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When all danger from the piratical states had ceased with the
conquest of Algiers in 1830, the Storthing, in 1836, claimed that
a constitutionally originated merchant flag should receive universal
recognition, and that the colours and marks on the union-flag should
indicate more fully and clearly Norway’s equality with Sweden in
the union. A motion was simultaneously brought in to legalise
the Norwegian flag of 1821. The sudden dissolution of the
Storthing, however, prevented this matter from coming under discussion,
while in the year following, it was laid before the king in the
above-mentioned address, as a general wish of the people. In reply
to this, the king, in 1838, conceded to Norwegian merchant-ships
the right of using the national merchant-flag in all waters. This
arrangement, although it was greeted with universal rejoicing, was
not final, as the national flag was not fully recognised by the
state, its use being only optional in addition to the naval flag.
Concerning this, in the main Swedish, flag, it was declared in the
address, that «the nation saw in it an ignoring of Norway’s
legitimate claims, that was mortifying to their national feelings».
With regard to the protection of Norwegian interests in the
discussion of diplomatic affairs, a change was made. The
Norwegians had hitherto had no influence here, but by a royal decree
of the 13th April, 1835, it was ordained that when the Swedish
minister for foreign affairs brought forward matters touching the
relations of the united kingdoms or of Norway with foreign powers,
the Norwegian prime minister, or some other member of the cabinet,
should be present. It was declared in the address of 1837, that
in this resolution, the nation would see an initiatory step towards
an arrangement whereby matters touching Norway’s relations with
foreign countries could be attended to in a proper and satisfactory
manner.
On the 30th January, 1839, Carl Johan appointed a
committee consisting of 4 Norwegians and 4 Swedes, who were to
consider the union questions that had been raised by the Storthing’s
address of 1837. While this first union-committee was sitting, the
question of a complete re-making of the Act of Union was raised
by the Stockholm section of the Norwegian council. At first this
proposal did not meet with the approval of the government; but
the powers of the committee were extended to undertake a
comprehensive revision of this kind. Before the committee had ended
their labours. Carl Johan died (8th March, 1844), and his
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