The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-17 00:00:00

THE EMPEROR'S SPEECH.

The session for 1857 was opened this day in
the Palace of the Tuileries by the Emperor. The
ceremony, which was the same, nearly in all re-
spects, as on the last occasion, took place in the
Hall of the Marshals. The throne was placed ou a
platform before the embrasure of the window look-
ing on the garden. Oa the right of the Emperor
were his uncle, Prince Jerome Napoleon, and Prince
Louis Lucien, who arrived from London yesterday
for the opening ; and on his left, Prince Napoleon
and Prince Murat. On either side, after the Princes
of the family having rank at the Court, were the
Grand Almoner, the Grand Chamberlain, the
Cardinals, the Ministers, the Marshals of
France, and Admirals. To the right of the
Throne were the members of the Diplomatic
Corps ; in front, the President, Vice-Presidents,
Grand Referendary, and Senators ; to the left,
the Presidents, &c., of the Legislative Corps and
the Deputies. To the rear of the Senate were
seated the deputations of the Court of Cassation,
and of the other law courts, the representatives
of the clergy of the various churches, the Pre-
fects of the Seine and Police, the General com-
manding the National Guard and his Staff, the
General and Officers of the Imperial Guard, those
of the Army of Paris, the First Military Divi-
sion, and a number of superior officers of the
'navy.
The" high' gallery that runs round the ball was
.reserved for the Empress and the Princesses of the.
.Imperial Family, and the Grand Master and
Mistress and Ladies of the Households of the Em-
press, and the Princess Mathilde, as also the
ladies specially invited. Her Majesty's place was
in the centre, and opposite the Emperor's Throne.
It is hardly necessary to say that all present were
in full dress ; the usual forms of precedence and
etiquette were observed on entering and on
leaving the hall. The Emperor, whose ar-
rival was announced by a salute of 101
guns, appeared at one o'clock. The whole as-
semblage rose to receive him. He at once took
his place on the throne, and the Grand Master of
the Ceremonies called out—" Gentlemen, be
seated."

The. Emperor then stood up, and read in an
audible voice the following speech :

" Messieurs ,les Senateurs, Messieurs lea

Deputes,

" Last year my opening speech terminated by
calling on Providence to vouchsafe to us his Divine
protection. I asked Him to guide our efforts in
the path most conformable to the interests of hu-
manity and of civilisation ; and that prayer ap-
pears to have been listened to.
" Peace was signed, and the difficulties of detail
which arose in the execution of the treaty of Paris
have been in the end happily surmounted.
" The difference between the King of Prussia and
the Helvetic Confederation has lost all its warlike
character, and we have reason to hope for a speedy
and favourable solution.
" The good understanding re-established be-
tween the three protecting powers of Greece renders
unnecessary a prolongation of the sojourn of the
English and French troops in the Piraeus.
" If a disaccord, which is to bo regretted, arose
on the subject of the affairs of Naples, it must be
imputed to the desire which equally animates the
Government of Queen Victoria and mine to act
everywhere in favour of humanity and civilisation.
"Now that abetter understanding exists between
all the great Powers, we must labour seriously to
regulate and to develope at home the strength and
riches of the nation. We must struggle against the
evils from which no society, in course of progress,
is exempt.
"Civilisation, although it has for object the moral
amelioration and material well-being of the majo-
rity, advances, it must be admitted, like an army.
Its victories are not obtained without sacrifices and
without victim ; these rapid lines of railway,
which facilitate communications, open new outlets
to commerce, displace interests, and throw into the

rear such countries as are still deprived of them ;
these useful machines, which multiply the labour of
man, first replace it, and momentarily leave many
hands unoccupied :—these mines, which dissemi-
nate over the world a quantity of specie hitherto

unknown, this increase iu the public fortune, which
increases consumption tenfold, tend to vary the
price and rase the value of all things ;—that in-
exhaustible source of riches, denominated credit,
gives birth to marvels, and nevertheless the exag-
geration of speculation leads to much individual
ruin. Hence the necessity, without arresting pro-
gress, of coming to the aid of those wh© cannot fol-
low its accelerated march.
"It is necessary to stimulate some, restrain others,
and supply food to the activity of that panting,
restless, and exacting society which, in France, ex-
pects everything from the Government, and to
which, nevertheless, it must oppose the bounds of
possibility and the calculations of reason.
" To enlighten and to direct—such is our duty.
The country, it must be admitted, is prosperous,
for, in spite of the war and the scarcity of food, the
movement of progres has not been checked. The
product of the indirect taxes, which is the certain
indication of public wealth, exceeded in 1856 by
more than 59 millions the amount, already so ex-
ceptional, of 1855. Since the re-establishment of
the Empire, these 'revenues have increased by 210
millions, exclusive of the new taxes. Nevertheless
great suffering exists among a part of the people,
and so long as Providence shall not send us an
abundant harvest, the millions given by private
charity and by the government will only be a feeble
palliative.
"Let us redouble our efforts to remedy evils
which are beyond human foresight.
" Several departments were last year visited by
the scourge of inundation. I have every reason to
hope than science will succeed in obtaining the
mastery over nature ; and I make it a point of ho-
nour that, in France, rivers, like revolution, shall
return within their bed, and never again issue forth.
"A no less serious cause of uneasinessist
super-
venes, found in the public mind. Whenever a crisis
there is no kind of false rumour or false doc-
trine that is not thrown into circulation by igno-
rance or malevolence. The manufacturing interests
of the nation were even lately disquieted, as though
the government could possibly wish for anything
but their development and prosperity.
"The duty of all good citizens is therefore to
everywhere disseminate the enlightened doctrines
of political economy, and principally to strengthen
those vacillating minds which at the first breath, I
will not say of ill fortune, but the slightest check
to prosperity, sow discouragement and increase un-
easiness by their imaginary alarms.
" In presence of the different exigencies of the
situation, I have resolved on reducing the expenses
without suspending the great works now in course
of execution,• and without compromising existing
interests, and on diminishing certain, taxes without
affecting the finances of the state.
"The budget of 1858 will be presented to you in
equilibrio ; all the expenses that could be foreseen
are therein set forth.
" The produce of the loans will suffice to defray
the expenses of the war.
" All the services of the State will be fully pro-
vided for, without its being necessary for us to
again hea vbeardegceotistr recourse to publictheDeDepartments p acrrtemdietn of War and
T h
.
sMulcthrina mehaanvnee r
asbeen reduced witbin just
to
preserve the cadres, to respect
the promotions so gloriously gained, and to limits,
ks,ee inp
up a military force worthy of the grandeur of the
country. It is with this idea that the annual con-
tingent has been ii4od at 100,000 men, bung

the ordinary levy 10
20,000 above that of
time of peace. But, i:ccording 'to the system
which I have adopteLl, and to which I at-
tach great importance, al:,out tw•o-thirds of these
conscripts will only remain two years with their
regiments, and willafterwards a a reserve, which
will furnish to the country, on the* LC.rst appearance
of danger, an army of more than 60,000 trained
men.
" The reduction in the number of tlie
troops
will permit the pay of the inferior grades be.ing
creased—tea measure which the dearness of food ren-
ders indispensable. For the same reason, the Bud-
get allots a sum of five millions to commence the
increase of the lowest salaries of a part of the per'
SODS in small Overnment civil situations, who, in
the midst of the Ovecest privations, have given 3
good example of probity sand of devotedness.
"Neither has it been fon;otten to make a grant
fur establishing Transatlantic /ockets, the creation
of which has been so long called ft,:".
" Notwithstanding this increase of* ex
shall propose to you to suppress from th,` Ist Jan',
pense',
1858, the increa.ked tax, imposed for the war, 00
the registration dues. This suppression en ‘,11.°5
sacrifice of 23 millions ; but as a set-off, anj
conformity with a wish several times expressed bY
the Legislative Body, I have caused a new tax ell
transferable securities to be taken into consider*.

tion.
" A philanthropic idea bad induced the gate.
ment to transfer the convict-establishment tf.
Guayana. Unfortunately, the yellow fever, wbicil
had not visited those countries for the last 50yen
has checked the progress of colonisation. A
for removing these establishments to Algeria °l'

elsewhere is under examination.
" Algeria, which in skilful hands beholds her
agriculture and her commerce extending every days
merits particularly to fix our attention. The decree
of decentralisation recently published will facilitate.
the efforts of the administration, and I shall sot
neglect anything to lay before you, according the
circumstances require, such measures as.may se°m
best calculated to promote the development of th°
colony.
" I request your attention to a bill tending to
fertilise the lands of Gascony. The progress 0t
agriculture should be one of the objects of our cos'
stant solicitude, for on its amelioration or &die
depends the prosperity or decadence of empires. A
" Another measure, originating with the marSl'
who fills the post of Minister of War, will also b°
presented to you, namely, a complete military Pe:
code, which collects into one single body, And Plecw't,
in harmony with our institutions, the various
tered laws, often clashing with each other, bieca
have been passed since 1790. You will be pleaS
I have no doubt, to affix your name to A work °
such importance.
" Messieurs les Deputes—As this session is °fit
last of your legislature, allow me to thank you !clic
the co-operation, so devoted and so active, whl_A
you have afforded me since 1852. You proclan
the empire—you took part in all the measures whic,
re-established order and prosperity in the countc
you supported me energetically during the warielie
shared in my grief during the cholera and
scarcity—you partook of my joy when Provides
gave me a glorious peace and a beloved son--411,
your loyal co-operation has enabled me to estabits`:
in France a regime based on the will and the is
rests of the people. To thus accustom the coin
to new institutions was a difficult task to fulfil) ass
one requiring a real patriotism. To rep /ace t.,,"
licence of the tribune, and those exciting disc'
sions which often led to the downfall or nonlinus'
tion of ministries, by a free but calm and a
te
discussion, was a signal service rendered t°
country and to liberty itself, for liberty has no 10°_";
formidable enemies than the wild movements
passion and unbridled violence of language. •
" Strong in the co-operation of the great both
of the State and in the devotedness of the army
1 strong also in the support of the people, who kn°
that all my time .is devoted to their interests)
foresee for our country a future full of hope.
" France, without, interfering with the rights °f
any one, Las resumed in the world the rank winch
belonged to her, and can give herself up with
security to everything great which can be produeA
:
by the genius of peace. May God continue to
tect her And soon it may be said of our epee"
what a statesman—an illustrious and nationsl
torian wrote of the Consulate :—' Satisfaction
was everywhere felt, and whoever had not evil pea
passions in his heart was happy in beholding the.
public welfare.'"
l
On concluding the discourse the Grand Master - e
the Ceremonies, by order of the Emperor, called 011
the Minister of state to inform the deputies Oa
senators named since the last session to come for'l
ward and take the oaths. Their names were
called ; they advanced to the throne ; the forn3ole
was read by the Minister, and each, holding forth
his right hand, said "I swear !—I swear obedience,
to the Constitution, and fidelity to the En3pere
The Minister of State then declared the session
opened for 1857, and invited the senators and
members of the Legislative Corps to assemble t°'
morrow in their respective places, in order to cora'
mence their labours. Immediately after, the
Emperor first, and then the Empress, retired With
their respective cortege in the same order as the!
had entered. The sitting then closed, the assol'
blage separated, and a second salute of 101 guns
announced to the people of Paris that the cere'
molly of opening the Chambers was over. The
weather was beautiful, and the usual crowds were
attracted to the spot to view the proceedings.

EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA.---LIVERPOOL, MondeP
—The screw steam-ship Great Britain, Captain Greg
sailed from the Mersey at half-past two p.m. for
bourne, on her third voyage, with above 500 passenger°
and a very large cargo of merchandise on freight.
OVERLAND AUSTRALIAN MAIL.—The first overland
Australian mail will be due in LondOn vice Marseilles on
the 16th of next month, and vice Southampton on the
20th. It will bring news from Sydney up to Jan. 23!.
and from Melbourne to the 25th of the same month. 1"
will also bring answers from Australia to correspondence
that was mailed in England up to 13th Oct. last.
THE FASTEST STEAMING ON RECORD.—The Royal
mail steamship Persia, Judkins commander, of the Co'
nard line, on her last voyage from New York to Liver-
pool made the greatest distance in the space of four suc-
cessive days that has yet been recorded, having during
that period steamed 1,722 miles, averaging 14 knots per
hoar. _
M.
a St r.at.Lr
ies7 had
, formerly
he honour ballet
of
masterperformingon
of the Grand
Opera e
mfir mateiroit
n at his perform'
violin at the court of Coburg Gotha a few days since.
The reign's' Grand Duke came and shook the artist by
antethe h
conferredan d and
after h i
m expressingth
THE EARL OF HAREWOOD.-7-We have great pleasure
in stating that this esteemed nobleman has so far re-
covered from his late serious accident that no further
will be issued. The following is the last an-
nouncement we have received :—"The Earl of Hareweod
e Orde admiration
o
isiccp
thererovinegh. No further bulletins will be issued, un-
less should be some material change in his lord*
ship's condition.—Harewood House, Saturday morning,
Feb. 14."
THE HITHE POACHING AFFRAY.—The two poachers,
Blow and Arnold, who were concerned in the poaching
affray which took place a short time since at Cadlands,
the seat of Mr. Drummond, the banker, have been fully
committed for trial. It will be recollected that Blow shot
a gamekeeper named Dean, and was afterwards attacked
by the keeper's dog.
They have both been committed
on the charge of shooting Dean. The latter is still in a
dangerous state, and the magistrates were obliged to go
to his bedside to take his deposition. Blow bits reco-
vered sufficiently to be removed from his bed to gaol.
His head and one of his arms bear evidence of terrible
lacerations from the fangs of the bloodhound that set
upon him,

FOOL HARDY FEAT.—An extraordinary feat of horse-
manship was perform-d in our city on Wednesday night
by Mr. Courtney, of Ballyedmond, county of Cork. In
pursuance of a wager, laid for a considerable sum with
brother member of the Kilkenny Hunt Club—Captain
Bernard, it is said—while at supper in the clubhouse,
he sent for his well-known grey horse White Lion, and,
having mounted the animal in the clubhouse ball, pro-
ceeded deliberately to rids up stairs—two flights—into
the club-room, round the supper-table, and, having
leaped a firescreen, set up for the purpose in his route,
he rode down stairs again in perfect safety, and without
White Lion once stumbling or evincing for a moment
the slightest indication of a sense that he was called on
to perform any uncommon feat. The wager was cleverly
wen, to the admiration of all the beholders. The eiffl-
culty and danger of riding down stairs in particular were
lar'ely enhanced by the circumstance of each step being
bound with thick plates of brass, ou which had the iron-
shod foot of the animal once come, it would have been,
impossible that he could have kept his legs under bin),
—Kilkenny 419derater.