New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-05-27
The Constitutional Question in sweden.

We have already referred to the discussion
now going on in the National Assembly of Swe
den, with regard to reform of the Constitution
aholishing the very unequal system of represen-
tation now IN force Since the defeat OF the
Kings project, no plan likely to succeed has been
proposed, and our latest advlces from Sweden
represent the Assembly as quite adrit in relation
to the subject. The necessity of reform Is
urgent. Sweden. though occupying a somewhat
isolated position IN European politics, neverthe-
less feels to a considerable extent the influence
of the two great forces at work on the Continent.
The Democratic movements in France and Ger
many have assisted in creating a strong reform
party among the people, while her Government
Is driven TO a reactionary position by the opera
ton of the Russian policy.
This question of representation has been aCI
tatcd in Sweden for the past ten years. The IN
justice and msuihclenCy OF Legislature, COM
posed of four different orders, each of which Is
elected under separate system of franchise, was
recognized long since, but the earnest efforts of
the untitled citizens and farmers % effect
change have been continually thwartcd by the
opposition of the nobility and clergy Notwlth-
standing the latter classes In 1914 abolished the
independent representation OF the nobility, they
now refuse any amendment Of the Constitution
The Government also, which in isis presentcdus
reform project TO the Assembly. has suffered II to
fall without an effort at defense This PROJECT,
which was drawn up by the Minister, Sand
Strocmer. provided for the Legislative Chambers
each to be elected by different system. through
which the nobility and civil service were unJustly
favored, and the right Of franchise based on SO
high property qualification that many OF the
voters would be entitled TO only one-siyteenth of
avotc.
When the project was first made. the leaders
of the Reform party were almos, without excep-
ton opposed 20 II, hut as the time for the meet
ING OF the National Assembly drew near this op.
position was much diminished BY the discus.
sion OF the Sublec, IN the National Reform Con-
vention at Oorebo, and m the liberal journals of
the Kingdom, and by preparing lists OF the per
sons entitled 70 vote, IN the different provinces.
il was found that even under the operation of the
proposed change the liberal party would probabl,
have ma outy IN the Assembly, and thus be- cn-
ablec 70 accomplish further reform. These con
s'teJauons had their weight, and the leading re-
formers, a; the opening of the Assembly resolved
to support the project. In order, however 10
brng over all the members OF their party time
was required ana propositions Were made in
each Of the four chambers Tor The postp0ncmcu,
az the discussion.
The nobility and clergy oy this time saw the
real state OF the case. They perceived thatevery
delay tended ioincrease the prospect of the adoD
ton of the Government project, and rejected the
motion for poSiponomeut 50 hastily and scorp.
fully ,ha; large number Of the members entered
their protest against the proceedings The pro.
leoi was brought before the Chambers with all
possible speed and rejected. 1t was first voted
on by the clergy, 30 OF whom were against and
Is m favor OF IT, The nobility gave vote OF
Sl6 nays to 10 yeas. and the farmers s. nays to
IL yeas, while the Chamber OF Ciuzens adopted
n by vote OF S3 10 To- This vote. nevertheless.
cannot be considered as a triumph Of reaction.