The Sun.
London, England, 1853-09-20 00:00:00

HOLLAND.

OPENING OF THE STATES-GENERAL.
Yesterday the States-General were opened at the
Hague by the King of Holland in person. In the
same evening's San we published the royal speech
iii extenso, having been enabled to accomplish that
extraordinary almost unprecedented feat by
means of the Electric Telegraph Company (Loth-
bury), who have a direct line of wire communica-
tion between the Hague and the metropolis. The
speech reached us within one hour and forty
minutes after it was concluded. Too much praise
cannot be awarded to the company for the wonder-
ful rapidity and accuracy with which the transmis-
sion of the dispatch was effected.
The speech was as follows :
GENTLEMEN,
Again, after a short time, I see myself in the
inidst of you. With pleasure I address myself
to the Representatives of a people who give me
the most decided and cordial proofs of fidelity
and. attachment. Now that you are going to re-
commence your ordinary labours I may repeat the
assurance that I continue to entertain the most
friendly relations with the other Powers. During
the last mouth I have received proofs of interest

which I highly appreciate.
The pacific policy followed by Government gives
it every opportunity not to neglect anything for
the extension of free commercial relations between
the Netherlands and other States.
Tie naval and military forces still continue to
perform their duties in a satisfactory manner, so far
as their limited means admit. Our naval forces
are seen in various seas, thus aiding to establish
our relations, and to protect our national flag and
navigation. Experience shows more and more the
necessity of extending the manceuvres and exercise
of the army on the one hand, by keeping the mili-
tia under arms, and on the other by uniting the

forces together.
The position of the Colonies and the Govern-
ment possessions in the other parts of the world
is generally satisfactory. The tranquillity of the
interior of the island of Sumatra has been dis-
turbed, but it has been restored by trifling efforts
on the part of our forces. In the same way, also,
we may trust that an end will soon be put to the
renewed troubles of the Chinese in Borneo.
I deplore the frightful ravages caused by the
earthquakes and the actions of the sea in the
Malacca Islands.
From the measures taken by the Government,
and the assistance of the public, this calamity has
been considerably lessened. The great works un-
dertaken for the improvement of our principal
rivers continue to be actively carried on.
The present results are highly satisfactory.
Agriculture, manufactures, and industry are in a
favourable condition. The spirit of enterprise de-
velopes itself more and more among the people,
inducing them to give their attention to various
new enterprises, by which the communications by
sea and land will be much augmented, and which
will give to agriculture new territories to cultivate.
Where the general interest requires it, the efforts
of the people are supported by the Government.
The works for connecting the Netherlands with
the neighbouring states extend more and more.
The railways already conceded approach com-
pletion. Applications for new concessions are en-
courged as much as possible.
The electro-magnetic telegraphic lines are in-
creased and continually improved. The lately com-
pleted line to England, undertaken by private in-
dividuals, is of the highest interest for our commerce.
In rejoicing at the great success of the magnifi-
cent enterprise of draining the Haarlem lake, we
may also be gratified at the successful sale of the
redeemed lan.
So far as an opinion can be formed on the partial
reports received, the harvest can only be reckoned
upon as an average one.
Although the uneasiness caused lately by this
state of things seems to have been somewhat exag-
gerated by some people, I have, however, taken
measures to suppress the very trifling impediments
which opposed the free importation of the principal
articles of food. Commerce, navigation, and ship
building are all prospering this year.
These branches of the public welfare continue to
increase. The finances of the country are in an
equally desirable position.
The hopes which we had of the favourable issue
of last year have not proved fallacious. We have
every reason to expect that the present service
will also be satisfactory.
Unforeseen circumstances have prevented the
entire completion of the laws for reducing taxa-
tion.
New propositions for the reduction of the Na-
tional Debt will soon be submitted to your de-
liberation.
This session will, as I trust, and as it is the
serious desire of my Government that it should,
afford the opportunity of settling legislative ques-
tions.
All our efforts will tend to one and the same
end—to assure by every means in our power, and
with the blessing of Divine Providence, the wel-
fare of our dear country.
I now declare the session of the States-General
to be opened.
The King concluded his address at twenty-five
minutes past one.
d

THE BISHOPRIC OF GLASGOW.—The Hon. and Rev.
R. Liddell, M.A., brother to Lord Ravensworth, and
incumbent of St. Paul's church, Knightsbridge, is likely
to be appointed to the bishopric of Glasgow, in the
room of Dr. Trower, resigned,
THE BIRMINGHAM BOROUGH GAOL.—Aris's Bir-
mingham. Gazette of yesterday says :—" We understand
that Mr. James Blount, the surgeon of the Borough
Gaol, has resigned his appointment. Freer) the chief
warder, has been dismissed by the justices.