The New York herald., 1869-02-01
FRANCE.
Opening OF the French Leaisiafure-Speech Of
rhe Emperor Napoleon.


Opening OF the French Legisiafure-speech Of
rhc Emperor Napoleon.
The following is the text OF the speech from the
throne delivered January Is by the Emperor Napo-
Icon at the opening OF the French Chambers:-
MEssRs. LES SEsATEURs, MEssas. LES DEPUTIES
The speech which address TO yon every year at the
opening OF tue session is the expression OF
the thoughts which guide my conduct. To explain
frankly TO the nation before the great bodies OF the
State the progress OF the government is the duty OF
the responsible chief OF free country. The task
which We have undertaken together rs arduous. II
is not, indeed, without dlficulty tiat on q soil
shaken by 30 many revolutions, a government ID
founded sufficiently impressed with the wants Of the
age % adopt all the benefits OF liberty and sufficiently
strong to bear even its excesses. The two winch
YOU passed curing the Last session, and the object OF
which the development or the principle Of free
discussion have produced two opposite effects,
which 1t may be useful 10 point out ON the one
hand, the press and nuOl,c meetings have created
an certain quarter iactious agitation, and have
caused the temperance OF ideas and passions
which were believed 20 be extingulshed: but on
the other hand, the nation remaining insensible to
the most violent inclteinenf, and relying upon my
hrmncss for the maintenance OF order mas not felt
its faith In the future shaken.
Remarkable coincidence The more adven-
turous and subversye minds sought TO disturb
public tranquility, so much the more profound
became the peace OF the country; commercial trans
actions reassumed a fruitful activity. the public
revenues increased considerably, the public interests
reasgurcd. and The greater part OF the recent
The Army law and the subsidies granted by your
patriotism have contributed 70 strengthen the con-
0enCe OF the country. and In the lust consciousness
OF its pride II experienced real satisfaction the
moment IL learnt that it was In q position TO con.
'front.' every eyentuality. The land and sea forces,
strongly constituted, are upon peace footing. The
effective strength OF the active army does not ex-
cecd that which existed under former SYSTEMS, bat
our armament rendered perfect, our arscnals aud
our magazines filled, reserves well trained, the
National darde Mobile Ia course OF organization our
Meet reconstructed, and our stronghods in good con-
dition, give 70 our power development which was
Indispensable.
rho constant object OF ny efforts Is attained. and
AF
q level with its destiny in the world. In this 90.
eiuon we can loudly proclaim our desire to maintain
peace. There s no weakness IN our saying 70 when
we are ready to defend the honor and Independence
OF our country.
Our relations with foreign Powers are most
friendly. The revolution which has broken out
beyond the Pyrenees has not altered our good
relations with spain. aud the conference, to
stife threatening coniict In the East. IL
great act or which should appreciate the
importance. This Conference approaches ils ter.
mination and all the plcnipotentisnes have agreed
upon the principles calculated 10 bring nbopt
n reconciliation between Greece and Turkey. IT.
therefore, as firmly hope, nothing shall arise TO
disturb general harmony, II viii be our fortune 10
realise many projected Improvements, and we shall
endeavor to solve all the practical questions raised
by the agricultural investigations.
Public works have been sufficiently endowed; !;
paroehia roads are being constructed Education
o. AZ classes e De ~ %
we shall be able to devote all our s0licifudc
70 the dimnuton OF public burdens. The moment
~ drawing nigh when, for tho third time since
the establishment OF the empire, the legislative body
Will be Constituted afresh by . general election,
and each time ~ win have attained the limit OF is
legal durnton-a thing hitherto unknown. This re-
Eniafty is due 70 the harmony which has always ex.
asiea between us, and 70 the confidence which feel
an tne sincere exercise OF universal sufTage The
popular masses are stancn in their faith as In their
anecuonsi and u noble passions are able TO rouse
them, sophsm and caumny scarce rufI1e the surface.
Sustained ~ your appreciation and your concur
renee am tnorouRhly resolved to persevere In the
course whicn nave laid down-that IA to say TO
ADOPT all real progress, but also 70 maintain with
out discussion the essential bases 81 the
which the national vote hss placed under shelter
from all attacks. "A good tree In Known by the
fruits II bears,n says the Gospel.
Well, N we cast glance ~ the past which IA fbs
that has given TO France seventeen Years
ofever-increaslng quiet and prosperity Certaplr