The Sun.
London, England, 1850-01-04 00:00:00

BELGIUM

On the Ist day of the year the Belgium Chamber
of Representatives presented an address to the KING
It was observed in the address in question, that on
commencing the year which will close the first half
of the nineteenth century, the Belgian ration
could discover, with sentiments of pride, that its
existence as a free and independent one occupied—
so far as duration was concerned--a more important
place in that period than even its annexation
to France or to Holland. Recent political
events had left Belgium—thanks to the cha-
racter of its institutions—in the most advantageous
position. Although not powerful enough to take
part in great international discussions, that country
possessed, beyond its frontiers, an influence second
to none, by showing other nations the objects which
should be held in view, as well as the means for
attaining them. Even in highly cultivated countries,
such as Germany, the Belgian fundamental constitu-
tion had been very often referred to, appreciated, and
turned to account. Belgium, obeying the true laws
of humanity, and understanding the future, had not
ceased to tread judiciously the path of progress by
extending, for example, the elective franchise as far
as possible, abolishing the stamp duty on newspa-
pers, releasing certain categories of persons from the
payment of taxes, increasing the moral strength of
the Legislature, establishing funds for the aid of the
working classes, and for providing them with
retiring pensions in their old age, and by
adopting a great number of administrative
measures which manifest, in other respects, a lively
sympathy for the working classes. In conclusion,
the address expressed ardent wishes for the welfare of
their Majesties and the royal family, thanking the
KING for imbuing the princes with constitutional
principles and true patriotism, and the QUEEN for
showing them the example of all virtues, above all,
of a truly Christian charity.

To this address his MAJESTY made the following
reply,
Gentlemen,—l am happy to find myself sur-
rounded anew, on this solemn occasion, by so nu-
merous a deputation from the Chamber—a Chamber
which has eminently distinguished itself by its wis-
dom, its high intelligence, and a true understanding
of the interests of the country. Belgian nationality
encompassed by so many perils, and having to pass
through so many difficulties and threatening casual-
ties, has been enabled to attain to consolidation, thanks
to the exemplary spirit of its population.
We have a great and noble future before us. In
order that our nationality may be strong and durable,
two things are required—it must appeal to the heart
and to the mind, and must be based on feeling and
on reason. The harmony and wisdom of the
Chambers may do much to preserve those valu-
able elements. In this country a good understand-
ing exists between the rich and elevated classes of
society and the working classes. The latter only
ask for work. Everything must be done, there-
fore, to allow of the produce of their labour being
advantageously disposed of. The attainment of
that object is the greatest service that could be rep-
' dered to the well-conducted working classes, so calm
and so devoted to order. I recommend this idea in
an especial manner to the Chamber, an idea the more
worthy of being considered, inasmuch as great good
may be the result of it. :It is thus we may hope to see
our excellent population resist the temptations to
which their minds and their passions may be sub
jQcted. We shall thereby become enabled to dispense
with the system of succour by mums of subsidies—a
system which destroys productive work, discourages
personal initiation, and, in the long run, exercises a
lamentable effect on all the population.
It is in such measures, combined with a wise and
prudent maintenance of our institutions, that we shall
find the strongest guarantees for the honourable
preservation of peace and public tranquillity. The
more excellent a position the greater the necessity to
exercise prudence and caution in touching any part
which may compromise its elements or endanger its
security. The session just opened may give by your
efforts, Gentlemen, very favourable results in that
respect.
I thank the President of the Chamber for what he
has been pleased to say to the Queen and the
Princes. The Princes, Gentlemen, are, indeed, pa-
triotic ; and I trust they will every day render them-
selves more worthy to fill with honour and with de-
votedness the important duties to which the future
may call them.
I beg of M. le President and Messieurs the Repre-
sentatives to receive again my sincere thanks for the
proofs of affection they. have given me, and for the
wishes which they have expressed for all my family.