The "crisis" in Norway is not of much importance, either
to Europe or Scandinavia ; but it is full of instruction for Englishmen. The bond between Sweden and Norway is only the "golden link" of the Crown, but hitherto foreign affairs have been managed nominally by the King, but really by the Swedish Foreign Minister, who is thus able to speak in the name of both Kingdoms. The Norwegians now object to this system, and on Monday the Storthing, by 59 to 55 votes, adopted a resolution calling for "greater independence' in the .control of foreign affairs. The Ministry has accordingly re- signed, and the King has been compelled to send for a Radical Premier, M. Steen, who, if he accepts, will appoint a separate Foreign Minister. The result can only be con- fusion, or a transfer of all real authority in the department to the King himself ; but the Norwegians care for nothing except the gratification of a sent im ent,—freedom, as they think, from Swedish interference. The experience of seventy-five years has in no way diminished their suspiciousness of the more powerful people, though they are at present as inde- pendent of them as if they were only allies. The warning is 'one which should not be forgotten here, for Sweden and Norway are far more alike than Great Britain and Ireland.
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