Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-03-05
ADDRESS OF THE FRENCH EMPEROR TO THE
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF FRANCE


The opening of the Legislative Assembly of
Fnnce took place on the 14th ultimo The mem
bes of the Senate and Legislative corps and other
offlals, proceeded to the Tuileries, where the En-
penr, accompanied by the Empress, addressed them
in he following speech:
SENATORS AND DEPUTIES: A year since called Won
together in this place to naugurate the constitution pro-
in virtue of the powers which the people had
confrred Since that period calm has not been
disturbed. The Inv, in resumng its empire has allowed
the eturn to their homes of the majority of the men who
wen made the subject of necessary rgors The riches
have Increased to such point that the part of
the fortune mobere the value of which can be estmat
ed, mas alone increased by about two milliards
The activity of labor develops itself in every branch
Of Industry The progress is being realized in At
rca where our army has just distinguished itself by he
roicsuccesses The form of the government has been
changed without any shock by the free suffrage of the
people. Great works have been undertaken without the
crealon Of any new tax, and without loan. Peace has
been maintained without weakness All the Powers have
recognised the Governments France has now insti-
tutons which may defend themselves and the stability
Of which do not depend upon the life Of a man.
THESE results have not cost great efforts because they
were IN the minds and for the interests Of all To those
whoTould doubt their importance will reply that scarce
~ fourteen months ago France delivered up to the
hazards Of anarchy. To those who may regret that
wider field has been given to liberty will reply
that liberty has aided in founding durable poiiti
cal Shce It crowns when it has been consolidated by
time Let US, besides, not forget that the immense ma
or OF the country has confidence in the and
fau in the future there still remain ncorrgble individ
uas who orgefu Of their experience of their past
eros and Of their dsappontmcnts obstinatey persist
N paying no attention to the national will deny the re-
alt Of facts, and in the midst Of which everyday
low rs more and more call for tempests in which they
would be the first to be swallowed up.
These occult proceedings of the different parties
no purpose but to show their weakness and the Govern
meI instead Of being disturbed them only think of
governing France and tranqullizng Europe. For this
double obecit has the firm determination TO diminish
tn expenses and the armament and to devote useful
purposes all the of the country keep up with
g faith international relations in order prove to the
mot ncredulous that when France expresses her formal
intention to remain peace il may be believed fer she
Is trong enough not to deceive any one.
You will see, gentlemen, by the budget which will be
pr }ented to you that financial position has never
be better for the last twenty years. and that the public
has increased beyond all provisions Neverthe
le the effective of the army already reduced by thirty
th sand men in the Of the last year is about
be Immediately reduced by twenty thousand more.
The majority Of the laws which will be presented to
yoI will 60 beyond necessary exigencie and that is
Ill most favorable indication of situation. People
happy when Governments do not find it necessary to
Re ort to extraordinary measures.
Let therefore thank Providence for the visible pro-
tion which it has accorded to efforts let per-
in this Of frmness and moderation, which
without irritating, which leads good without
)lence, and prevents all reaction. Let always
reckon God and ourselves the mutual support
which TO ourselves and let be proud to in
short time this great country pacfed prosperous at
home and honored abroad"