, 1866-02-20
From tie Weekly Dispatch, January %
OPENING OF THE FRENCH LEGIS-
LATURE.
SPEECH OF THE EMPEROR.

The Session of the French Legislature was
opened on Monday, at / o'clock, by the Empe-
ror, who delivered the following Speech =
Messieurs les S6nateurs, Messieurs les D6pu-
t6s,-The opening of the Legislative Session
enables me periodically to lay before you the
situation Of the Empire, and to express to you
my views. As in previous years, | will eXa-
mine with you the principal questions which
interest our country. Abroad, peace seems
everywhere assured, for everywhere there is a
desire to seek the means Of solving difficulties
HmicabIy, instead of cutting them by the sword.
The reunion Of the English and French fleets
in the same ports has shown that the relations
formed en- fields of battle have not been weak
'ened-that time has only cemented the good
understanding Of the two countries. With re-
gard to Germany, my intention is to continue
to observe q policy of neutrality which, without
preventing us occasionally feeling regret or
pleasure, nevertheless leaves Us strangers to
questions in which our interests are not directly
engaged.
Italy, recognised by nearly all the European
Powers, has asserted her unity by inaugurating
her capital in the centre of the peninsula. We
have reason to rely upon the scrupulouS exc
cution CT the treaty of the 18th of September,
and upon the indispensable maintenance Of the
power of the Holy Father.
The bonds which attach us to Spain and to
Portugal have been further strengthened by
my late interviews with tie Soyerei9ns OF those
Two kingdoms.
You have shared with me the general irdig-
nation which was produced by the assassination
of President Lincoln and, recently, the death
of the King Of the Belgians has caused univer-
sal regrets.
In Mexico, the Government founded BY the g..
will Of the people is becoming consolidated.
The malc0ntents, vanquiShed and dispersed,
have no longer any chief. The national troops
have shown valour, and the country has found
guarantees of order and security, which have
developed its resources and raised its N
with France alone from 81 millions to II mil
lions. Thus, as | expressed last year the hope,
our expedition approaches to its termination. |
am arranging with the Emperor Macmillan to
fix the time for the recall Of our troops, in order
that their return may be effected without com
promising the French interests which we went
to defend in that distant country.
The Northern States of America, having
emerged victorious from a terrible conflict, have
re-established the ancient Union, and have So
lemnly proclaimed the abolition of slavery.
France, which forgets no noble page of her
history, sincerely prays for the prosperity of
the great American Republic, and for the main
lCuduSO VI AAAOhNiy A"US "hASh VII va
have reached their centenary. The uneasiness
produced in the United States by the presence
of our army on Mexican soil will be appeased
by the frankness of our declarations. The
American people will comprehend that our ex-
petition, in which we invited them to take a
part was not opposed to their interests. Two
nations equally jealous Of their independence
ought to avoid any step which would implicate
their dignity and their honour.
AT home the tranquility which has prevailed
has enabled me to visit Algeria, where my pre-
sence, 1 hope, will not have been unavailing to
secure interests and to produce harmony
among the races. My absence from France
has, moreover, proved that l could be replaced
by a flynn heart and an elevated mind. It is
in thu lbidst of populations satisfied and confd-
ing that our Institutions are working. The
municipal elections have taken place with the
utmost order and the most entire liberty. The
Marie being in the commune the representative
of the central power, the Constitution has con-
ferred upon me the right of selecting those off
GERS from ali the citizens but the election of
intelligent and devoted men has enabled me in