The accounts of the Coronation of the King of Norway
at Drontheim are extremely picturesque, but for politicians their chief interest lies in this,—they show that a Royal family can be manufactured. The family of Bernadotte has in many ways a difficult part to play, having to govern two countries very different in institutions, ways, and temper ; having to keep on terms with two gigantic and not very friendly nations ; having to be most friendly to a third little Power, which is half inclined to embrace and half inclined to defy Sweden ; having to do the work of government, yet not be despots ; and having to give a small people with a vast territory a chance of becoming great. They have done it all, and done it so well, that while on the happiest terms with their people, they stand within the inner circle of royalties nearly as unnoticed as if they were descendants of Charlemagne. It is the only case in Europe, but it is sufficient to show that a very curious experiment, the making from without of a Queen Bee, is by no means either impossible or absurd. But for this example, we should be com- pelled to admit that the only choice lay between the Republic and a well-worn caste, but the exception is quite perfect.
