BELGIUM.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 308, 2 October 1860, Page 3

BELGIUM.

The sifting of the Chamber of Deputies on the 18th was extremely animated. The address to the King, to be presented on the occasion, of the 29th anniversary of his accession, was read to the Chamber; and the final vote, abolishing the octrois' or town dues, was taken. The address was received with enthusiasm, and repeatedly interrupt! d by the applause of the audience. The following is an extract :— " Thereare political crimes which enlightened nationshavenot to fear. In thecentreofthecivilisation of Europe as she now is, governments do not trample under foot all that the human conscience respects. In our day the blood of nations is not, squandered to shield a throne which millions of men unanimously surround with their veneration and their gratitude. Attempts are not made to assassinate a nationality .'ull of lift and strong in its good right, in universal esteem, and in the solemn engagements of all Europe. If one day, Sire, it were possible that all the rights and duties which exist between governments as between nations could be disregarded ; if your crown, or liberties,'our holy independence, and our native land were menaced, Belgium, at the summons of the King, would L ow how to defend her national treasury as.a free and virtuous people defends all that it holds most sacred. She has had long enough experience of foreign domination ; long enough were her rights, her dignity, he riches, her rank, sacrificed to other interests than her own. Her head will never again bend beneath a yoke she detests, and has for ever broken. In the hour of peril her cottage will not remain isolated. The faith of treaties, the interest and independence of Europe, are not vain words. A cause to which no honest men of any country can remain indifferent, will never' be iv danger of perishing or of lacking defenders. Continue, sire, to preside with confidence over our destinies. Faithful and devoted, Belgium, will remain worthy of herself and of her King." For sever il minutes after the conclusion of this dddress the most vehement applause resounded in the Chamber. " " ' , The King of the Belgians has paid a visit to

Ghent, and received an address to the local autho- ; r«ies.... His Majesty .made the fo!io\ving reply:— ■ '"I am greatly moved by the affectionate sVinimetits. you lpiye ; expressed. The spot oil whic'v we are assembled calls to mind ancient and glorious recollections. The*- <,id communes were the *at or commerce, industry, and the arts, when a hrrge portion or Europe was still in darkness, from the most distant times the love of country and of its-independence has been'^.served as a sacred fire m the hearts of tin i • "miiiibi ants The most precious blood was often, spent to obtain a free and riationarexistence. Success did not e.wn those noble efforts. It was reserved for us to found upon the largest basis that •which the country so much desired, and to make it the borne of all that constitutes the happiest political atiil social existence. It is thus that we were found by the tempest which in 1848 convulsed Europe, in which alone to our glory we escaped all dangers, pin- political existence remaining uninjured. Whatever may be the trials of the future, 1848 shows us how we can pass through them with honor and success. Two generations of my family have been born in your midst, and have vyii_liyou..a„cami»oH-Ttoun- - try. My devotion for .you during- tlie.long reign is known," and so long as it shall,please Providence ■to preserve me I will remain faithful at my post, and immovable in my paternal affection for you."; A subscription list, for a grand dinner, to be given to the King of the Belgians .by the city of Ghent, was submitted to the Bishop,'who refused toputhisnameto.it. -