The Sun.
London, England, 1856-07-23 00:00:00

'RUSSIA.

- Lady Wodehouse was presented on the 14th
inst. to the Empress of Russia; and the Grand
Duchesses Alexandra Josephovna, Alexandra Pe-
trovna, and Marie Nicolaievna ; and Lord Wode-
howe, on the same day, was presented to the Grand
Duke Nicolas Nicolaievitch, and the Grand Duch-
esses Alexandra Petrovna and Marie Nicolaievna.

THE JULY FETES AT BRUSSELS.
The following is the speech of the King of the
Belgians in reply to the addresses of the members
of the Senate and of the Chamber of Representa-
tives on the 21st inst. :

" Monsieur le Pr6sident du Sdna,t, Monsieur le Pr&
sident de la Chambra des Representatives—
"l am profoundly touched by the noble sentiments
which you have just expressed to me in language so affec-
tionate and elevated. I think I may recall on this
solemn occasion a -pasEiage of the discourse of the 21st
July, 1831 I have only accepted the crown you
offered me with a view of fulfilling a task as noble as
it is useful—that of being called to consolidate
the institutions of a generous people, and to maintain
their independence.' The accomplishment of this great
mission met with numerous difficulties. The indepen-
dence of this good people, achieved only as it were, the
day before, presented itself as a proble,n before Europe,
distrustful and disquieted. Their free institutions,
founded without any intervention of Royalty, had
not then received the consecration of experience ;
their improvized administration awaited the reform
of their organic laws ; opinions were divided by im-
passioned appeals and jealous influences ; and material
interest, suddenly disturbed, felt alarm for the future.
Soon, however, thanks to the good spirit of the country,
order and unity appeared in the midst of this temporary
confusion ; doubts and di-quietude were succeeded by
confidence and security. Strengthened in the interior
by the organisation of its different administrations,
ar.d by the foundation of a national dynasty, the
country ceased to be in a state of fatal isolation,
and saw its independence guaranteed by the most
solemn treaties. An intelligent activity was given
to works of public utility. The existence of an
army strong by instruction and discipline was as-
sured. The sources of public prosperity were reopened.
Commerce and manufactures were developed with a
rapidity almost prodigious, and that old and precious
industry of the country, agriculture, followed the move-
ment by prudent ameliorations. Letters, science, and
the arts shone as in the best days of our history. A
trial, however, still awaited our nationality; a crisis
broke out profound and universal ; but even in that
crisis Belgium knew how to find new force, give new
proofs of her vitality, and acquire new titles to ge-
neral esteem. I take pleasure in ascribing to the na-
tion itself the honour of a privileged situation, which
seems to defy the boldness of our hopes. The an-
cient morality of the Belgian populations, their pro-
found sentiment of duty, their good sense, their practical
intelligence, their deference for the paternal views of
their King—all these qualities united have powerfully
contributed to cause them to avoid the dangers of being
led away by exaggerations, and to make them recognise
instinctively the true conditions of our political exist-
ence. Gentlemen, since 1830 Belgium has been able in
moral order as well as in material order, to accomplish
the labour of an entire century. There remains to us a
duty to fulfil—to pursue, and to achieve, in the same
spirit as that which presided over it at the commencement,
the work of ouryoungand brilliant civilisation. In the past
it was union which constituted our strength in the days
of triumph of our nationality, and it was by it that in
the days of trial it became reinvigorated. For the
future it is still in union that resides the secret of our
prosperity, our grandeur, and our duration. Let us
seal anew the alliance between the nation and the dy-
nasty of its choice. Let us strengthen the union of
all the members of the great Belgian family in common
devotion to our beautiful country. Let us incline our-
selves before Divine Providence, who holds in his hands
the destinies of nations, and who, in its impenetrable
designs, has called to itself a beloved Queen, whose ab-
sence alone renders incomplete the joys of this memor-
able day."
The King of the Belgians; received at a solemn
audience on Sunday at the Palace of Brussels the
Earl of Westmoreland, envoy extraordinary of the
Queen of England, who presented a letter, in
which her Britannic Majesty congratulates the
King on the 25th anniversary of his accession to
the throne.