powers inspires
you. In spite of the vivacity of the struggle, the
people have shown that they remain profoundly de-
voted to the Imperial institutions, to your person,
and your dynasty. On coming to take part in the
examination of public affairs, we shall never lose
sight of these principles and sentiments, and will
act in concert with you, so that they may not be
weakened. Your Majesty was right in anticipating
public opinion in the path of industrial and com-
mercial freedom. France, which has fora long time
instructed herself, has faith now in her own strength.
Our industries have been able, by their efforts and
sacrifices, to withstand foreign competition, They
will display still greater energy when they see the
means of transport multiplied and rendered more
prompt and easy. For this reason, we wish that
the impetus given to public works should not be
relaxed; that the construction of railways should
not be delayed, and that the improvement of our
ports, our rivers, oar canals, our highways, and
especially our local roads, should always be the ob-
ject of your Government's solicitude. Our finances,
wisely managed, freed from exceptional circum-
stances which weigh upon them, will be able to meet

the requirements of the country, without its being
necessary to have recourse to public credits or new

imposts.
"Your Majesty, whose liberal intentions do not
belie'you, again announce to us new reforms. We
will study those submitted to us with the desire to
second your love for true progress. All the mea-
sures which shall have for their object to destroy
the obstacles now in the way of the freedom of
transaction, as well as individual initiative, to re-
gulate more equitably in questions of labour
the relations between citizens placed in different
conditions, to increase the functions of the communes
and the departments without weakening the cen-
tral power, will be received by us with fervour and
gratitude. We join in the interest which your Ma-
jesty brings to whatever relates to religion, charity,
the arts, literature, and science. Primary instruc-
tion has been rapidly developed since 1848. We
think with you that the number of children de-
prived of it is still too great ; we desire to see that
number decrease every year, and at length to disap
pear altogetherfrom our statistics, thanks to the
increasing comfort of the population, complemented
by gratuitous contributions. We should wish also
that the professional and agricultural instruction
should be efficiently encouraged, and that the stan-
dard of those studies leading to a liberal career
should be raised. This system, carried out in its
entirety, would meet the requirements of families
and modern society, by strengthening every career,
and sparing the young frequent disappointment.
" The Corps Legislatif agrees with you, Sire, that
the best governed nations cannot hope always to
escape external complications, and that they must
appreciate without illusion as without weakness.
The distant expeditions of China, Cochin China, and
Mexico, which have followed one another, have
created considerable anxiety in several minds in
France on account of the obligations and sacri-
fices they entail. We admit that they inspire in
far off lands respect for our countrymen and the
French flag, and that they will also tend to the
development of our maritime commerce ; we shall,
however, be happy to see the good results which
your Majesty bids us hope for speedily realised.
" The souvenirs of our history, the feelings of
humanity which animate us, excite our liveliest
sympathies for the fate of Poland. We have seen
with pain that the combined efforts of three great
Powers have been ineffectual in bringing about a
settlement of this grave question accordinglo your
benevolent wishes. We cannot, nevertheless,
conceal from ourselves that the sincere and
cordial support of Russia has been useful to France
on an important occasion. We should regret it were
our good relations with that Power to cool. It is,
therefore, with profound satisfaction that we re-
ceived that noble idea of an European Congress, the
initiative of which will be an eternal honour to your
reign. France, on whom you have conferred splen-
dour and glory, is well pleased not to compromise
her treasures and her children in causes in which
her honour nor her interests are involved.
" Let then, Sire, without regret, the unjustly pre-
judiced receive with distrust your loyal and public
propositions. The sound and noble ideas which God
plants in the hearts of sovereigns for the good of
humanity, make their way in the world, and take
root in the hearts of the people. Await with calm-
ness the effect of your generous words. France,
homogeneous, compact, confident of her strength,
relying on you, does not fear any aggression; she
has, to-cloy, no other ambition than that of securine;
her repose, developing her material welfare by toil
and peace, and ber moral well-being by the sincere
and gradu-.1 exercise of civil atA. iibeity.

Hlvre (iuring Decinib-q
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