The Sun.
London, England, 1857-11-24 00:00:00

BADEN.

The legislative session of the Grand Duchy of
Baden has just been opened at Carlsrube by the
Grand Duke in person. The Grand Duchesses
Louise and Stephanie, and the Margrave William,
were present. The Grand Duke, on entering the
hall, was received by a triple round of applause.
His Royal Highness addressed the assembly as
follows :

" Noble lords and dear friends,—ln opening this
session I cordially bid welcome to my faithful States,
and I feel confident that the same spirit of legality and
patriotism will inspire this assembly as the preceding
one. At all times in otir country, the prince and the
people have shared with close reciprocity both its
welfare and adversity. Since our last meeting, that
bond of nnion has been drawn closer by the blessings
which Heaven has kindly lavishel on the country,
my family, and myself. Allow me, when thus sur-
rounded by you, to first thank the Almighty who
has deigned to bless my union with my beloved
wife, and to double my happiness by granting me
a son and heir to the throne. May all the faithful
wishes which the people of the country have addressed
to that child be accomplished. I pray God to enlighten
me that I may be able to make my Fon a wise and just
prince. The alliance of my well-beloved sister with an
illustrious prince of the. Imperial house of Russia has
filled me with the most heartfelt joy. May they enjoy
the plenitude of domestic happiness 1 Making use of my
right, and wishing to fulfil my duties towards the
country and my family, I have taken the title of Grand
Duke, and I have received on this occasion, with fresh
gratitude, the warm congratulations of my people.
The maintenance of peace and of legal order and the late
abundant harvests have so improved the prosperity of the
country and the finances of the State, that the latter
afford the means of placing the salaries of functionaries,
fixed in other times and under different conditions, in
harmony with the increased price of articles of consump-
tion ; and also of effecting savings which will be devoted
to institutions useful for the promotion of science and
the arts, commerce, manufactures, and agriculture. I
feel particular satisfaction in stating that the increase
in the public charges which was voted last session
is no longer necessary. I carefully cultivate
and multiply the relations which unite me to
my German eontedfrates. It is with that idea
that I entered into the convention concluded be-
tween the States of the German Customs Union and
the empire of Austria for the improvement of the Ger-
man monetary regime. A communication will be made
to you on Vie subject. The state of the nesotiations
which are being carried on with the Holy See allows
me to hope for a result which will be in conformity with
the interests of the State and of the Church. I have
devoted my particular solicitude to favour the estab-
lishment of useful and desirable means of communica-
tion. Important propositions will be submitted to you
relative to the completion of our network of rail-
ways. I hope that in your deliberations you will
qually con 'ider the necessity for those communications,
and the resources which will be indispensable for their
execution. The customary reports on the public adminis-
tration, both in the past and for the future, will be sub-
mitted to your examination. Now noble lords and dear
' friends, commence your labours, and complete them
for the welfare of the country."
Baron de Stengel, President of the Ministry of
the Interior, then declared the session to be opened.
In the evening there was a grand reception and
gala dinner at court, to which all the members of
the Diet were invited.