Mr. Yeaman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * *
The matter of most immediate and general political interest in this kingdom at this time is the proposed change in the constitutional law of the government.
Before the late war concerning the duchies, there were four legislative bodies, one for the whole kingdom of Denmark, one for Denmark proper, one for Holstein, and one for Schleswig. Since the duchies are lost, much of the constitution, or, as it has been expressed, “one of the fundamental laws” which was designed more for them and their relations to the kingdom, can have, it is claimed, no proper application to the kingdom of Denmark proper, and as that is all there is left, it was manifest that there was no further need for two legislative bodies of two houses each for the same limited territory. The opinion seems to have been quite unanimous that a change was needed, but there soon appeared wide differences of opinion as to the manner of the change, the contest being between titles, orders, and the landed interest on one hand, and the liberal tendency of opinions among the people on the other. The matter has been accommodated in an arrangement by which it is said both have yielded some, but it is probable that for the present, in the framing of the instrument, the conservative and titled elements have the advantage, especially in the upper house or senate, the lower house being elected very much as formerly, while the only gain to republicanism is the simplification of the government, by reducing the legislative department to one body with two houses, upon which public sentiment can hereafter tell more directly.
The new constitution is now on the third reading of its first passage, but will have to be adopted or passed twice more, once by the same bodies and once by the new legislative body to be hereafter elected, and then it becomes the sole fundamental law. It cannot go into operation until some time next year.
The President’s late message to Congress may be said generally to have produced a good impression in Europe. The firmness and friendship with which the questions affecting our foreign relations are discussed have attracted much comment and commendation. The opinion seems to be general that we are able to make war with terrific vigor, yet peacefully inclined. There is manifestly a great change in the estimate held in Europe of our government and people since the success of the arms of the Union and the abolition of slavery. With one party throughout Europe there is the most enthusiastic admiration; and with another, that respect which is always commanded only by success and power, accompanied by a manifest but reluctant conviction that in no great length of time we are to be in all respects the leading power of the world.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.