Mr. Yeaman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * * * *
There is manifestly an intention here to make naval and military preparations for the contingencies that may arise during the pending war in Germany. It has also been stated here for some days past that a defensive and offensive alliance has been concluded between Denmark and Sweden and Norway. I am quite sure such an alliance would be agreeable to the public here, but I am not informed whether it really exists, or whether it has been sought for or thought to be desirable by government. It is represented that there have been strong objections felt and urged in Sweden to having any connection with disputes between Denmark and Germany, and yet that Sweden might have still stronger objections to seeing any German power make further advances on the shores of the Baltic and the narrow waters, lest, in another quarter, that fact might be held to demand and justify “compensation,” in a direction most objectionable to Sweden. Those who take this view, and who most desire a Scandinavian alliance, are quite confident that it was owing to objections and influences from St. Petersburg that the contemplated and nearly completed alliance was broken off in 1863, just before the war about the duchies. These matters belong, for the present, so much to the domain of conjecture and speculation, that I mention them only to indicate to you the current of thought among many intelligent and official people in northern Europe.
The late elections in Denmark indicate the final ratification and adoption of the new constitution, as prepared and submitted by the lately dissolved Rigsraad. The object and general scope of the proposed changes, made necessary mainly by the loss of the two duchies, have been pointed out in a former despatch.
I discover that the hope entertained here in regard to Schleswig, and mentioned in my last despatch, is by many extended to the whole of that duchy, and not merely to a part of it. I am strengthened in the opinion, heretofore expressed, that this government desires to avoid the war, and that its participation, should that for any reason be determined upon, would be against Prussia.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.