, 1870-12-25
TIE THRONE OF SPAIN.
tsctn:ask~ Of tho Duke Of Aosfa 10 the
spanish Delegation.

The Dukc OF Aosta, replying to the remarks
OF the Ieputation Whcte memters asked tho
Duke. in tho name Of tho Spanish people, to
acctpt the crown, spoke thus: The eloquent
sreeeh " your houorab1e President has iu-
creased tie natura, and profound emotion
Nhich tie vote Of tic Constituent Assembly
OF Srain had slrcady produced 10 me. With !
grateful rnlrd will bet forth briefly tbs res
een Tor which have decided to accapt, as +
now aec.pt be:oro you, with the he.p of tioj.
and With tha consent OF the King, ny father,
ehe ancient aud slo,ious c.own which yon have
cone to c1er mo. God haI already accosded
to me an enviabls lot. Sprung ftum al
illustrious iynaety, sAarine in the g!ories
Of my ancitut houae, without L.vinE the
responsibilities Ct government. SAW opened
up before me an easy aud happy career. in
which. as there have not been wanting ia tha
pact, 60 neither would there be wanting in the
future, opportunities useful1y to serve my
cLuLtIy. lou hare coine. honorable gentle
meu. to opon up 10 mo Tar wider horizon.
Iou arc atling me to fulht obligations fot-.
ever in o,:x o.n- Faithful to the
traditions ct my xncestcrs, VINO mover
=hrank back when dnty called then on. ror
retoilel bcfore dsrger. l Ancspt the noble aud
lofty mitsion Kb.ch Spain hse welsd to con-
tfe to me, Though sm not ignorant Of the
difficulties Of my new task, and OF the respot-
s.b,ily which l Assume in the face OF history.
Hrs pat ms trust il God, who knows ,hs
usIiehiue.s Ct uy Infections, End trust ID
TIE Spanish people, % justly proud of
its inds pendence, Of its great religious
aud political traditions, aa1 whi.h haa
furnished prcoss, With the respect Ut ofdt-,
Of the passiou..e AID upcouluerahle devu-
tion OF liberty. Honorable gentlemen, am
ftlll lco yonug, the facts Of my life arc too
}i,tlo known for mo 10 as.ribe TO my ON Z
merits the choice wltich the noble Spanish
nation has thought lit 70 make OF my per-
L., rxnH ,1J kxS- t,-t
Providence had been pleased to grant to Gy
youtl the most fruitful and useful OF all
teacAiDEs; the spectacle Of people regkiL-
ire Its n1ity and independence By the close
uIion With its King, and the faithful obsetv-
ance OF free institutions. 1t h1s been your
wish that your Own country on Which nature
has !ayished All her icons, AID hiatosy all her
e!orifa, should likewise rejoice in this happy
agreement, which has produced, and nope AZ
ways will produce. the prosperity Of Italy. It
is TO the E;o:y Of Dy father-to tbs h,ppy for.
tures Of my oTn couots!-that An indebted
| Of The same, can do nothing better than loe-
! ally follow the o1amEta Of the constitutions!
| traditions With which I have been brought
up. 4 soldier il the army, shall be.
gentlemen, tie frat citizen in presaIca
of the national representatives. Tue
names-ttose Of doughty knighss, of great
and renowned Captains and ns1satora,
| Of fsuous lrgs. know not il it will bc my
! fortune 10 shed my bl3ed for my new coun-
| try, or II it ehsil Re granted to be to add vet
| a1otber page 10 the many pagos
| Sppin- Eut in e1ery event l Au
WY SURE, because that will depend
| on nyeetf a1ore. knd not On fortxnA
that the spsztard. etll al~Aya be ab!s
! to sag Of the King whom thoy hsvs
CHOSEN. ttat bis good faith was aole 70 rist
7 u.-x kHx% kn bad
other wish in his he1rt than fer the concort
and the prosperity Of tho nation" wheu I'll;
| Duke Of Aoeta had finished his speech. ths
| Deputies Of the Cortes greeted hin with t5t
! e1r, O. Long live the King Of spaiu!~ Thu;
vss followed by the formal signature OF th,
I Nolaria1 Act, drawn up by vixcooti veuost ,
the Mln,s:er OF Foreign Affairs. Of shs act .
| offer and acceptance.