Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The project of reform submitted by the King of Sweden and Norway to the Swedish Diet, a copy of which I had the honor to enclose with my despatch No. 31, of the 15th ultimo, has been adopted by that body. In an apparent minority at the commencement of the session, it gained advocates from the earnestness of the King and ministry as well as from the beneficent character of the measure itself, as discussion unfolded its merits.
In the house of peasants the vote was by acclamation, and was unanimously in favor of the proposition. In the house of burghers the vote was sixty for to five against the measure.
The opposition in the house of clergy withdrew, and those who remained voted for the proposed reform. In the house of nobles the debate on the bill was animated and able. It continued for several days, some sixty members having participated in the discussion. The Swedes (in general more apathetic than mercurial) were deeply interested in the results. Threats of revolution were freely made in case of the failure of the bill. Additional troops were stationed in and near Stockholm, and every precaution taken against popular violence. Some little turbulence was manifested. On the seventh instant the vote was taken in the house of nobles. Three hundred and sixty-one members voted for the reform, and two hundred and ninety-four recorded their votes against it. It was now the organic law of this land.
Thus has the Swedish Diet been consolidated into two houses, the electoral franchise been extended, and hereditary rights and customs have given way to more equal and popular representation, closely assimilated to our own national legislative system. An ancient nobility have voluntarily surrendered the last of their privileges for the good of their country, and before the practical and moral pressure of the age. Let it be written to the honor of the Swedes that this radical change has been effected under a monarchical form of government without violence or constraint of any kind. Who shall say that the great example of our own beneficent institutions has not had much to do with this and other liberal efforts in various directions.
In an interview with Count Manderstrom yesterday, I took occasion to congratulate him on the success of the reform bill. He remarked that he expected to be cordially congratulated on the adoption of so liberal a measure by the representative of the United States of America. It is due to that distinguished statesman to add that he gave to the bill his earnest support in the house of nobles, of which he is a member.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.