THE SPATE OF GREECE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1849, 26 January 1880, Page 2

THE SPATE OF GREECE.

The following is a translation of the speech delivered by King George at the opening of the Greek Chambers on the Ist November : “ Gentlemen, —I see with pleasure re-assem-bled around me the representatives of the the nation elected by the free suffrages of the people. In proceeding to the elections with order, liberty and legality, the Greek people have again justified the confidence which has been placed in them, and have proved themselves worthy of their civilising mission. My relations with foreign Powers are friendly. The high European assembly which assembled lost year to regulate the affairs of the East has extended its labors also to Greece. My Government has unceasingly endeavored ever since to obtain the realisation of the decision of Europe according to the intentions of the Congress. The discus* •ion of this question being brought at length to the test of facts has become more easy; and I am convinced that the great reciprocal interests of the two bordering States, as well as the concurrence of the great Powers who have signed the Treaty of Berlin, will bring about the happy issue of the pending negotiations having in view the realisation of the end which the High Assembly has proposed. The sacrifices which Greece has imposed upon herself in favor of her financial credit have not remained unfruitful, and the conversion of ancient loans which has already commenced, will not fail to consolidate our credit. The regulation of the State finances ; the organisation and development of the military and naval forces of the nation ; measures promoting the welfare of agriculture, prison reform, the extension of the means of communication, the improvement of education and of the condition of the clergy, are also among the projects which my Government will submit to you. Greece while always advancing in ths path of moral and material development, is bound to concern herself also with thej military organisation of the nation, and with the proportionate improvement of her forces. The people have never refused, whenever it has been required of them, to furnish the necessary means. They know that material strength is one of the essential elements which determine the position of a nation. The enlightened and patriotic care which the Chambers will devote to this object will call forth the benediction of the country. Let us invoke the protection of the Most High to strengthen ns in our efforts on behalf of the general good,”