SPEECH of the Emperor of Brazil, on the Opening of the General Legislative Assembly.-Rio de Janeiro, May 12, 1860.

AUGUST AND MOST WORTHY SIRS,

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATION,

(Translation.)

THE hopes which are always excited in the nation whenever you reassemble, and which give it good cause for its rejoicing, in which I cordially participate, are a manifest proof of the wisdom of our political institutions, the principles whereof gain on each occasion greater influence over the mind of the public from the benefit of internal peace, for which Brazil will continue to be indebted to them.

The voyage which, as I told you in my speech when closing the last legislative session, I intended to undertake to some of the provinces north of Rio de Janeiro, has been performed, and whilst grateful for the proofs of love and fidelity everywhere given to the supreme chief of the nation, I regret that our circumstances do not allow us to avail ourselves, to the extent which my zeal for the public weal would desire, of the natural riches of that part of the Empire, whose inhabitants evince so much good will in aiding the operations of the powers of the State.

The relations of good understanding and amity between the Empire and almost all foreign Powers have not undergone any alteration, and the cordiality with which they are maintained will always be combined with our national dignity.

The approval of the Treaty for the exchange of territory, made at the same time as that of commerce and navigation of the 4th of September, 1857,* with the Oriental Republic of the Uruguay, is still pending with the legislative power of that State, notwithstanding that the ratification of the Treaty of Commerce by the Brazilian Government took place under the promise that that Treaty should be ratified by the Oriental Republic of the Uruguay.

The Treaties of Boundaries and Extradition negotiated with the Argentine Confederation on the 14th of December, 1857,† were immediately approved by the respective Congress, but have not yet been duly ratified.

I hope that these agreements will finally become a reality, as the true interests of the nations whose Governments made them admonish.

The definitive Treaty, complemental to the Peace Convention of the 27th of August, 1828, which the Plenipotentiaries of Brazil and those of the Oriental Republic of the Uruguay and of the ArgenVol. XLIX. Page 1215. + Vol. XLIX. Pages 1316, 1337. Vol. XV. Page 935.

tine Confederation, signed on the 2nd of January of last year,* and which, up to the present time, has not been submitted for the approval of the Congress of the Confederation, has just been rejected by the Senate of the Oriental Republic of the Uruguay.

The question which gave rise to the war between Buenos Ayres and the Argentine Confederation has happily got a pacific solution. The neutrality which the Brazilian Government adopted during that struggle was faithfully observed.

Moved by those benevolent sentiments which ought to unite friendly Powers, and with a view to the re-establishment of peace on the banks of the Plata, the Brazilian Government accepted the invitation of those of France and England to offer conjointly their good offices to the belligerent parties.

Our offer was duly accepted by one of them, but was not well received by the other.

The result of these facts has been some alteration in the amicable relations which existed between the Empire and the Argentine Confederation, and it is to be regretted that they should not soon return to their former footing.

On the 27th of May last year, an exchange of ratifications took place in Paris, of a new fluvial Convention made on the 22nd of October, 1858, with the Republic of Peru.

A Treaty was also agreed to, on the 5th of May last year,t with the Government of Venezuela, which is pending the approval of the respective Congress, and which regulates the frontier line and the fluvial navigation upon the same bases as those which have been negotiated with other bordering States.

The determination of the truc meaning of Article VI, section 1, of the Constitution, is a pressing necessity.

The scarcity of alimentary substances continues to press heavily upon those who are less favoured by fortune, and claims from your enlightenment such measures as may prevent its spreading; whether by promoting greater production, or by correcting the abuses of the monopolies.

In some of the provinces, and particularly in Bahia, that evil has been intensely felt; but the Government has endeavoured to lessen it, by distributing the most necessary food among the population.

Our circulating medium and the state of the public exchequer claim your attention and care.

The legislation on the subject of companies and anonymous associations, both civil and mercantile, requires revision.

It is necessary to regulate, protect, and foster such institutions as may facilitate to the less flourishing classes of society, not only the productive employment of their savings, but likewise the means of * Vol. XLIX. Page 1234. + Vol. L. Page 1164.

assuring the lot of their families, and, above all, such as aim at the protection of those classes from fraud and usury.

The division of the Ministry of the Empire, in consequence of the variety of important affairs which it has to attend to, should be an object of your solicitude.

The abuses to which the execution of the last electoral law gave rise, call for the adoption of measures which shall prevent their repetition.

One of the necessities which requires the promptest attention is that of giving to the presidents and secretaries of provinces that degree of stability compatible with the interests of the State, creating at the same time their administrative career, and amplifying the attributions of the Presidents.

The institution of councils to assist the Provincial Administrations in the examination of the multiplicity of affairs submitted to them, cannot but be acknowledged as of equal importance.

It is necessary to modify the law of the Council of State in respect to its organization and functions.

The want of agricultural instruction, and of institutions of rural credit, weigh heavily upon the principal source of our riches.

The reform of the legislation touching hypothecations, and the foundation of schools of husbandry, in which theoretical teaching may be accompanied by indispensable practical application, are measures which cannot be delayed.

The Government will continue to employ all its exertions towards the introduction of free labour, as may be required by our industrial necessities.

That part of the Penal Code concerning crimes which affect the honour of families, or the civil and domestic state, must claim your attention.

It will be proper to regulate the civil effects of the marriages of persons who do not profess the religion of the State.

The military legislation, in that which relates to penalties, to procedure, to the organization of the tribunals, to the recruiting service, and to the promotion of officers of the navy, has deficiencies and defects which ought to be remedied.

The Ministers and Secretaries of State of the different departments will in due time submit to you those measures which appear necessary for the proper management of public affairs.

I trust to your providing the public administration with the necessary means for the effective performance of its duties, at the same time euforcing the principles of economy, from which the Government will not deviate.

Favoured by the moderation of political feelings, and by the spirit of order which is predominant in all parts of the Empire;

and by means of the co-operation of those meritorious persons who adopt its ideas, or are willing to aid it, the Government will proceed on its mission, reckoning upon your support.

August and most worthy Sirs, Representatives of the Nation!

Brazil trusts that the final labours of the present Legislature, characterized by the most enlightened solicitude for the interests which have been confided to you, may produce an increase in the resources of the State, and an improvement in our legislation, jointly conducive to our national prosperity.

The session is opened.

MESSAGE of the President of Guatemala, on the Opening of the Chamber of Representatives.—Guatemala, November 25, 1860.

(Translation.)

GENTLEMEN REPRESENTATIVES!

I CORDIALLY Congratulate you on your present meeting, and I feel the most lively satisfaction in being able to assure you that the Republic continues in a tranquil and prosperous state, which satisfactory position is the result of the constancy and firm adhesion shown to the principles which have secured to the country a wellestablished Government, founded on the solid basis of the public will.

The restoration of confidence, and the unity of sentiments which so greatly contribute to the welfare and general contentment enjoyed by our people, are a certain sign that the Government cares for all, that it carefully upholds justice, and that its acts are regulated by the exigencies of the public interest.

Our foreign relations remain unchanged, and on the most satisfactory footing, with the continued augmentation of the considera. tion and confidence which are necessarily produced by an upright mode of proceeding, and by the probity and rectitude of the Government's proceedings.

I can not as yet have the satisfaction of announcing to the Chamber the termination of the negotiation pending with Her Catholic Majesty's Government for the adjustment of a Treaty.

Notwithstanding the good disposition that has been shown on both sides from the commencement of the affair up to the present time, there has been no possibility of solving the questions that have arisen regarding the nationality of the children of Spaniards. born in the Republic, which, according to our fundamental law, are Guatemalans. This is the only obstacle that has delayed the conclusion of the Treaty.

The Convention adjusted last year with Her Britannic Majesty is carried into execution with the best understanding, and its good

results for the two countries are generally acknowledged. As it was hoped by the Government, this Convention has contributed to the arrangement of the disagreeable questions which had arisen between two great nations, and which now appear to be terminated, and the piratical tendencies repressed which under their influence menaced the Central American States.

The preliminary surveys for opening a road between the capital and the Atlantic coast, stipulated in Article VII of the Convention, have been in course of execution by a party of engineers commissioned by the British Government. There is reason to believe they will be concluded during the present year, and that in the ensuing year this important undertaking will be commenced.

The Commissioners, who are to proceed to fix the demarcation of limits between the Republic and the settlement of Belize, having been named by both parties, this final operation is also about to be carried into effect.

The most perfect understanding is maintained with the Republics of Central America, and, for my part, I endeavour to make the fraternal ties and friendship which unite us to them, produce practical results for the advantage of all. No sooner did the news reach us that a party of pirates, under the command of Walker, had invaded the northern coast of the State of Honduras and occupied the port of Truxillo, than I took efficient measures to render assistance to that Government, and they were faithfully carried into execution.

The Government of Salvador also offered its co-operation in all the measures adopted on our part. The country and its administration have received on this occasion, unequivocal, and most important demonstrations of the interest taken by the British authorities of Belize, and also the marine force of Her Majesty stationed on our northern coast, demonstrations which have been duly appreciated; as also those which the superior authority of the island of Cuba was pleased to make, sending to Truxillo one of the steamers of the Spanish squadron, whose intervention was not, however, then required.

In Costa Rica latterly, lamentable events have occurred, which the Government of Guatemala has made all the endeavours in its power to prevent by advice and representations. In consequence of those occurrences I, with the sincere interest which I take in that Republic, have recommended to its Government the adoption of measures that may mitigate in the interior of that country, and diminish abroad the painful sentiments caused generally by the scenes which took place at Punta Arenas, at the end of September and the beginning of October. Whatever may be the causes of these sanguinary discords, they are always a cause of discredit, aud