_Special Message of His Majesty sent to the Legislature of 1859._
NOBLES AND REPRESENTATIVES:--I deem it my duty, as Chief
Magistrate of the Kingdom, to submit to the Legislature
certain points in regard to which the organic law seems to
require revision.
Experience has conclusively shown that the Constitution of
1852 does not, in many important respects, meet the
expectations of its framers, or of my Predecessor, by whom it
was voluntarily conceded.
It is the part of wisdom to derive lessons from experience,
and to regulate our future policy in conformity with its
suggestions.
The 105th Article of the Constitution prescribes the ordinary
mode of amendment. Without reference to a different manner of
revision, clearly founded on the inherent rights of the
different Estates of my Kingdom, I am, at this time, content
to appeal to the Legislature for such action as will provide
an adequate remedy for all existing difficulties.
I am satisfied that it would result in great public advantage
to allow to my Executive Ministers the privilege of election
to the House of Representatives, except when constituted
Members of the House of Nobles by Royal Patent. It would also,
in my opinion, be politic to permit additions to be made to
the House of Nobles for a term of years as well as for life.
These changes are earnestly recommended and urged upon your
favorable consideration.
I further recommend that the House of Representatives be
limited, as to its members, to a number not exceeding twenty;
and that a suitable property qualification for eligibility be
established. The compensation of such members ought also to be
definitely fixed for the entire period of their service, so as
to avoid all inducements to protracted sessions beyond the
requirement of the public good.
Relying on your wisdom and patriotic disposition, I place
these suggestions before you, in the full confidence that they
cannot fail to meet your sanction. I entertain no doubt that
if the Constitution should be amended in conformity thereto, a
beneficial reform of the Legislative Department would be
effected, and the general advantage of my Kingdom thereby
greatly promoted.