Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Count Manderström, minister of foreign affairs, has rendered himself obnoxious to the war party and populace of Stockholm by his advocacy of armed neutrality (for the present) in the war now raging in Denmark. On Sunday last, the 6th of March, a large meeting, previously announced, was held by the friends of Denmark in favor of immediate action, at which resolutions were adopted by acclamation: First, that the cause of Denmark was just. Second, that the interests of Denmark and Sweden were identical. Third, that Sweden was anxious and ready to give national aid in men and money to the extent of her ability. Fourth, they called upon the government to take prompt action before it was too late—before Denmark was crashed by the mere force of numbers. In the evening the populace assembled in the square of Gustavus Adolphus, to the number of three or four thousand, to express their approval of the resolutions of the meeting. Afterwards they paraded through the principal streets, cheering in front of the palace and before the residence of the Danish minister; hooting and other evidences of dislike under the windows of the ministers of Prussia and Austria. They then in mass proceeded to the residence of Count Manderström, before which they remained until long after midnight, calling Count M., in ridicule, the “great minister of war,” and other names of opprobrium common to excited multitudes, but doing no act of violence. On Monday, the 7th, it was rumored through the city that a more violent demonstration of dislike would be made against Count Manderström that evening. On Monday morning I had my customary conference with Count Manderström; he informed me he had no apprehensions of danger; that he mingled with the crowd the evening previous, to whom he was well known; no personal violence was offered or insulting language used to him by any one; that a mob in Sweden were good-natured and kept within the law, which apparently was the fact, as I never saw a more polite, well-behaved, orderly assembly than that of Sunday night. On Monday night, about 7 o’clock, the crowd commenced collecting in front of the hotel of Count Manderström, and as they increased in number they became more violent in language, employing terms of reproach the most contemptuous and scurrilous, and then proceeded to acts by smashing in the windows with stones. The military were called out, but before their arrival two fire-engines were ordered to play on the assembled multitude, which created much merriment, and seemed by magic to divert the riotous from the object of their gathering, changing the current of their feelings into a new channel, and before the military arrived, or with their arrival, they quietly dispersed. Neither on Sunday nor Monday was a blow struck; a few arrests were made by the police, but no personal violence on either side. On Tuesday (yesterday) [Page 360] the city was in great ferment. It was said and feared that the mob, emboldened by previous impunity, would now proceed to acts of great outrage. During the day the mayor of the city issued his proclamation, warning the public that no crowds would be suffered to collect in the squares or streets; that they would be dispersed by force, with infantry and cavalry, also calling on all good citizens to assist in preserving the peace. The precautions taken and measures adopted by the city authorities were most excellent. As fast as the rioters arrived in the square of Gustaf Adolph they were arrested, or permitted, on their promise, to return home, so that at no time were they able to collect to the number of twenty-five. To-day all apprehensions have subsided, so complete was the failure of the demonstration on the part of the riotous last night, and so thorough the victory of the authorities.
His Majesty leaves Stockholm on Friday, March 10, to open a special session of the Norwegian Storthing, in Christiana, assembled by his Majesty’s proclamation, to take into consideration the present complications in the north of Europe, and provide for the defence of Norway. No Norwegian troops can be marched out of Norway (even for the defence of Sweden) without the previous consent of the Storthing, nor can the navy be employed for offensive purposes without the same permission. In other words, so thin is the thread which connects Sweden and Norway (outside of identical interests) that a declaration of war by Sweden against a foreign power does not necessarily commit or involve Norway; a declaration of war must also be made by the King of Norway, with the sanction of the Storthing, and vice versa.
There are indications that the German powers are somewhat dissatisfied with the results of the invasion of Denmark. Austria is said to be especially discontented. Most strenuous are the efforts made (except by France) to bring the war to a speedy conclusion, for it is most evident should the war be prolonged through the spring and summer it will involve all Europe.
I remain your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, U. S. of A.