St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-08-13

s IsS@A7
MAIN SECTION OF THE sroRTHING AT
CHRISTIANIA.
world in all good works for the uplift-
ing Of mankind. Then, too, there are
so many of Scandinavias sons and
daughters in America that the Norwe-
gians feel almost akin to the people of
the United States.
When the international jubilee meet
ing of the Young Mems Christian asso-
citation was held in Boston a few years
ago, Norway was ably represented by
four delegates, who asked that the
next worlds conference be held in
Christiania, pledging the delegates a
cordial reception. That pledge will now
be redeemed in amplest measure. The
storthing or parliament, of Norway
has made a government appropriation
of 5000 kroners, and generous sums
have been contributed by the city and
private individuals for the entertain
ment of guests. 1t is expected that
there will be large attendance from
all parts of the Christian world.
Besides the sessions Of the Young
Mems Christian association conference
the visitors will find much to interest
and entertain them in the capital city
Of the Land Of the Midnight Sun,
which at this season Is at it's best.
Christiania is a modern and up to
date city, although in comparison with
the cities of the new western world it
Is an old city, and there still clings
about it the flavor of the old viking
days. The nucleus Of Christiania was
the ancient town of Oslo, east of the
present city, founded by King Harald
! Haardraada about the middle of the
eleventh century. 1t was the royal resi-
dence for 500 years. Oslo was burned
by its inhabitants to prevent its falling
into the hands of the Swedes, and then
in 1924 came King Christian Nv. of
Denmark and founded the present city,
which he called by his own name. 1t
was built up around the old castle of
Akershus, which is said to long ante
date the founding Of Oslo and which
escaped destruction when the latter
was burned. The castle stands upon a
promontory in the center of the city
overlooking the beautiful ford or bay
which forms the harbor Of Christiania
Ind Is more than thousand years old.
Here, the Norwegians tell us, dwelt
Harald Haafagar, the Fair Haired, who
made VOW that he would not cut his
hair or beard until he had united Nor
way under one government The one
thousandth anniversary of his success
was celebrated in 1872. Akershus was
the palace of the kings until 1740.
Time and the different dynasties have
wrought many changes in the ancient
pile, and it is now used as a barracks
Tor the little band of troops that garri-
IONS the city. 1t is proposed to restore
the old castle to it's original condition,
and fund for that purpose is being
raised by private subscription.
Among the reminders Of old Norwe-
gian days still extant is the Cathedral
G st. Halvard, where are buried sew
sral of the early kings Of Norway who
turned to ashes some seven or eight
centuries ago. This old church is the
most interesting because James 1. of
England, who translated the Bible into
English, and Anne of Denmark were
married before it's altar in 1899.
The royal palace, in which King Os-
,ar Of the dual kingdom of Sweden and
Norway is supposed to spend tire
months every year, occupies the mos
beautiful and commanding situation il
the city at the head Of the principa
street, but is an ugly structure built il
1S41, of brick and stucco and painted
gloomy orange. The parliament house
which they call the storthing, or "grea
meeting" place, is likewise a homel
structure of brick, without ornamental
ton, though the grounds and fountain
in front Of it are attractive and refresh
ing to the eye. In striking contrast t
these are the new National theater an
Masonic temple. which are fine exam