The Swedish Riksdag was opened on June 21st, and the
King, amidst a scene of great feeling, announced that his Ministry did not intend to use force against Norway, he having declared in Council that, although it was a matter of painful emotion to him to sever the tie, be believed " that a Union to winch both parties do not give their free and willing consent 'would; he _of no real advantage to either." The Ministry therefore propose that Parliament shall give them power to enter into negotiations with the Norwegian Storthing, in order that the Act of Union may be annulled, and regulations made so as to secure future harmony between the two separated States. The action of the Riksdag cannot be predicted, for the pride of Sweden has been sorely wounded, and there is a violent party there as elsewhere; but the King's assent to separation practically settles the question, more especially as the fact of negotiations with Norway is an acknowledgment, though informal, of ber independence. Meanwhile the Norwegians are endeavouring in every way to express friendship and honour for the people of Sweden and their King. It is still uncertain whether the. King of Norway will not be Prince Karl Bernadotte, third son of King Oscar, and husband of a Danish Princess. We trust he may ; but in any case the wise part for Sweden to play is to make the best of the existing situation, and to determine that the dissolution of the Union shall not be a cause of future enmity, but rather of future friendship and goodwill.
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