_Address made by His Majesty to His Ministers and High Officers of State
on receiving their Portfolios._
GENTLEMEN:--On calling you to the high posts you respectively
fill, I propose to make a few remarks, with the request that
you will bear them constantly in mind. First, let me impress
upon you the importance of unity of purpose and action, for I
consider it impossible for the business of government to be
effectively carried out, unless there exist a great unanimity
of feeling among its officers. I have chosen you, because, I
thought that being actuated by one common policy, your
deliberations would be free from suspicious reserve, and your
actions all tend to one end. In a Cabinet divided into
factions, differing on fundamental points of policy, I could
place no confidence; and should I find mine thus divided, I
should feel it my duty to reorganize it. I am determined that
my Government, if any power vested in me can attain that
object, shall be respected for its honesty and efficiency.
Unsupported by these two pillars, no kingdom is safe. I desire
every part of the machinery of government to move in unison;
to subserve the great purposes for which it was intended; and
to be conducted with the strictest economy. Though young, with
the help of God, I shall endeavor to be firm and faithful in
the execution of the high trust devolved upon me, and never
let my feelings, as a man, overcome my duties as a King. From
all my counsellors I desire frank and faithful advice, and
those who advise me honestly, have nothing to fear; while
those who may abuse my confidence and advise me more from
personal interests than regard for the public good, have
nothing to hope.
One word in regard to the nominations for office which
according to law it becomes your duty to make, and I have
done. Let your subordinates be recommended by at least these
qualifications--honesty, temperance, industry and adaptation
to the places they are to fill; and let them be men in whom
you see good grounds for placing confidence.
May success crown your efforts and after years approve my
judgment in calling you to office.