Star.
London, England, 1815-07-29 00:00:00

STOCKHOLM, JULY 11.

Speech of his Majesty the King. to the Diet of
Norway, pronounced on the sth of July,lBls, before
the Chancellor of the Kingdom, his Excellency Count
Essen :
a Worth? Gentlemen, and Mena Norway, Mr. President,
and a the Niembets of die Diet of Norway !
" When the last Extraordinary Diet concluded its
sittings, my beloved son, his Royal Highness the
Crown Prince, assured you in my name, that the ob-
ject so earnestly desired *by the people of the Northern
Peninsula, namely, the lesion of the two Scandinavian
' kingdoms, being attained, we must now strive to dis-
tinguish ourselves for the future among the nations
of Europe by our prosperity and our unanimity.
66 At that time the peace of the Continent seemed
to be seemed ; great events, ckcisive of the 1‘.1t,.. of
the world, had taken place, and Europe had, as it
were, assumed a new form. The spirit of conqw.at
seemed to be (Looped ; a repose, equally necessary
to all, promised at oic same time the return ot gene-
ral peace. Statesoleis and even philosophers had a
right to hope that it was secured fur hail a century.
66 How happy should I tr,. if I could fully indulge
this thought, if, confiding in your wisdom and your
loyalty to your King, I could wholly employ myself,
together with my son, in considering and adopting
those ways and means which are necessary, to restore
in this ancient kingdom of Norway a degree of pros-
perity, not merely temporary, but really 'founded
and heightened by industry, commerce, and agri-
culture.
41 PanVIDENCE, however, in the midst of these our
efforts, has given a fresh proof of the uncertainty of
human expectations and calculations. Europe again
presents the picture of one vast camp, and the blood
of its inhabitants, which has so often drenched the
earth, is destined once more to flow in its desolated
plains.
66 The Scandinavian Peninsula, protected by its
geographical position, may, indeed, hope to enjoy, in
these unhappy times, that repose after which other
nations sigh in vain ; yet, as all Europe is in a war-
like attitude, as great nations, who give such distils.,
guished examples of courage and of sacrifices for the
good of the country, are under arms, shall ire neglect
the•first, the most sacred of our duties, relying upon
the security which our particular situation nly
afFord us
Though'we desire no extension of our frontiers,
no increase cf the splendour of our military-glory,
we most, however, wish to see Europe enjoy repose
and peace ; but this happiness, at which we aim bo;
fore all other States, we must seek the more to pre.
pare for -ourselves. The nations that love freedoms
must never forget that love of country, and the firm
resolution to sacrifice every thing to its independence,
are a surer defence than rocks and seas.
66 With such seniimentf, Gentlemen, you „must,
meet the necessities of the times, and in union •with
the Swedish people, in every thing that can confirm
the honour and the welfare of the nation, be ready
to take such resolutions as may be suitable to the
measures that you shall adopt in the course of
your deliberAions,
46 You have had a striking proof of the respect of
the Swedish nation for your rights, in the manner in
which the States of that kingdom lately recognised
and confirmed the conditions of the union of Norway
with Sweden, and I am convinced that you are ani-
mated by the unprejudiced opinion, that neither time
nor experience are necessary to return the respect sad
brotherly love which the inhabitants of Sweden feel
towards you.
66 It is a peculiar pleasure for me to be able to an-
nounce to the Diet ot Norway, that the misunder-
standings with Denmark, on account of Pomerania,
haveteen brought to a desired conclusion.
" The good understanding which unites us with
all the Powers ot Europe continue to acquire more
solidity. Our mercantile flag is in great vequest in
the Mediterranean, and the Barbary Powers punctu-
ally observe the treaties concluded with them. The
happy restoration of peace between Great Britain and
America, will confirm our amicable intercourse with
both countries, and open a new_sonrce for the exten-
sion and promotion of our commerce. The Govern-
' sent of St. Domingo has received our Bag favour.
ably, and our trade on the coast of the island meets
with no obstructions.
66 The report on the state of the kingdom, which
will now be laid before you, will fully convince you
of my exertions for your welfare.
66. The object of your deliberations is impor-
tant. You must bhew yourselves worthy of the con-
fidence of your King, and justify the expectations of
the nation, which has already done homage to the
great and unalterable principles, that the liberty of a
nation depends on its confidencoand devotion to the
Sovereign, and the honour of the Sovereign on the
love and support of the people.
66 I recommend you, worthy Gentlemen and Men
of Ntirway, to the protection of the ALMIGHTY, and
beseech his blessing upon your deliberations, assuring
you all of our royal favour and protection."