CONSCRIPTION FOR IRELAND.—A NORWEGIAN STORY. MO TEE EDITOR OF THE
" SPECTETOR."1
SIa,—An• episode from the history of Norway may be worth relating at the present moment. In 1808, when Norway was being threatened by enemies on all sides, a British fleet blockading the coasts and a Swedish army threatening an invasion of the country, all men of military age were called up for service. One district, however, ignored the summons to arms—viz., a district bordering *on the Sognefjord, that claimed freedom from military service, resting their claim on some ancient privileges. These had been granted to the inhabitants in return for their maintenance of the paths across the mountains leading to other valleys. But with proper roads having been made by the State such privileges had naturally lapsed. However, the people thought otherwise, chased the members of the military Tribunal away from the district, and 'organized a regular system of resistance against future attempts on their " liberty." Such proceedings were naturally considered in the light of open rebellion, and an armed force was despatched to the place. The-villagers were disarmed, compelled there and then to appear before the Tribunal, and the ringleaders were arrested for high treason, suffering execution. shortly afterwards at Bergen. No corps fought better in the subsequent frontier campaign than the men of Lejrdall—I am, Sir, &c., W. R. Pam.
National Liberal Club.
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