Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-16
Both because O, the important Scandinavian

Both because O. tho important Scandinavian
element in the origin Of tho English race and
the large influx into this country OF Scandi-
navians the question Of the independence Of
Norway a . republic is one Of peculiar interest
To intelligent Americans. The present liberal
ministry. headed by Steen. las been steadily
gaining ground since its accession The by
elections to the storthing or parliament have
gone, since the downfall OF the Stang con-
servatiye cabinet. In favor of the liberals. The
latter expect to have about forty majority in
tie new s:orthirg, to be chosen in December.
Not only DO they count upon an extension Of
the suffrage; the more startling question arises
Of the diplomatic representation of Norway
and the consequently increased influence of
that country IN foreign affairs, now managed
chiefly by the Swedish cabinet Of the king who
Is more a Swedish than Norwegian sover-
eign. While the prospect is favorable to the
steen ministry there are powerful obstacles in
the way Of the adoption Of the second PROPOSE
ton. Many Of the Norwegians would avoid an
open rupture with Sweden, and they fear
that this claim Of greater autonomy, which
II conceded would probably lead to the
dissolution Of the union between the two coun-
tries. would not only never be conceded by
Sweden, but II refused would result in war and
IN jeopardiziny the present substantial indie
pendence and cheap and gocd government Of
the country. Ia the Swedish official circles it is
stated that King Oscar will not accept the e.
forms proposed and will instead resort to
another dissolution OF the storthing. This
action would increase tic tension to the break
ing point if present indications be not decep-
tive. This same official circle at Stockholm is
ready with its Accusations against Steen and
bis friends, involving them IN plans for the
eventual ostablishment of a republic if the
s;orthings propositions rejected by the
king, and an inspired organ in Sweden en-
ceavors TO excite in Norway fear that net
only the tranquility and prosperity Of tie two
nations, but even their very existence, would
be menaeed- This might mean a conquest by
Germany, but probably refers 10 Russia Den
mark Is Ear less able than in the days Of Gus
tavus TasI, when she failed, to enforce q
reunion Of Calmar- A Scandinavian
federation of republics would be way
out of all troubles and embarrassments.
But against this. dethroring his father-in-
law, the Danish king, the car would take up
arms and England herself might feel like
becoming his ally, strange as it might appear.
on other than dynastic grounds. 1t is
probable, therefore, that the republican
movement, beginning in Norway, will be
confined to the northern peninsula for
years to come NorwaSs immediate future
will be moulded more by the results of the
great struggle soon to take place in Europe than
by her own actions. King Oscar is of French
descent and he strongly qympathizes with
France as against Germany. On the other
hand Sweden hates and fears Russia. and the
dreibund will doubtless hold cut the promise
Of recovery of Finland in the event of Swe- |
dens active cooperation to defeat the Franco
Russian coalition II Oscar sides with the drei-
brnd and Russia and France are beaten the !
dominating powers OF Europe will doubtless |
not only guarantee Oscar his present territory, |
Including Norway, but enlarge il at Eussia's !
expense II events should take different turn |
1t Is difficult to forecast what would become Of |
Norway. In the great modern rearrangements |
Of the map of Europe Norway has not been |
consulted hitherto, and probably will not be on |
this occasion The people Of the Scandinavian
peninsula are the best fitted of any in Europe
for republican independence, except, of course,
the English, whose government is already re-
publican in substance, and Americans will sym-
pathize with the Norwegian aspirations But
there are many obstacles in the way of the
speedy establishment Of the Norwegian repub- |
lie, and the tens of thousands who cross the |
ocean and make homes in our northwestern
country take the short and quick way to re- |
publican Independence.