The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-08-25
BELGIUM.
King LeopaId's Speech to his Parlia M ment-The
European Crisis and the National Duty.

King Leopeld's Speech TO his Parliament
European Crisis and the National Duty.
The following is the complete text of the
speech of King Leopold II ON the opening of the
Belgian Parliament, at Brussels, on Monday,
August o.
hearts patriotic feelings, was anxious TO the
national representatives united around me. in
dulge IN the hope that the scouIge OF war will not
stain soil with blood, and that Belgium inofen-
five and wellinclined towards ALL will not witness
dne infringement ne OF neutrality imposed on her and
rope. The Emperor OF the French has written TO
me TO state that his formal intenton-in conformity
with MS international obligationss to respect the
neutrality Of Belgium. His Imperial Majesty at the
same time expresses his desire to be confirmed in
the opinion he entertains that my kingdom will
cause its neutrality TO be respected by ali means in
its power. was happy to be able to declare in my
answer that his Majesty was not mistaken as to our
'The King of Prussias Government has also has
tened to give me written assurance that Belgian
neutrality shall be respected by 1t long as the
other begerent parties shall not have violated the
existing treaties rnr
ceived from foreign powers am happy TO cite, with
q gratitude in which the whole coultry will share,
the socitude OF the Queen OF Great Britaln's Cow
enment for the interests OF Belgian nationality and
the generous supports which those sentiments have
found IN the Parliament and public opinion of Eng
land.
"Belgium, on her side, in the position in which In
ternational law has placed her, will not forget what
she owes TO other States nor her duties towards her.
self. She will know how during the war; TO main
tain in her conscientious neutrality the honest and
sincere character which she has always endeavored
to give TO her relations in times OF peace. In
conformity with the desire OF the belligerents
themselves, she will hold herself ready to defend
herself with all the ardor OF her patriotism and all
the resources that nation derives from the ener-
ges OF its will. My Government has already taken
on its own responsibility the measures which
circumstances demand, and TO which the two ch am-
bers will not refuse their appreciation. In the midst
OF the aDXieties which 20 naturally occupy your
minds the Government will only submit TO you
during your extraordinary session some bills OF an
urgent character, the adoption OF which cannot be
already gone through more thsn one perilous trial
None has been OF the gravity OF that through which
she is now passing. BY her prudence upright senti-
meDts, and hl m patriotism she will be able to show
that she is worthy OF herself, OF the esteem which
the other nations accord TO her, and OF the prOs-
peity which her free Institutions have procured Tor
her. efI fII ~ q.
''Ihe Belgian nation has profound consciousness
ofits right; 1t knows the value OF the wealth which
during The last forty years IL has so successfully ac-
qured and so honorably employed 1t is not ready
To forget that what II has now to preserve is the
welfare, liberty honor, and even the existence OF
the country. In presence OF so sacred cause let
all Belgian hearts be united. In the accomplish
ment OF such duties people aud King will never have
but one soul and one cry
"Vige Ia Bel9ique undergraduate!
"GOd watches over her and protects her rights"
All the phrases of the royal speech were
warmly applauded, and the enthusiasm rose TO
its height at the passage relative to England.
Prolonged cries OF I" Woe PARgeteITel" then re-
sounded on all sides The King and Queen
were most warmly greeted both on their arrival
and departure.