Freeman's Chronicle

Foreign Intelligence.

-PARIS, DEC. 19.

SPEECH OF THE EMPEROR.

To day, Sunday, Dec. 19. his Majesty the Emperor and King set off at one o'clock from the palace of the Tuileries, to repair in state to the Legislative body, where, having been received with the usual ceremonies, his Majesty, after taking his seat, made the following speech:

"Senators, Counsellors of State, Deputies from the Departments to the Legislative Body.

Splendid victories have raised the glory of the French arms during this campaign; defections without parallel have rendered those victories useless-all has turned against us. France itself would be in danger, but for the union and energy of the French.

"In these weighty circumstances, it was my first thought to call you around me. My heart has need of the presence and of the affection of my subjects.

"I have never been seduced by prosperity. Adversity will always find me superior to its attacks.

"I have several times given peace to nations when they had lost every thing. From a part of my conquests, I have raised thrones for kings who have forsaken me.

"I had conceived and executed great designs for the prosperity and the happiness of the world. A monarch and a father, I feel that peace adds to the security of thrones, and to that of families. Negotiations have been entered into with the Allied Powers.

I have accepted the Preliminary Conditions of the Allies for the sake of the Families of the French nation.

"I had then the hope, that before the opening of this session, the Congress of Manheim would be assembled; but new delays, which are not to be ascribed to France, have deferred this moment, which the wishes of the world eagerly call for.

"I have ordered to be laid before you all the original documents which are in my possession of my department of foreign affairs. You will make yourselves acquainted with them by means of a committee. The Speakers of my Council will acquaint you with my will on this subject.

"On my side, there is no obstacle to the re-establishment of peace. I know and partake all the sentiments of the French--I say of the French, because there is not one of them who would desire peace at the price of honor.

"It is with regret that I ask of this generous people new sacrifices; but they are commanded by its noblest and dearest interest. It was necessa
I try to recruit my armies to murder the necessitous nations cannot treat with security except by displaying their whole strength. An increase of taxes becomes indispensable. What my Minister of the Finance will propose to you is conformable to the system of finance which I have established. We shall meet every demand without a loan, which consumes the future, and without paper money, which is the greatest enemy of social order.

I am satisfied with the sentiments which my people of Italy have testified towards me on this occasion.

Denmark and Naples alone have remained faithful to their alliance with me.

The Republic of the United States of America continues with success its war with England. I have recognized the neutrality of the nineteen Swiss Cantons.

Senators, Counsellors of State, Deputies from the Departments of the Legislative Body--You are the natural organs of this throne, it is for you to give an example of energy, which may recommend our generation to the generations to come. Let them not say of us, They have sacrificed the best interests of their country! They have acknowledged the laws which England has in vain sought, during four centuries, to impose on France!

My people cannot fear that the policy of their Emperor will ever betray the national glory. On my side, I feel the confidence that the French will be constantly worthy of themselves and of me!