The Sun.
London, England, 1861-09-18 00:00:00

HOLLAND.

THE KING'S SPEECH ON THE OPENING
OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

The legislative session of Holland was opened on
Monday, at the Hague, by the King in pergon ; on
which occasion his Majesty delivered the following
speech :
"Noble and Powerful Lords,—Thanks to Provi-
dence, I have the happiness of being able again
this year, on the occasion of the opening of the le-
gislative session, to make favourable communica-
tions relative to the affairs of the country. If,
unhappily, some provinces of the kingdom have
suffered from inundations inconsequence of the disas-
trous ice-drifts of our rivers, and if the distress
resulting therefrom has been extreme, the philan-
thropic spirit which characterises the people of the
Netherlands, and the lively sympathies which have
been manifested throughout Europe as well as in
other parts of the world, have mitigated many of
those evils, and contributed powerfully to assist us
in our efforts to repair such great calamities. I
attach the highest value to those eminent testi-
monies of humanity, and I consider it as an imperi-
ous duty to acknowledge the fact here publicly.
" It is to me an agreeable duty to announce to
you that the relations of the Low Countries with
the other Powers continue to exist on the most
satisfactory footing. There has been concluded
with Belgium a convention which will regulate in
an equitable manner the question of the derivation
of the waters of the Meuse. In oar country, too,
efforts are being made to favour international rela-
tions by the abolition of troublesome formalities.
" I congratulate myself upon the fact that our
forces continue to be distinguished by an excellent
spirit, and that they display a laudable zeal to
respond worthily to their important mission. We
watch with solicitude the employment of the means
you have granted for the augmentation of the
defences of the conntry. Since the law regarding
the national militia has been promulgated, we have
been busily engaged with the framing of a law for
the communal guards.

" The position of our possessions beyond the sea
is generally favourable. Some of those countries
have been also tried and visited with great calami-
ties. We have had to deplore the loss of many of
our people. Here again we have had reason to be
convinced how closely united the Netherlands and
their possessions are by the ties of mutual sym-
pathies. It is to be regretted that the risings in
the southern and eastern parts of Borneo have not
as yet been suppressed, and that they continue to
demand the employment of our armed forces. But
when I consider the many new proofs of valour and
fidelity which both our military and naval forces
have given us, I am justified in regarding the future
with confidence.

" In regard to the West Indies, the abolition of
slavery is still a question of the highest importance.
A bill on this subject will be immediately submitted
to your deliberations. There will be also presented
to you other bills concerning the colonies.
" As to the affairs of the interior, they exhibit in
many respects the most satisfactory aspect.
" Although the situation of the timber trade may
not be yet much ameliorated, the number of ships
at sea has not diminished. The navigation is main-
tained at the same height.
" Whilst the complications of the United States
of America exercise an unfavourable influence on
commercial affairs generally, the importations, ex-
portations, and transit trade have been, notwith-
standing, constantly augmenting.

" The bills upon the medical service are ready,
and will be soon submitted to you.
" With the exception of one alimentary sub-
stance of primary necessity for the people, the har-
vest presents very good results.

"The important question of the redemption of
the tithes has occasioned much consideration, which
has led to the elaboration of a bill, which will be
presented to you immediately.
" The arts and sciences continue to flourish. The
exposition of national industry which has just
taken place in the province of Northern Holland
has given evident proofs of the progress of industry.
" The action of the law on primary instruction
gives favourable results.
" There is in preparation at this moment a bill
intended to regulate the middle-class education.

"It is with pleasure I communicate to you the
fact that the numerous preparatory operations for
the establishment of a network of railways are so
advanced that their execution will be no longer
deferred. The direction of the major part of the
line's is already decreed. The execution of certain
works of art will soon be proceeded with. Every-
thing induces us to anticipate. un:ess unexpected
obstacles should arise, that a considerable portion
of those works will be finished in the course of the
next year.
" You may readily suppose ;hat the last injuries
•

to the dikes must necessitate extraordinary expen-
diture. Propositions will be made to you on the
subject of the cost of reparation, as well as in re-
ference to the subsidies to be granted to the inte-
rested districts.

" I look with solicitude to the creation of the
provision of the fundamental law relative to the
relations of Church and State. You will have pre-
sented to you a bill upon the suppression of the
right of collation of the State in the Reformed
Church, and also a bill regarding the pensions of
ministers of worship.

" Measures are in preparation for the carrying
out of the new judiciary organisation. The last
hand is being put to the new code of criminal in-
struction, and to the project of the judiciary divi-
sion of the kingdom. Nevertheless, the date for
coming into operation of the new judiciary organi-
sation, which was only voted in the month of May
last by the Legislature, must be fixed further off.

" The situation of the finances of the State con-
tin nes to be favourable. Whilst circumstances have
necessitated loans, we have been able to continue
the redemption of the debt.
" The produce of the ways and means has been
satisfactory.

" There will be presented to you immediately a
bill upon the administration of the domains of the
Crown.

" You will have also to deliberate upon a new bill
relative to the revision of the tariff of the duties on
imports and exports. You will have to consider
numerous and important projects. You have thus
once more to fulfil an important duty.
" May you all be animated by one and. the same
exclusive thought to favour the real interests of our
dear country.

" May your deliberations be carried on under the
blessing of the Almighty.
" I declare open the ordinary session of the States
General."