Mullad. — The King opened the Sessions of the Chambers in Holland
with an unusually long speech. After congratulating the representatives on the state of all foreign relations, and especially on a convention with Belgium to regulate irrigation from the Meuse, and regretting calamities in the Eastern colonies, his Majesty. pro- ceeds :
"As regards the West Indies, the abolition of slavery remains a question of high importance, and a bill on the subject will very soon be submitted to you. Other bills respecting the colonies will also be presented to you. As to internal affairs, they present in many respects a not less satisfactory appearance. Although the situation of the ship-building yards has not improved, the number of vessels at sea has not de- clined, and navigation remains in the same position. The complica- tions in the United States of America exercised an unfavourable in- fluence on commercial affairs in general, but nevertheless imports, exports, and the transit trade have increased. Rills on the medical service have been prepared, and will soon be submitted to you. With the exception of a single alimentary substance of the first necessity for the people, the harvest presents favourable results. The impor- tant question of the redemption of tithes has led to the drawing up of a bill, which will be presented to you without delay. "Arts and sciences are continuing to flourish. The exhibition of national manufactures, which has just taken place in the province of North Holland, has furnished evident proofs of the progress of in- dustry. "The working of the law on primary instruction gives favourable results.
" A bill: for the regulation of intermediate instruction is in course of preparation. "I am happy to inform you that the numerous preliminary sur- veys for the establishment of a network of railways are so far ad- vanced that their execution will be no loaner delayed. The direction of the greater part of the lines is already determined. The works of art will soon be begun, and there is every reason to believe that if no unforeseen obstacles arise, a considerable part of these works will be executed in the course of next year.
"You are aware that the late bursting of the dykes must entail ex traordinary expenditure. Propositions will be laid before you, both with regard to the outlay for repairing them, and to the assistane,e to be granted to the districts interested. "I watch with solicitude over the prescriptions of the funds- mental law concerning the relations between Church and State. A Bill will be presented to you for suppressing the States right of col- lation in the Reformed Church, and also a bill relating to the pay- anent of of the ministers of religion.
"Bills are also in preparation for the carrying into execution of the new judicial organization. The new Code of Criminal Procedure and the project for the judicial division of the country are nearly com- pleted. However, the time for bringing the new judicial organiza- tion into operation, which was voted only in May last, must be fixed hereafter.
"The state of the finances continues favourable. As circumstances lave rendered loans necessary, we have not been able to continue -paying off the debt. "The produce of the ways and means has been satisfactory. "A bill will shortly be presented to you on the administration of the Crown lands.
"You will also have to deliberate on a new bill relating to a re- vision of the tariff of duties on imports and exports. You will, therefore, have to examine numerous and important bills. You thus have again a great task to fulfil. "Be all influenced by one and the same thought, to promote the true interests of your beloved country. "May your deliberations be attended with the blessing of the Almighty "1 now declare the ordinary Session of the States-General to be opened."
Previous page
