The Sun.
London, England, 1848-10-19 00:00:00

HOLLAND.

OPENING OF THE SESSION OF THE
STATES-GENERAL OF 1848.

THE HAGUE, OCT. 16.—The opening of the States-
General of 1848 took place this day, with the usual
solemnities. At one o'clock his MAJESTY left the
Palace, accompanied by their Royal Highnesses the
Prince of ORANGE, Prince HENRY, arid Prince
FREDERICK, of the Netherlands. A salute of
artillery announced the departure of his MAsesxr.
An immense crowd, which lined all the streets and
f every public place through which the cortege was to
pass, saluted his MAJESTY with reiterated cries of
" Vive le Roi !" When his MAJESTY arrived at the
Palace of the States- General, he was received and
introduced into the Assembly by the Commission
appointed for this purpose by the United Chamber of
the States-General.
His MAJESTY having taken his seat on the throne'
pronounced the following speech :
Noble and Mighty Lords,
"You will doubtless approve that at the opening of
this session I abstain from following the established
usage of tracing a aketch of the state of the country
and of the different projects of law which shall be
laid before you, as introductory to your legislative
labours.
"In fact, the mission of this Assembly is excep-
tional and transitory in its nature, and these two
Chambers of the States-General will shortly be re-
placed by other Chambers, composed and elected ac-
cording to the disposition which, as soon as the re-
vision of the fundamental law is accomplished in the
session which has just terminated, shall have been in-
serted in that law, and soon solemnly promulgated.
" Nevertheless, on this occasion, I cannot abstain,
Noble and Mighty Lords, from expressing to you the
conviction that if the general state of Europe be of
such a nature as to give rise to serious inquietudes,
various indications manifest themselves in the situa-
tion of our country.
" Whether I consider our relations with foreign

Powers—whether I cast my eyes upon our posses-
sions in other parts of the world, or upon the interests
of commerce, of navigation, of agriculture, and other
branches of trade, I find by the side of several dis-
quieting symptoms numerous motives for consola-
tion and encouragement. I appreciate, above all,
among the latter, the examplary manner in which
the great and important work of the revision of the
fundamental law was commenced, presented, and
accomplished.
" While so many states of Europe are shaken to

their very foundations by the most violent shocks,
and the streets of many a city are dyed with the blood
of its inhabitants, our country has been able to pre-
serve itself from the fury of civil dissensions and
calamities, with disorder and anarchy in their trains.
" Above all, our country has enjoyed this advantage,

that the legislative power, free in its action, has, with
entire independence, and in the most perfect har-
mony, even where a difference of opinion prevailed,
peacefully accomplished its vast mission, which will
act so decisively on the destinies of the country.

" On the subject of the happy issue of the work
always so critical, of the fundamental part of the
State, I have already caused to be expressed, at the
close of the last session, my gratitude to the two
Chambers of the States. General who have given to
this work their zealous and vigilant concurrence.
But I have reserved to myself, and to this solemn
occasion, the 'Privilege, of thanking all my well-
beloved fellow citizens for-the moderation, confidence,

respect for the laws and public order, as well as attach-

ment to my person, and my dynasty, which, during the
long period requisite for the accomplishment of
these important legislative works, they have mani-

•
rested without restriction, and with so much eon-

stancy up to this very day.
"Thus, Noble and Mighty Lords, our political
edifice, while resting established on the same basis,

has seen its internal dispositions modified according
to the requirements of the epoch, and so regulated
that the amelioration which the future may require
may be introduced into it without producing the.
slightest shock.

"For entering into this new epoch the concurrence
of your High Mightinesses is still necessary to me,
and it is this concurrence which, with full confidence,
I this day invoke for the weal of the country.
" That the Netherlands may prosper in the new
sphere which is opened.to them, it is important that
all the inhabitants should bs acquainted with
the sacred duties imposed upon them, and be ani-
mated by that love for their country which is always,
ready to make the greatest sacrifice for it.

"The past, Noble and Mighty Lords, enables me to
cherish in this respect the highest expectations for
the future.

" It; notwithstanding the efforts made for diminish-
ing the expenses of the State, circumstances should.
demand fresh subsidies for meeting the exigencies of
the moment, I shall ask them with confidence of your
High Mightinesses.

" If in future times trials be again reserved to us,
I am convinced that each one will, with the aid of
Providence, make the most courageous efforts to sur-
mount them. Thus we 'shall avert from the soil of
our native land troubles, and disorders, and dissensions
of what nature soever they be, and transmit intact,
to our descendants the pledge which has been confided
.
to us.

" May the Almighty crown our endeavours with
his best blessing."

His MAJESTY then returned from the Palace of the
States-General amid the same manifestations of
loyalty and respect which had greeted his MAJESTY,
on his arrival.—Dittch Papers, Oct 17.
AMSTERDAM, OCT. 17.—Inland funds were much
offered at the opening of the Bourse, but closed as
yesterday. Spanish in demand,, at prices notified.
Portuguese, after an inclination to rise, closed-flat.
Russian in metallics, in consequence of the continued
unfavourable accounts from Vienna, were decidedly
flat, though there was a tendency to improvement
towards the close, in consequence of several sales":
The South American were all very flat, except the
Peruvian coupons, in which there was some business,
DUTCH FUNDS.—AIIIBTERDAM, OCT. 16.
Money. Bills
Actual Debt, 2% per Cent •• •• ••• • • 43 yi 44
Ditto, 3 per Cent .• •••• • • •• 51k, 62
Ditto, 4 per Cent.— .• .• •••• • • •• 67% 68
Amort Syndic, 3% per Cent... ...... .
Commercial Company, 4% per Cent ..
East India Loan, 4 per Cent • • .... •• •• 66k G 6%
Exchangeon London, at sight • . 11 95
TI/o m0nth5......• •• • • ...• 11 87
On Hamburgh, at sight .. 34 93
Two months.— •• •• •• •• 34 75
On Paris • • .... •••• • • .. 56 31
Twomonths..... ••• • •• 56
Discount 3 per Cent.