New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-20
A POET CALLED A TRAITOR.
BJOERNSON'S TROUBLES - SCANDINAVIAN
POLITICS.
ChristIanin. February IS.

Chrisanin, February IS.
Few men in Norway have occupied the piblic at
fentiOn so completely Of late Bjocrnstjerne Bioen-
son. the poet politician and novelist His hard, indie
pendent impetuous nature has brought trouble upon
his handsome head and filed his soul with bitter pangs.
Not that he regrets his words or has acted once con-
trary 10 his convictions But several papers have
Gently branded him with the Dame Of traitor" and
Che word has cut old to the heart. As In for
mer years Bjoernson took prominent part IN the cleo
toral campaign which closed short time ago with
magnificent vctoryfor the membcIs Of the Radical party
headed by Minister Steen lie is ardent advocate
Of the individual rights Of Norway ard completely and
thoroughly sympathizes with the Radical programme
OF universal suffrage, direct taxation, and separate
foreign representation for his country. His powerful
pen and eloquent tongue did valiant service in the
interest Of the successful party. Although he met
with strong opposition and criticism the part Of
the Conservatives and the Swedes for his active aid
the opposition and criticism were always respectful
and proper. But when he proposed with his usual
ardor 10 allow Russia for trade purposes, harbors
free OF Ice on the Norwegian coast" he aroused
OF opposition which will be GAINED for many
days. The opposition has extended far beyond the
borders Of the country. Not only in sweden. but In
Germany and the other countries OF the Triple Alliance
his suggestion has been received with mockery and
expressions Of horror. He has endeavored 10 defend
his statement and prove the advisabnty OF adopting
his proposition in various addresses and In letters TO
the native ana foreign press. Fut lie hardly been
successful, and few members of his party beyond
Virgo Cllmann, the new president Of the Storthing
have come to his rescue These results. BIoernson
feels deeply, and IN pathetic reioiner, declaring his
Intention TO prosecute the papers for libel he declared
4" II paper call traitor and remain
punished longer belong in this country, and must
away The suits against the journals will begin
soon, and ii is not impossible that he will have
chance to carry out his threat and leave the shores
Of his beloved Norway.
BJoernson also recently renowned the pension
which he received from the Norwegian Storthing.
For years he has been IN certain sense the poet
laureate OF the country and been the recipient Of
animal stipend Of $500. lie declined TO accept tho
gift longer. however, unless brother poet Keland,
became the object of Ike honor. There Is little
chance OF the realization OF this wish but people
naturally have praised tim unstintedly for his sacrifice
and his manly efforts in behalf Of less fortunate
colleague. Efforts will be made during the present
session OF Parliament induce him again to accept
Internationally the pension, which will then be
granted without delay.
Bjoernson passed his sixty first birthday on the
sth OF last December but he IS Young looking man,
and is stin gifted with fire and strength.
Although the Radicals secured their majority
mainly because Of their eloquent demands for a
separate Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Norway lat
present there is naturally only one Minister OF
Foreign Affairs for Norway and sweden, separate
Ministers and Consuls. It does probable that
tho demands will all be pressed during the present
session. The present Stor;hng will last until 1894.
the leaders think there will be time enough TO
accomplish their purpose
Various reasons have led Steen and his colleagues.
II Is said to this decision. The King and the swedish
Cabinet with all Sweden and rhe Norwegian Con-
servatves, oppose the proposed change with might
and main. King Oscar declared recently that 10
could not reconcile two Foreign Ministers with his
royal dignity. He offered. however. to follow the
example Of Austria in calling Iungarians 10 tbs
Premiership. and from time TO time TO place q Nor
wegan at the head OF the Department OF Foreign
Affairs Heretofore only swedes have occupied that
plnce fact that has long been CALLING 10 BOernsOn
and other patriots The King has also consented TO
consider the question Of the appointment Of separate
Norwegian Consuis In the principal ports OF Europe
and America.