The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-11-12
RECEIVED BY KING OSCAR,
An interviewer Enlightens the
Ruler of Sweden as to
American Newspapers.
There Is Nothing Particularly New in
Reference to the Swedish-Nor-
wegian Crisis.
Special Correspondence of THE CALL.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, Oct 25.-
Through the courtesy of Thomas Fer
guson, the American Minister to Stock
holm, l was recently granted an audience
with King Oscar. 1t was the first time I
faced royalty, but as his Majesty received
me very kindly I felt, indeed, at ease.
The King asked several questions in regard
to America and American institutions and
took a special interest in inquiring about
the plan upon which metropolitan Jour-
nal is conducted IN the United States.
Having heard of The United Press and
the Associated Press. his Majesty also
asked some questions in regard to these
great newspaper organizations, which |
did my best to answer, explaining the
way OF their business methods and furnish
ing of news to their hundreds of subscrib-
ers. AT the. same time L presented the
King with a catalogue of all the most
prominent papers published in the United
States, which list he seemed to look
through not en- PEASANT only, but, indeed,
very carefully. The same may be said IN
regard to several newspaper articles con-
corning Sweden published in American
papers.
While reading his Majesty seated him.
self in chair near the window. Stand
ing at some distance l Lad the best view
IF the grandson of Bernadotte His
Majesty does not look the sixty-six years
he carries on his shoulders. His carriage
is yet stately and erect, and his manly,
beautiful face makes an impression that
will not easily be forgotten. OF him may
indeed be said that che is every inch
king" Having probably been informed
by the court chamberlain of my being a
naturalized American citizen his Majesty,
while addressing me, prefixed the 'Mr."
to my name, something which [ have
heard he does not do when speaking to
Swedish subjects.
Hagerup, the newly appointed leader of
the Norwegian Cabinet, is the first Minis
ter of State in Christiania whose name
does not begin with an "s." His prede-
decessors have been Stang CD, Selmer,
Sverdrup, Stang (E.), Steen and Stang
(E). There is nothing new to tell in re-
gard to the Swedish orwegian crisis.
The question may be said to stand at
about the same point. However, the VIC
lent language of the newspapers of both
countries has in most cases been succeeded
by more peaceable discussion as to the
difficulties of the union. The Russian
newspaper, the Novosti, while treating the
subject In an editorial has the following
to say: "Of course, the Swedish Norwe-
gian conflict is of great Importance to
Russia. Being the proximate neighbor of
Sweden and the ally of Denmark, Russia
feels an earnest interest in the final result
of this critical conflict. The question is
also one of vital Importance to Germany,
which power endeavors to get Sweden and
Norway to join issue with the triple al
lance. If the union of 1914 be dissolved
it will be difficult to guarantee the peace
of Northwestern Europe"
The Swedish Government is going to
ask the next Riksdag for heavy appropria-
tons for the naval defense. In order to
make Sweden strong naval power eleven
ironclads of the first class will be added to
the four now in use, and several new tor
pedo-boats are also to be built. Stimuli
taneously rumor leaks out that the Gov
eminent will ask the Diet to grant an APP
preparation for the fertilization of Boden,
strategically important place in North
ern Sweden, which it is the intention to
make capable of garrisoning an army of
80, 900 men.
According to what is whispered within