The Express.
London, England, 1855-05-21 00:00:00

SWEDEN FOR AN ALLY.

The breaking up of the ice in the Baltic is almost
as interesting this year in regard to Sweden as it was
last year in regard to Russia. The time is come for
Sweden to decide between neutrality and action ; and
the conditions of the cue afford matter of speculation
to others than Swedes and Norwegians. There are
a few facts made known already which may guide
speculation, if not authorise an expectation.
Our Government has delivered decisive proposals
to the Scandinavian Powers. It is ut.derstood
that answers were declined while the Vienna new>.
dation. were proceeding. Those negotiations being
elated, the proposals are renewed; and the decision
cannot be long deferred. While it is under conside•
ration, the Czsx gives permission to the Finlanders
to export grain to Sweden. The permission is merely
an empty form of grace ; for our vowels are
at the edge of the ice as it breaks up, and tee
merchant ship can cross the Gulf without
our leave. This does not matter to Sweden,
as it did a dozen years ago, when Stockholm itself
was more than half fed oy Finnish products. With
the fortified Aland Isles almost witbin view, and the
capital dependent on Finland for sufficient food, there
could have been formerly little choice for a Swedish
Bing in such a crisis as the present. Now, however,
not only is Bomarsund blown up, and the sea left open
and made safe for Sweden, bat Sweden exports grain,
and has an understanding with Hamburg which makes
bar sufficiently independent of Finland to be able to
make up her mind at leisure and with quiet nerves.
The introduction of the potato also has, owing to the
=climate of Sweden, conferred on her, in a con-
dign*, the blessing indepen-
awe. . Sims can, in ordinary years, export grain ;
and when she wants to import, there are Hamburg
—.la ready to supply her needs.

Next, owing to the blockade, there is, practically
spiking, .no eaenanication between Sweden and
Mimi The mails have to travel Ipoo miles by
land instal of 100 by as. This makes the Swedes
depettsliat . rear fleet for news, since, a certain date.
Thi lab* news before that date affords mime mate-
rial fora judgment on the great decision now to be
made. The Archduke CONSTANT= is believed to
be burning fee &anal coofliet with the foie of Ross*
and to intend niedting some of our ships, if he can
manage it without bringing ' do*n the whole Seel
upon him. ,Whether this is true or not, the
Swedes holism it; and they are well aware bow
competent they are to meet the Ragas at sea. We,
for oar part, make no secret to the Swedes of
as desire for the aid of their gunboats. Ail along
*sir coasts there is now a stir which looks well for
our 'Wanes. Except the few Rusiian crews which
are usually abroad on the oceans of the globe, the
seamen of that:ado* are of very poor quality. They
are rarely aim seen on the water, except dariog the
three or four fine months of the year ; and then they,
go far from their freshwater ports. The
seta* of Sweden are either at sea or on their little
tout farms, where they live like the mediate land force,
the Indelts, soldiery, of Sweden. If they are called away,.
at any critical season their families are supplied with
hones and land, and with needful assists:toe for their
crops. They are at sea for a few mouths ^ evert
your ea regular envies, and a good deal laretate'
their own socowit. There is no need to say th 4 ifiel
Swedish seamen bear a high character for elltilhej.,
They are now astir all along tin, coast, aoci,iii-liope
of being celled oat to action spinal Ramis.
The Ni M, thing is happening ,lon the land—the
Government having ordered the Militia oat, la pre.
1:
paratia for some grand Move. ' 're Sweden, 'a' pan-
nier meaning attaches to such an order. iti
tional forces there are of three hinds. Bette the
line and the militia there, 4 interposed the raj Aar 1
farce,' instituted by. Gurneys Anciumps (891,4,
GO day +dug honour tq Its Mande), ,f the Iddslit
...44
n • • . The flerediali Glassine? js esssatiall n=
Mays. sad the iiniversai remark of . obeervas Alit
`• IddelthasidieryAhth horse and foot ape