The Sun.
London, England, 1861-11-13 00:00:00

remained in much the same state as reported last
mail. Coffee was scarce; lard, 70. per lb.; Irish
butter, 131 d,; Pimento, 13., given freely; rum,
2s. Bd. for proof 18 in bond; sugar, fair quality,
19s. Exchange, 90 days, per cent. premium ;60
days, 1 per cent. premium. Freights dull. No
charters.

THE BELGIAN CHAMBERS.
The following is a translation of the Royal
speech :

" Gentlemen,—lt is with very great satisfaction
that I find myself again in the midst of that faith-
ful nation to which for more than 30 years I have
been united by bonds of affection and confidence
which time has only tended to strengthen.
" The relations of Belgium with foreign Powers
are maintained in conditions favourable to her
interests and conformable to her duties of neu-
trality.

"A treaty of commerce of the highest importance
has been concluded during the course of the present
year between Belgium and France. Its result will
be to cement still more the good relations between
the two countries. The same principles will be
applied in our relations with Great Britain, and
they will serve us as the basis of the negotiations
which we will have still to open with other States.
"We shall continue, moreover, to foster our
commerce, as also our agricultural and industrial
produce, by adding new means of communication to
those already so numerous and varied that furrow
our territory.
" A convention recently concluded with the
Netherlands has put an end to the difficulties which
had arisen respecting the system of the waters of
the Meuse. That arrangement will contribute to
maintain our relations of good neighbourhood with
a friendly nation whose illustrious Chief I had the
happiness to meet on a recent occasion in the
patriotic city of Liege.
"The reports of the results of our harvest are not
so unfavourable as it was at first presumed they
would be. Abroad the harvests are, generally
speaking, satisfactory in those countries that export
their grain, and the liberal system adopted in Bel-
gium allows it to be said that the deficiency will be
easily suplied by commerce.
" Various important laws presented in the sessions
of 1859 and 1860 will, I hope, be discussed and
voted this session.

" Other projects of not less interest will be sub-
mitted to your deliberations.

" Our militia laws have long stood in need of
reform ; a project will be laid before you which,
correcting in au administrative point of view the
vices of the actual system, will have for object
to assure an equitable compensation to those
who devote a portion of their youth to the noble
career of arms for the service of the State. This
reform will, I doubt not, be attended with the most
happy results for the good constitution of the army,
so deserving of our solicitude.

" The Civic Guard rivals it in patriotism and zeal,
and the great success which the institution of the
national rifle practice has obtained in its ranks
attests its lively desire to attain as great a perfec-
tion as possible.

"Public instruction in every branch, literature,
science, and the fine arts, concur towards the general
progress of the country, and find from my Govern-
ment, as well as from the Chambers, a sympathetic
and constant support. Tie last exhibition at Ant-
werp threw additional lustre upon the Belgian
school, and the artists of every country assembled
in our commercial metropolis found there that hos-
pitable welcome which they had a right to expect
from the country of Reubens and of Van Dyck.
" Despite the crises of various nature through
which we are passing, our financial condition is
satisfactory.

" The execution of the measures prescribed by the
law for the revision of the cadastral operations is
being actively carried out.
" The system of personal contribution gives rise
to founded complaints ; the law that established it
shall be revised.

" The abuses which have revealed themselves in
the exercise of the electoral rights, and which could
not be generalised without touching the honour of
our representative institutions, call for repressive
measures deserving the interest and approval of men
of every opinion.

" The necessity has also been recognised of filling
up the vacanciesoffered by the existing legislation as
well as regards the foundation and administration
of property affecting study, as also the management
and control of those belonging to worship.
" Finally, gentlemen, the examination of the ques-
tions connected with judicial organisation having
terminated, a law will be presented to you for the
settlement of that important object.

" The numerous labours which offer themselves to
the activity of the Chambers allow fruitful results
to be hoped for this session,

" Representatives of the Nation,—May the spirit
of maturity, of moderation, and of calmness which
distinguishes the Belgian Chambers continue to
prevail at your deliberations ; may the same pa-
triotism inspire you, and, thanks to the active
and benevolent support which I claim from your
confidence, my Government will know how to con-
solidate and perfect the national work, undertaken
in common, and placed under our common guardian-
ship."