We gave in our last number an account of the

progress and reception of King LEOPOLD in Belgium. The following is a copy of the speech which he made on taking his seat on the throne, after having subscribed the oath to the constitution.

" Gentlemen,—The solemn act which has just been performed com- pletes the social edifice commenced by the patriotism of the nation and its representatives. The state is definitely constituted in the form pre- scribed by the constitution itself. This constitution emanates entirely from you ; and this circumstance, owinet' to the situation in which the country has been placed, seems to me to be fortunate. It prevents colli- sions which might arise between the different powers, and impair the har- mony that ought to prevail between them.

" The promptness with which I have repaired to Belgium must have convinced you that, faithful to my word, I have delayed coming among you only till the obstacles which opposed my accession to the throne could be removed by yourselves.

" The various considerations which have been adduced in the important discussion which produced this result will be the subject of my most se- rious attention.

" I have received from my entrance on the Belgic territor,j marks of affecting good-will, for which I still. feel equal emotion and gratitude.

" At the sight of the population ratityineb by their acclamations the act of the national representation, I could not but be convinced that I was called by the wish of the country, and I felt all the duties that such a re- ception imposes on me.

"A Belgian by your adoption, I shall also make it my duty to be so al- ways by my policy.

". I have also been received with extreme kindness in that part of the French territory through which I passed; and I have considered these testimonies of good-will, which I highly value, a happy presage of the relations of confidence and friendship which Ought to subsist between the two countries.

" The result of every political commotion is to affect for a time the welfare of the people. I am too sensible of its importance not to direct ray immediate attention and most active solicitude to revive commerce and manufactures, which are the vivifying e..principles of national pros- perity. The relations which I-have formed in the countries which are our neighbours, will second, I hope, the efforts which I shall immediately make to attain this end ; but I take pleasure in believing that the Belgian people, so remarkable both for good sense and resignation, will give cre- dit to the Government for the difficulties of a:position connected with a state of distress which at this moment affects almost all Europe. " I intend to avail-myself of every kind of information to encourage all the means of amelioration; and it is in the places • themselves that -I have already begun to do so, and that I intend to collect the information which is the best calculated to guide the course of the Government in this respect.

Gentlemen, I have accepted the Crown which you offered me only with a view to perform a task equally noble and useful—that of consoli- dating the institutions of a generous people, and to maintain its inde- pendence. My heart knows no other ambition than that of seeing you happy.

"On so affecting a solemnity I must also express to you_ one of my most ardent wishes. The nation issues from a violent crisis ; may this day efface all hatred, stifle all resentments ; may one only thought ani- mate all the Belgians,—that of a frank and sincere union.

" I shall esteem myself happy to concur in this noble result, which has been so well prepared by the wisdom of the venerable man who has de- voted himself with such noble patriotism to the salvation of his country.

" Gentlemen, I hope to be a pledge of peace and tranquillity to Belgium ; but the expectations of man are not infallible. If, notwithstanding all sacrifices to preserve peace, we should he threatened with war, I should not hesitate to appeal to the Belgian people ; and T hope that it sill, with- out exception, rally itself round its Sovereign for the defence of the country and the national independence."

The King of Holland, in a very long paper, in the form of a commentary, states his refusal of the eighteen articles. The paper calls the attention of the Allies to the 12th and 19th protocols, which have special reference to the Sovereign of Belgium; and concludes that, in consequence of the declaration of the Allies, . . . . . "which, by the King's acceptance of the basis of the separation of the 12th protocol, has become an engagement with him, his Majesty, in rase a Prince should be called to the sovereignty, of Belgium, and take.possession of it without first accepting the said arrangements, could not but consider such Prince as; by this fact alOne, placed in a state of hostility with him, and his enemy."

'With LEOPOLD, the King of Holland does not seem inclined to Observe any. terms, even of ordinary courtesy. The Journal de la Haye is full of scurrilities of the lowest kind against the new King, or M. SAXE Conouao, as it calls him ; nor is it more sparing of its invectives against the English, his presumed sup- porters. The Kin.. of Holland's conduct is popular in his domi- nions ; and it is supposed that a proposed loan of twenty-three millions of guilders will be filled up without ,difficulty.. There was a grand review at Breda on the 23rd, when the shouts 'of " Long live the King!" were loudand unanimous; and as he rode through the ranks, the Monarch was cheered with cries of "Forward! Depend on God and your people." If his people prove as trust- worthy in all their attacks as in that upon Brussels last year, WILLIAM will find. God and them, as was. said of CROMWELL'S Commonwealth, on different sides of the question.

In the mean time, the popularity of LEOPOLD continues, and even increases; and the confidence of his subjects in his prudence

and good conduct seems to gain strength with their affection for his plain and unassuming deportment. He has appointed his - Ministers, whu are not altogether popular : and envoys to the courts of Paris and Lonu:71'.;who are very much so. The King was to rough his new dominions on Thursday - on set out on a progress t... i t . where he , n sveip, w une le meant to review the.

which day he was to visit .‘,. be absent on this tour of inspect army of the Scheldt. He was k,

tion and policy until Sunday the ith. ' rst occasioned some un- The demolition of the fortresses had at .. h.7 announcement in,

the Government journal, contradicting the re easiness: which was, however, dissipated by

report t,,.at an arrange- ment had been entered into with France for the propos,'.4 demo- lition.