The struggle' between Norway and Sweden threatens to become acute.
The Norwegian Storthing absolutely insists that, as the foreign trade of Norway is far greater than that of Sweden, she shall have a Consular establishment of her own all over the world. The King will not consent to this, as he cannot manage two Foreign Offices, and the Storthing threatens to stop the supplies, or otherwise stop the machine. The Swedes retort that in this ease they must suspend the Norwegian Constitution, even at the risk of insurrection. It is said to be doubtful whether the majority of Norwegians are in favour of an extreme policy, which must lead to war or separation ; but the Storthing is,—and the Storthing cannot be dissolved for another two years. A compromise ought to be quite possible, as far as the immediate issue is concerned ; but the quarrel is really based on a difference in civilisation, the Swedes being an aristocratic, the Norwegians a democratic, people. In such circumstances, Mr. Gladstone's "Union of Hearts " is not found to be a binding cement.
