Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-09-16
SPEECH OF THE QUEEN OF SPAIN
OPENING OF THE CORTEZ.


The Queen Regent opened the Cortez IN per,
son on the 9th of July, the day winch sue "au
designated for that purpose. Great re)oio'nss
took place in consequence, both III lhe capita
and throughout the kingdom. we give Tic SUI
stance of this important document from the
Journal of Commerce. 1t may be looked upon
as the most momentous epoch that has ever &C..
Cured in Spanish history; as that country may
now take rank as limited monarchy, sustain
ed by the representative voice OF the peopie ou-
w EXPRESSED in the two chambers OF Proceres
(Dignitaries of the Realm) and Procuradoes Tor
Deputies) France, and England, and Portugal
will use their united exertions 10 uphold the new
order Things Our own commercial relations
will be largely benefited, and Spontaneous
nate but noble Observation-Disclosures from Inc
chains of the lnqusition, will now take rank
among the nations of the eartb.-M Y. Star.
She commences by saying she wishes to es-
tablish the rights fiber ustrious daughter with
those of the nation, Shy giving 10 DOM as
common basis the ancient lnsututloils Vi THESE
realms" She deplores the lamentaole dlstur-
Dances which had recently existed IN the capl-
tai; but subject of deeper regret, she auds, Is
who even during the life ofthe king his brother,
heoan TO give tokens Of his ambitious designs;
and who since the death OF my august husband,
has ATTEMPTED by means OF civil war, to snatch
the sceptre from its Legitimate helr. one theh
calls mon the Cortez, and tells them that upon
their decisions depend the tranquihty ana iu-
ture destiny of the realm. She aiiuoes 10 tne
avnulsion of Carlos from Portugal and to the
nuadrupartite treaty with FRANCE, England,
and Portugal, of whose friendly co-opeTatoh
she expresses herselfin grateful terms. ohe mas
| !. recogniZed" she says "some new states, potn
because believed it Conlormabe 10 the rules OF
a sound policy, and also to prevent interruption
and injury to the commerce OF the natives oi
these realms.n Her majesty in expressing her
regret that some governments have not ac-
knowledged her daughters pretenslons, admits
that they have not i'm any manner nteriered with
the domestic affairs of the kingdom. She then
adds that " the conservative principles OF leg-
timacy" must, in the end, trumph; meaning
thereby, we trust the voice of the people-a
very different acceptation, however, rom mat
in which il is used by the Holy Alliance.
She SAYS the situation oftbe kingdom, though
it has undergone many practical reforms, sup
messed the insurrectiOnary disturbances that
| had existed in several of the provinces, Is, ow-
inc to the exhausted finances of the country, IN
not so hourshing a condition as their PATRIOTISM
might desire She relies however, on the en-
| tntlSlaStic leGIlng Ol Tue 'hC Souio7S
and fidelity Of the troops. She leaves to the
| Cortez the important task Of giving extensive
publicity to the fiscal condition of the country,
| of estimating the necessary expenditures, ana
| imposing such taxes as may be deemed requl
| site. Among the reforms that have been carrl-
ed into effect are the separation Of the admins
tra,ive and judicial departments, the suppress
| sion of the old councils, the new audiences Gre
| ated for the benefit ofcertan provinces, the eX-
tnction of many onerous burdens from the
! people Nevertheless" he remarks, your
intelligence and wisdom will readily perceive
that it is impossible TO remedy in few days the
evils which have been accommodating for ages"
"Tbe Estatuto Real" she continues, " has laid
the foundation-to you it belongs illustrions
! PEERS and deputies Of the realm, to see that the
work goes on with that regularity and concert
which are pledges OF stability and hrmness. -
| The queen very modestly says she had only
held the rens ofsupl enc power All interim, du-
ring which she had sufficiently made manifest
| to them that her wish was to bury in forget
fnness the yestges OF past evils, to engrait upon
| the present state of things such reforms as are
practicable, and to prepare the way Tor other
! Improvements in time to come"
| She thus concludes" Whatever obstacles
may encounter in this difficult undertaking,
hope, with the favor of heaven, to overcome
| them, sustained by your efforts and relying up
on the support Of the nation. To regard its fe-
Lefty and glory as my own, have only to re.
| the granddaughter OF Charles ILL.,"