_His Majesty's Speech upon Proroguing the Session of the Legislature of
1856._
NOBLES AND REPRESENTATIVES:--At the close of a Session which
has been marked by so much unanimity as that about to
terminate, and during which so much that displays the wisdom
essential to success in legislation has been observable, I
cannot but feel a gratification in meeting you.
The appropriations you have made for the expenses of my
Government during the next two years, and the zeal you have
displayed to render especially efficient the Bureau of Public
Works, meet with my sincere approval.
In the matter of one appropriation only, do I entertain any
doubts; but if by any possibility the military establishment
can be maintained upon such a scale as to ensure a promise of
security, no exertions will be wanting on the part of my
Government to do so, without overstepping the amount by you
provided.
To the members of the House of Representatives I would express
my sincere acknowledgments for the readiness with which they
have interpreted the public feeling, and provided for my
establishment under the new relations which I am about to
assume.
I have no expectations that any necessity will arise for
calling you together before the stated session of 1858, and I
trust that the interim will be full of prosperity to you and
the nation, the blessing of God making fruitful those
exertions from which I now release you by proroguing the
session.