Viewing page 151 of 285

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

248]

ANNUAL RESGISTER

would, nor could separate, before care had been taken of his majesty, and the kingdom, by that support, which the general Ĺ“conomy in all its branches requires; his majesty has found necessary, graciously to lay before the states of the realm, for their consideration, the following point, viz, 

1.  That the states agree, and settle all concerning the public grants.

2.  That, according to ancient precedents, and to the law of the kingdom, funeral and coronation expenses are to be found, and entered in the treasury, under their distinct denominations.

3.  As his majesty cannot know the extent of these two articles, and how far the other appropriated sums will be sufficient for the wants of the kingdom in these times: his majesty graciously desires the states of the realm, to appoint certain persons among the three orders which regulate the business of the bank, according to the 47th article of the form of government; with whom his majesty may confer concerning the means, which in such a case might be procured, and which requires some secrecy.

4.  That the states of the realm, by the regulations they are taking about THEIR BANK, do put it in such order, that it may (the sooner the better) contribute towards reinflating money, and the course of circulation, into its proper channel.

The states of the realm will agree with his majesty, that the situation of the kingdom requires, and the wish of the whole kingdom is, that this dyet, which now has lasted about fourteen months, with great expence to the country, may speedily be discontinued: therefore, and as his majesty has much at heart, particularly during the present hard times, to afford relief to his loyal subjects, in this regard; his majesty's gracious will is, that the states of the realm do take these points under so speedy a deliberation, that his majesty, within a fortnight at most, may receive the humble opinion of the states concerning them; during which time the states will have also an opportunity of forming the (so called)* Decision of the dyet.

To his MAJESTY.

The Speech of the Marshal of the Dyet, Baron Axel Gabriel Leyonhufvud, in the name of all the States, when they delivered their most humble answer to his Majesty's most gracious proposals of the 25th of August, in the Great Hall, September 7, 1772.

Most gracious King!
YOUR majesty's loyal states, animated with the most perfect and submissive reverence, and affected by the most joyful sensations, have now, upon your majesty's most gracious command, the invaluable happiness again to find themselves assembled before the throne; to deliver to your majesty, by us, their speakers, their most submissive answer unto the gracious propositions your majesty has graciously been pleased to leave to their consideration and determination.

*Ricksdags bestutet,

And

[249

For the YEAR 1772.

And concerning the first point, relating to the subsidies in general, as well as the coronation and funeral supplies, the states of the realm, animated with the warmest zeal and desire to support your majesty and the country, to the utmost of their power, have most humbly chosen such methods of raising them throughout the whole kingdom, as your majesty will graciously perceive by the present express; regulated upon the same plan with the act of subsidies of the year 1769, with some very small alterations.

Respecting further, your majesty's most gracious proposition concerning the finances and pecuniary affairs of the kingdom, the states of the realm have thought they should go in the securest, and at the same time, the most desirable way, when they presume to refer this matter, of so great a consequence to the kingdom, to your majesty's superior judgement and gracious regulations, and flatter themselves with the most humble and most joyful hope, that your majesty will be pleased to look upon this, as well as on all their other faithful endeavours, with your royal grace and satisfaction; to which end, in the name of the states, I now humbly deliver to your majesty, all the acts relating to these matters, with all that belongs to this object, with due submission,

And as your majesty most graciously has ordered, that a committee might be selected out of the states, which may have the favour humbly to deliberate with your majesty during the present dyet, upon those matters which require secrecy, when it shall please your majesty so to command; therefore the states do likewise, with al submission, acquaint your majesty, that they, on these important transactions, have continued in their confidence the same persons, to whom, from the beginning of the dyet, they have entrusted the affairs of the bank and the finances: and, for the rest, they wait your majesty's farther gracious commands.

The states most submissively recommend themselves to your majesty's royal grace and favour.

Speech of the King of Sweden to the States, at the closing of the Dyet, September 9, 1772.

DISSOLVING to-day this assembly of the states, which assuredly will stand recorded among the most important in our annals, I close it with a repeated and new-felt gratitude to the hand of the Most High, who has defended in so eminent a manner, this our parent country, and dissipated those heavy clouds which threatened liberty, and my people, with the most extreme destruction.  This dyet began in mourning, and the tenderest distress, bereaved of an affectionate king, and a most beloved father; your deliberations were continued, under the influence of discord and party hatred; and it seemed, as if the Divine Providence would suffer all the misfortunes, felt by our forefathers, now to arise to their extremest height, that it might shew its powerful hand, exerted in the change which now has happened, with more distinguished strength and efficacy.

A revolution perfectly happy, conducted only by the Almighty Providence, has at once closed, and
united                                                                                                                           

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-12 10:34:19 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-12 14:51:59 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-12 15:04:51 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-12 20:12:08 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-12 21:12:08