[Inclosure in No.
164.—Translation.]
Speech of the Emperor.
August and most worthy representatives of the nation:
My gratification on appearing in this hall is to-day the more intense
from the fact that I have been able to return to my country and can
continue to serve it.
Bound to the Brazilian nation by birth, by the glorious deeds of my
august father, by the tender care which I received when left an orphan
in my childhood, by the attention paid to my education, and finally by
the unwavering love of the Brazilian people, I was much moved by the
demonstrations on the 22d of August. Were any new incentive required to
stimulate me to conscientious zeal in the performance of my duties, I
would find it in the cordiality with which I was welcomed by the whole
people of Brazil.
I shall never forget the sympathetic hospitality I received in all the
places visited during the trip which I made to Europe for my health.
While rejoicing over the favorable condition of the Empire confided for
the third time to the regency of my beloved daughter, the Princess
Imperial, I received the sad news of the death in Vienna of my grandson,
Prince José, whom God called to himself on the 12th of August.
Our relations with foreign powers continue unaltered, and the
never-failing justice of our conduct will contribute to their remaining
so.
Public tranquillity and order have been maintained, and the guaranties of
individual liberty respected. I tender you my thanks and commendation
for the authorization which you have granted to the Government to
provide for the further security of the population of the capital of the
Empire by re-organizing and increasing the police force.
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We may well be proud of the peaceful manner in which the system of labor
is undergoing transformation in virtue of the law of May 13, the
decreeing of which alleviated my physical sufferings and comforted me in
the midst of the regrets caused by absence, and of my yearning for home.
By this act Brazil has once more demonstrated its aptitude for moral
progress of every kind.
The public revenues are increasing and give promise of still greater
development; commerce extends its transactions; projects abound for
enterprises in the various branches of industry; and, notwithstanding
foreseen but inevitable local embarrassments, there is an increase of
labor of natives and foreigners.
Let us be confident that the activity of our fellow-citizens, disposing
of so many and such great resources, will amply compensate for our
present sacrifices.
The Government on its part, making use of the authorizations and means
which you have voted, will hasten the settlement of our lands, promote
transportation facilities, and bestow solicitous care on the other
necessities of agriculture.
Among the measures which you have decreed the law on banks of emission
deserves special attention. This law is intended to limit the
circulation of Government paper currency and to give to credit an
elasticity in proportion to industrial activity.
At the next session we will, I trust, deliberate upon the bills already
presented in regard to the banks for lending money on real estate;
judicial reform; and repression of idleness; and will adopt the
improvements required for giving to local institutions better practical
development.
Public instruction in general and technical education adapted to present
circumstances, require legislative action on which our progress greatly
depends. I trust you will continue to give this subject the attention
which you have bestowed on agricultural instruction and on the
organization of the naval school.
Public health, and especially sanitary measures in benefit of the capital
of the Empire, demand your care. Although the sanitary state of the
interior of the country continues to be excellent, and that of the
sea-board much improved, it is necessary to persevere in the task of
eradicating the causes of disease as far as this may be done by hygienic
measures.
August and most worthy Representatives of the Nation!
To your patriotic labors during the present session will correspond, I
trust, your beneficial influence during the legislative interval, so
that our country may fructify more and more the powerful elements of
prosperity with which God has blessed it.
The session is closed.
Dom Pedro II.
Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of
Brazil.
