New-York tribune., 1896-10-04
An ANGRY KING.

BITTER WORDS OF OSCAR OF SWEDEN.
The dispute between Norway and Sweden which
has ragged with less bitterness for the
last decade has become more acute since the re-
turn or Dr. Nansen from his expedition the
North Pole. 1t has reached point in fact that
ieads many people to expect serious trouble. The
Radicals. one of whose leaders is the famous poet.
Bjornstjernc Bj6rnson, whose ardent desire is to
make q republic Of the western part of Scandi-
navia. have Used the explorer. in truth. a means
TO their end and Nansen apparently has cast his
lot willingly with them. Leaving out of consdera-
ton the merits Of the political question: II Is n
pity that he should lend himself at the moment of
MS scientific triumph to political intrigue.
But this evidently he had determined TO do before
MS return 10 civilization. for on the mast of the
Fran as she sailed from the frozen north home
ward bound was the single flag of Norway. and
not me swedish Norwegian ensign. Nansen's fell
low Republicans in Chrstiania therefore were not
surprised when, at the great festival his honor.
ne poured out his soul In plea for Independent
Norway. But there one man from whom
every word drew bood-King Oscar the scholarly
occupant OF the double throne Although the sym
pathics OF all Americans are naturally with Nor
way In It's longing to become republic King
oscar II must be admitted. had reason to expect
less reactionary course from Nansen. His Maj
esty has not forgotten that II was his financial
aid which-after the refusal of the Norwegians TO
appropriate a sufficient amount-enabled the ex-
plorer TO undertake his hazardous expedition
Ihe King has been obliged to submit to sights
OH many occasions in Norway I'm the last ten years
and has a hard time in preventing the Norwegian
storthins from refusing to appropriate It's part OF
the royal salary. appanage. But nothing that
mas happened heretofore has so excited him led
"'Ii u express himself so openly have the in
cidents subsequent to the return OF his proteea
The reception in honor OF Nansen in Christiania
III fact. was at the same time almost a demonstra- :
ton against the King. Although the explorer was
received as returning Victor, the King upon his
arrival AT the station 10 take part In the welcome
was hardly noticed But he did not let this prevent
MIN from giving gala dinner at the castle in
honor OF the returning traveller. He used the
OCCASION however. express in no uncertain vay
his opinion OF the course things had taken ONLY
one TOAST was given, and this by the King
hiniself, for Nansen But the toast became a
speech of unexpected bitterness. After referring
TO the fact that II had often been said that he was
no Norwegian. but stranger. the King turned de-
hantly TO the Radical leader ex-Minister Steen
VINO sat at his side. and shaking his finger sig
nihcantly he continued: 81 look upon IL not only as
my holy duty. but also consider 1t my rrevoca bic
right TO be here the interpreter of the feelings
OF my Norwegian subjects
No one replied TO the King. of course. and the
guests were glad when the time came 10 leave the
castle. But His Majesty's remarkable assertion
was soon uhder discussion from one end OF Scand-
gauntlet to Norway.
The Indignation of the King grew as he reflected
upon the course Of affairs and he decided attend
more OF the series OF entertainments honor Of
Nansen. on the morning following the castle din
ner he received several newspaper correspondents.
and spoke with II freedom and Indignation seldom
known III monarch. To one OF them he said: Il
have very difficult place. and admit that the
future fills me with misgivings. The Norwcsians
follow politics more than any other people. That
has caused many unhappy hour already
but with the help OF God" and here the King
raised his voice and his eye bore determined ookp
II shall attain my goal, ] am. and shall remain.
King of Norway 1t IL hard battle-I shall con-
qucr.
In Sweden It has long been believed that Emperor
William has King Oscar secret member
OF the Triple Alliance. The Norwegian H~dicas are
bitter at this. they In II a danger for tho
expected Norwegian independence
But the dispute. to which fire has been added by
Nanscns return viii likely end sooner or later In
the Republic OF Norway