The Emperor of the French opened his Parliament on Monday,
the 18th inst., in a lengthy speech, on the drift of which we have commented elsewhere. His Majesty admits that "vague inquie- tudes " have restricted the movements of industry, and are due to a belief that France would resist the unity of Germany. "So long as her interest and her dignity are not affected," however"- " France will not interfere in the transformations effectecl. by the will of the populations." After a few words of dovinright :bun- kum about the Exhibition, which "has majestically risen," and "shone with momentary brilliance," and "cast behind it a past of prejudice and error," and so on, the Emperor proceeds to say that "it is indispensable to perfect our military organization, as well as our navy and our weapons ;" but that the Army Bill of last session shall be "mitigated," so as to reduce the effective in peace and strengthen it in war. As to Italy "revolutionary agita- tions " threatening the Pope, and the Convention not having been executed, the Emperor has been compelled to send troops ; but "Italy, for a moment surprised, now understands," and a Con- ference has been called. In the East, all Powers are agreed on "maintaining the integrity of the Ottoman Empire, and im- proving the condition of the Christians ;" and at home, though there is distress, and the revenue does not balance the expenditure, still "free trade alone can secure supplies at lower prima," and the "provisions of the laws of finance will not be modified." His Majesty has not altered his opinion about the reforms proposed in January, but will develop liberal institutions without weakening authority, and will "uphold strongly and firmly the power con- ferred on him." The speech is summed up in Paris as "peace and repression."
