New-York tribune., 1905-06-22
A PEACEFUL SEPARATION.
UNION TO BE DISSOLVED.
Sacedisk Rnssdag to -Vote Request
of King and Council.

Stockholm June 21.-The separation Of Nor
way and Sweden seems likely to be amicably ar
ranged by a 'modus vivendi between the two
countries While to-days session of the Riksdas
was marked by a determination not to admi;
the right of the Norwegian Storthing to pro-
claim the dissolution of the union the Mod
crates prevailed, and the request OF King Oscar
and the Council of State for authority to grant
the wish of the Norwegian people and dissolve
the union, but to preserve the friendly relations
of the two countries so as to insure cooperation
in the future viii be granted.
After long but dispassionate discussion of
his majesty's speech and the proposition of the
Council of State, both chambers decided in
favor of the governments request to appoint a
special committee of twenty-four members.
twelve from each house, to consider the matter.
King Oscar arrayed in the roy al robes of
purple and errnine. with the crown on his head
and the sceptre in his hand read his speech in
a sonorous voice. His majesty protested against
the charge that by violation of the constitu-
ton he had provoked the steps taken by Norway.
saying:
have acted in accordance with my conscience
and always in conformity with the constitution
and with the desire to work consctentiousiy for
the true welfare of the two peoples. The bill
presented to the Riksdag does not aim at reply
ing to injustice by acts of coercion. The union
is not worth the sacrifice which acts of coercion
would entail. A union into which Norway would
be forced in such a manner would be Of little
value to Sweden.
The King concluded with expressing the hope
that the Swedish people would be guided by
calrnness and prudence. and that God would
give them strength and unity to regain within
their own frontiers what they had lost by the
dissolution of the union.
Premier Ramstedt then recommended enter
guarantees should be obtained conducive
to the mutual welfare of the two countries. He
suggested that delegates be appointed to this
end. After several members had acquiesced
in the Premier's views King Oscar with visible
emotion spoke as follows:
1t is painful step which the Council of State
calls on to take. My conscience tells me that
l haze during my long reign always strlVen
toward the object had in mind at the time OF
my accession, namely the welfare of the brother
peoples 1t is truly painful to me TO contribute
TO the dissolution of union in which thought
1 the independence, security and happiness
of the united Kingdoms II, however L am
ready to act thus it is in order to avoid still
worse evil and in the conviction that the unon
without mutual accord would bring no real az
vantage to Sweden
Christiania. June 2i.-Reports of the proceed
ings of the Swedish Riksdag to-day were re-
ceved here with unconcealed pleasure. 1t is
believed that the whole question will now be
settled without serious difficulty.
In high Norwegian circles the belief is fncreas-
ing that King Oscars third son. Prince Carl.
will finally be seated on the throne OF Norway
The new government apparently has not
taken offence at the proposition that negotia-
tions be carried on directly with the Storthing
It's members say that the main point has been
gained namely that negotiations between the
two countries will be entered into, and that I'M
less Sweden imposes humiliating conditions
practical agreement will be easily reached.