The Sun.
London, England, 1858-09-21 00:00:00

HOLLAND.

The session of the States-General was opened
by the King in person, at the Hague, on the 20th
inst. His Majesty was accompanied by the Prince
of Orange.

His Majesty spoke as follows :
" Gentlemen,
" This solemnity has to-day a higher signification for me
than usual. Beholding my beloved son at my side while open-
ing the States-General, my heart overflows with gratitude
towards God, who has deigned to preserve his days, develops
his faculties', and bless his youth in so many respects.
" The nation, represented by you, gentlemen, celebrated
with enthusiasm the day upon which a new Prince of Orange
entered on his political career..
" The expressions of attachment to my house which were
manifested on that occasion increased my endeavours to de-
vote all my energies to the welfare of the country, for the
happiness of which my ancestors lived, and for which many
shed their blood.

" The constant mission of my government has been the
development of the free enjoyment of the benefits of civili-
sation and of peace. My relations with all foreign Powers
are of a most amicable nature.

" At the same time that the exchange of intellectual pro-
duce with a neighbouring State has been settled by a recent
convention, my Government continues its efforts to remove
gradually the barriers to commerce in our Indian posses-
sions, and the Empire of Japan has been rendered accessi-
ble to general commerce.
" Nevertheless the safety of the country renders neces-
sary the maintenance of a sufficient military force for its
defence.

" I can give you the assurance that my army and navy
continue to show themselves deserving of my solicitude.
The public revenue flourishes under the blessing of
Heaven and the tranquillity of peace. The financial crisisl
•
which a few months since threatened commerce and indus-
try, was happily of short duration. The harvest promises
to be more abundant even than was expected. The state-
ments that will be laid before you when the Budget is pre-
sented will show the favourable condition of the finances of
the State. The cultivation of art and science is the con-
stant object of my care.

" Order and prosperity also reign in our colonial posses-
sions. My Government, by a just administration, which
favours material and 'intellectual development and respects
the institutions of the native population, strengthens the
confidence and attachment to the Dutch authorities.
Nevertheless, should our authority be disrespected, there are
sea and land forces on the spot sufficient to maintain it.
" The enjoyment of all these blessings, gentlemen, ought
to make us persevere in our efforts to improve and com-
plete the institutions of the State. Some new or modified
bills will shortly be laid before you. Before the examina-
tion of the budget is terminated a proposition will be pre-
sented to you for the settlement of the colonial finances.
" Although the bills which will immediately be brought
before you in favour of the construction of railways and the
assistance of the State in favour of some districts where the
finances are in an embarrassed state will render a call upon
the Treasury necessary, nevertheless the state of the
general finances will allow me to propose a reduction of
some taxes. Various bills on this subject will be submitted
to you. The sinking of the debt will continue all the same.
" Kim always been painful to me to speak of a slave
population under Dutch dominion, and I hope you will re-
ceive favourably the measures concerted to put an end to
such a condition.

"Another attempt will be made for reforming our courts
of law and the administration of justice. It is not the less
necessary, and the fundamental law exacts it, that a penal
code should be establi.shed. Your co-operation will be re-
quired to fix the principles upon which it is to be based,
and it can be discussed simultaneously with the proposed
law reforms.

"Various other Bills will be presented to you; among
others, one to determine the power of the Council of State,
one for a revision of the electoral lists, another concerning
the transport of emigrants, one on general safety and on
railwajs, another respecting the organisation of the militia,
and one on the police-.

" Gentlemen,—The importance of your labours adds to
the feelings of my heart on this solemn occasion. You will
share those feelings when you have accomplished the task
before you, and when you will be conscious of having largely
contributed to the welfare of our beloved country.
" May the blessing of the Almighty be upon us.
"t I declare the Session of the States-Genera to be open."