File No. 1359/5–6.
Minister Hill to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
The
Hague, September 19,
1907.
No. 308.]
Sir: I have the honor to state that the
ordinary session of the States-General of the Netherlands was opened by
Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Prince of
the Netherlands, on the 17th instant, their Majesties being attended by
a full suite and an escort of cavalry.
An alteration in the route was made by the stately procession this year;
the widened street, Heulstreet, and the heightened track through the
avenue of lindens being adopted for the first time in this annual
ceremony. The route was lined by an exceptionally large and enthusiastic
crowd, who accorded their sovereign a hearty greeting the whole length
of the route.
In deference to the demands of the Second Peace Conference, which holds
its sessions in the Knights Hall, the United Chambers assembled in the
second chamber of the States-General. In addition to Senators and
Representatives, the Cabinet Ministers were in attendance, as also, in
their respective lodges, the high officers of Government, the diplomatic
corps, and also the first delegates of the Second Peace Conference.
I inclose herewith a copy of the speech from the Throne, in duplicate,
together with translation.
It will be observed that in the commencement of her speech the Queen
refers to the Second Peace Conference and gives expression to her
interest in its proceedings. The speech then goes on to speak of the
friendly relations existing with all the foreign powers; the general
prosperous condition of the country and the colonies, the one baneful
fact being the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease among cattle; the
growth of commerce; the devotion exhibited by the navy and army and
civil officers in the country’s interests; the measures which will be
submitted for debate, and, in invoking God’s blessings on the
deliberations of the Parliament, Her Majesty declares the session to be
opened.
Among the measures to be introduced or revised the following are
mentioned:
Modification of the Commercial Code; the law relating to minors; the
institution of a Government disinfecting service; improvement in the
coast defenses and the militia law; commencement of the recovery of the
Zuider Zee; removal of obstacles in the river Waal; employees’
insurance; prevention of the pollution of waters; improved veterinary
supervision, and strengthening of Netherlands Government authority,
national and financial interests in the East Indies, and in Surinam and
Curacao.
The ceremony, from the time that Their Majesties started from the palace
until their return, took one hour, while the lining up of the
[Page 910]
soldiers who set off the track
followed their withdrawal to the barracks, and the throng of people gave
to the city a festive appearance the whole day through.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure—Translation.]
Speech.
Gentlemen: I appreciate the fact that I am
able once more to open your sessions in person. On this occasion
your united assembly is not held in the Knights Hall, but in this
place, in order to avoid an interruption of the proceedings of the
Second Peace Conference.
I follow the weighty task of that conference with undivided interest,
and entertain the best of wishes for its success.
In many respects the general condition of the country and of the
colonies affords every reason for grateful contentment.
Our relations with foreign powers continue to show this year again
most friendly relationship.
Notwithstanding the cool summer the agricultural results are
generally good; in the most important horticultural districts the
yield is better than it has been for years past. The prospects in
the cattle trade are not so favorable on account of the outbreak of
the foot-and-mouth disease.
There has been a period of great activity in most branches of
industry and commerce. Navigation in the harbors of the Netherlands
continues to grow. With exception of general freight trade the
shipping results are satisfactory.
The organization of the inland credit system in Java is beginning to
indicate its beneficial effect on the economical stability of the
people.
The navy and army both at home and in the colonies have carried out
their duties with zeal and devotion. In regard to the civil-service
officers the same testimony can be given.
Proposals respecting alterations in Chapters III and IV of the
constitution will shortly be laid before you.
The proposed revison of the maritime law is so far advanced that a
bill looking to the modification of the greater part of the second
volume of the Commercial Code and of the provisions in connection
therewith in other legal works may soon be expected.
Moreover a proposition having in view the alteration of that part of
the law relating to minors and civil rights, as also a motion for
the revision of the law regarding judiciary organizations, which
will give rise to the speedy determination of certain proposals
connected with the proposed administrative decisions question which
is pending.
Your aid will be invited toward the institution of a government
disinfecting service.
Plans for better defense of the coast will be introduced.
A bill for the further revision of the militia law and the
supplementing and revision of some of the provisions of the land
defense law are in preparation.
A scheme for the commencement of a portion of the inclosure of the
Zuyder Zee and the recovery of the Wieringa Meer will at no distant
date be submitted to you.
Plans regarding the carrying out of works looking to the removal of
the obstacles which navigation on the Waal experiences at low water
are being considered.
The promised bills regarding the employees’ insurance and the
prevention of mishaps at sea will reach you shortly; the other
announced measures relating to social legislature are far
advanced.
A revision of the preventive law has been drawn up, tending among
other matters toward the rendering of that law effective in
combating the pollution of water and to improve the supervision of
the execution of the law.
Bills having in view the introduction of a general examination of
butcher’s meat and the realization of certain revisions of the law
relating to the government veterinary service and the veterinary
police regulations will be laid before you.
[Page 911]
Serious efforts are being made to strengthen the authority of the
Netherlands in different parts of the East Indies archipelago in the
interest of the people residing in those districts.
Bills have been undertaken for the purpose of giving extension to the
traffic along the coast of the Netherlands Indies and toward
establishing the indication of Netherlands citizenship of such
persons as are native to the Netherlands Indies.
Within a short time proposals will be submitted to your judgment
regulating the method of control and responsibility regarding
financial matters of the colonies of Surinam and Curacoa.
May your arduous task, under God’s blessing, tend to the prosperity
of the nation.
I hereby declare the ordinary session of the States-General to be
opened.
