The Norwegians, as is well known, are most jealous of
the separate position of their little Kingdom, which they insist shall not be merged in Sweden even as regards foreign affairs. They wish, in fact, to reduce the Union to a mere affiance, and have recently turned out a Government because it did not appoint separate Consuls in foreign towns. The King, who, of course, does not want to be harassed by two sets of foreign representatives, has paid a visit to Christiania in the hope of smoothing matters, and has been most warmly received. Some 12,000 people went in deputation to the PalAPP to express the conviction of all Conservatives that the King would sufficiently protect the honour of Norway, and a crowd of 50,000 more assembled outside to endorse this assurance. Christiania is, therefore, both Unionist and Monarchical. The passion for separatism exists chiefly among the rural freeholders, who would like to make of Norway an independent democratic Republic,—a vision not unnatural, considering their ackei,a' I condition, but prohibited both by treaties and by the smallness of the State, which could not defend itself alone against Russia, wbich desires to acquire the most northerly Norwegian port. ft 4 probable that the quarrel will smoulder on without bursting foto flame, more especially as is declaration 91 jndepenckten would termini te
the pecuniary credit of Norway, now exceedingly high, and most convenient to her people.
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