The German Reichstag was opened on Monday by the Emperor
in person, amidst unusual ceremonial and display, the occasion being considered so grave that the King of Saxony and the Regent of Bavaria, who are Catholics, were permitted to take part in the Protestant service. The Emperor's speech is said to have been in great part written by himself, and he evidently agreed with it from his heart. He told his audience, after some words of regret for his father, that he was resolved to follow his grandfather's path, and held it first of his duties to assure the military and political safety of the Empire abroad, and to watch over the execution of the laws at home. The chief of these laws is the Constitution, which must be protected in all the rights it guarantees to the two legislative bodies, to the Emperor, and to the allied Sovereigns. Especially would the Emperor follow out the policy of his grandfather in extending to the poor all the protection legislation can afford, and thus "equalising unhealthy social contrasts." All must, however, be kept within the paths of legality. In foreign politics the Emperor would maintain peace, unless war was forced upon him by attack upon Germany "or its allies." He would adhere to the Austrian affiance, which was sanctioned by history, "with German fidelity," and to the alliance with Italy, and rejoiced in both because they "permit" him to cultivate his personal friendship for the Emperor of Russia, and the peaceful relations with Russia which have existed for a hundred years. He felt confident that what was won by arms, might be defended for some time by peaceful labour. There is no reference in the speech to France or England, but its general tone has been accepted as peaceful, and its clearness as to the alliances has given pleasure both in Vienna and Rome.
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