The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-08-07
KING OSCAR il.
His Keen Interest In Kindly Nature 81
His People.

His People.
American correspondents who visit
Sweden never tire Of writing about
King Oscar II. Though he can, be as
imperious as his imperial highness,
Wilhelm II. on occasions, he is ordi-
narily pleasing and gracious, and I'M
:variably extends the "glad hand" to
journalists. The correspondent of the
Pittsburg Gazette tells very charac-
teristic story which he prefaces by
his personal opinions regarding the
king:
king Oscar of Sweden has most
interesting personality. Tall, we'll
built and handsome, in youth he must
have been the ideal fairy prince of the
children's fairy tales. Possessing
also a clear, well-trained mind, and a
benevolent, gracious nature, he is the
fittest of rulers for a people them
selves at once simple and intelligent,
kindly and shrewd.
That he is universally beloved and
respected goes without saying, and he
returns in full measure the affection
of his subjects.
He has many plans for their ad
yancement, is an enthusiastic patron
Of literature and the fine arts, and ever
ready to assist all worthy Industrial
enterprises.
He is particularly anxious that HIS
people should stand we'll in the estima.
ton of other nationalities, and once re-
marked:
"My people may not be as artistic
as the Italians, nor such deep students
as the Germans, nor such thorough.
going business people as the Ameri
cans, but firmly believerthey are the
best, the kindest, the most thoroughly
polite people-with the politeness that
comes from the heart and is not a
mere veneer-on the face of :, the
EARTH"
The question he, oftenest asks of
strangers is, "Do you find my people
kindly?"
And it is the sign of his own gentle
nature that he values this character
istic so highly.
He is the terror of unjust judges
for the poorest and humblest of his
subjects may appeal personally to him
for redress of their grievances. -
A case of this kind occurred not long
since. ~ ...
A very poor peasant was drawn into
difficulty with a neighbor, which in
volved the loss of everything he pos
sessed on earth. The matter was
brought before the resident judge who
taking offense at what he considered
the disrespectful demeanor of the
peasant, decided the case against hkn
although justice was clearly on his
side. x~..
The man at once set out on foo,
for Stockholm to lay the matter before
the king.
After a tiresome journey of three
weeks he reached the Swedish capital
and presented himself, ragged ane
travel-stained, before King Oscar. The
kings words were characteristic-no
"How dare you appear before your
sovereign in this condition." but, my
man, you look tired and hungry. c.
with one of my servants and get some
food and rest for awhile, and the1
come back"
The poor fellow, almost faintins
with hunger and fatigue, was led away
to a hearty meal and comfortable
couch, returning refreshed andilaid his
case before the king, whose, brow:
darkened in the hearing.
1.-THE matter shall be thoroughly in
vestigated, and, if you have told the
truth it shall go hard with the judge
Here is money to pay your way tt
your home and provide for your tenn
porary wants"
The matter was probed to the bot
tom and the judge suffered a heav!
fine and Imprisonment, with. Of course
the loss of his position.