Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-12-31
s W E DE N.

The Diet of Sweden was opened in solemn form
at Stockholm on the Oath of last month. The
speech of King OSCAR to the assembled estates Of
the realm is so honorable to the head and heart OF
that excellent Sovereign that place the whole Of
it before our readers. 1t contains touching refer
ence to his domestic aiiction and breathes noble
and evidently sincere spirit of patriotism, which will
give it interest for all who share with us true re-
spect for the virtues and valor of the renowned
" Mortimer :"
During the time which has elapsed since the last
ing of this assembly Divine Providence has inflicted upon
me and my house most painful trial by the loss which
the inhabitants Of the United Kingdoms have joined with
me in deploring The remembrance of the lively ytdpa
thy which my faithful and beloved subjects showed me
my sorrow, well of the affection of which
received many touching and precious proofs during
my dangerous ard proracted illness shall forever remain
in my grateful heart and still strengthen the sacred
bonds of attachment which unite to the noble nhabi
ants of the scandinavian Peninsula.
The Divine Providence who imposed the trials has also
through the birth Of my grandchildren, given me new
proof of his unceasng mercy The stability hereby at
tanned the succession to the throne for us all
of satisfaction and gratitude.
cruel scourge has again desolated the kingdom Blu;
the Swedish people have met BEFORE with composure
and resignation to the decree of Providence
Our relations with oil the foreign Powers continue to
bear the stamp Of mutual friendship and confidence
shall never devote my most earnest efforts
noa te character or fatherland promote It's
true interests
Agriculture, that principal branch Of our industry has
made during the latter time great and satisfactory
progress The increased harvests resulting from this
state Of things have nevertheless in an equal
ntrIhn faI IN
to great extent in the fabrication Of liquor the abuse
of which threatens to undermine the noble faculties
of population these harvests have not been able to
prevent the necessity of importing from foreign countries
those necessares of life which own SOIL with more
sound economy would have yielded above home
consumption
The time has come, gentlemen, to enter upon another
path more conducive TO the general good noble and
patriotic feeling animates in this respect all good citizens
From all parts of the kingdom petitions have been pre-
sented to me soliciting that limit may be put the
present exrayagant fabrication Of strong drink and
the mmoderate abuse which is the consequence of the
facility in obtaining it. proposition embracing this
important subject will be presented to you and am
convinced that you will with eagerness my paterna
wishes.
shall cause propositions to be laid before YOU for the
smpfcation of the ground taxes, in order to complete
the regulations this important subject conformity
with the general principles adopted at the last Diet.
One of our first must be devoted to the of
furherng the progressive development Of material
resources to the advance Of industry the improvement
our means of communication in accordance with the ext
gences Of the times, and to the opening of
of subsistence and wealth for annually increasing po-
puation. You will find in the propositions which will be
submitted to you fresh evidence of my soctude to attain
this great purpose and count in this respect upon
enlightened and efficient cooperation.
My sense Of duty imposes upon me- in the face of the
present political situation of Europe, to lay before you
detailed statement of the appropriations required
pete cur system Of defence and to place il in such state
as to guaranty the independence of the kingdom Every
sincere friend OF his country must devote this mpor
tan subject his serious attention. Never did Swedish
King make IN vain appeal TO Swedish men in the into
rest of their honor and independence. You will show
yourselves, convinced the worthy representatives
nation whose heroism and selfsacrfcng love of their
country have inscribed the Swedish with indelble
characters in the brightest pages of history.
In examining the propositions submitted to you you
will find that the appropriations asked for the public
works. for the army and for the navy, will require
any increase of the ordinary voted by Diet
In virtue Of the Constitution declare your debera-
tons opened, and, in imporng the blessing of Almighty
God, renew to you the of my affection and
royal good will.