Leopold II., King of the Belgians, took the oath to
the Con- stitution on the 17th inst., and then read an able speech to the Chambers. He intended to follow the precepts of the dead, and if "he could not promise Belgium a great reign, or a great King, he could at least promise a King Belgian in heart and mind, . whose whole life belonged to it." He was the first King of the Belgians to whom Belgium had given birth, " he loved those grand institutions which give birth to order and liberty ;" and " his con- stitutional mission placed him beyond the conflict of opinions, leaving it to the country itself to decide between them." The speech, which ended with a strong aspiration for the prosperity of Belgium, was exceedingly well delivered, and received with de- cided favour, the manner of the King was excellent, and observers are beginning to doubt the popular impression of his capacity, to question whether he is not a slow and reserved man rather than a stupid one. Kings' brains are always praised, but he has reap- pointed all his father's ministers, seems honestly disposed to reign
constitutionally, and is obviously regarded with growing suspicion by the Ultramontanes.
