The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-17
Swedes Are s2econing Resigned to the
Dissolution IF the Union of the
Brother Peoples
Much Red Tape and Conservatism
Must Be Overcome Before For
NAL Action Can Be Taken.
By w. B. CHAMBERLAIN,
MANAGING Editor Of The journal.

turned over the reins of government
to his son, the crown prince. The last
time, it will be remembered, he dele
gated to Prince Gustaf the task of
dealing with the Norwegian cabinet
which insisted on consular indepen-
dence. But when it began to appear
that Gustaf had not the firm hand
needed, the king again took up his
duties and brought the matter to
quick crisis.
The wonderful thing about it is
that this crisis has acted on Oscar like
a powerful tonic. He has developed
unsupported energy and initiative. He
drives everywhere in his open carriage,
receiving the plaudits of the people.
In his open-hearted, democratic way
he receives deputations and del
egations. He dispatches affairs with
strong hand and has proved a posi-
tive force in moving toward the set
Element of the problem.
Love for the Monarch.
The Swedes love their old king and
they are so proud of the way he has
risen to the emergency that 100000 of
them, Stockholmers all, marched out to
his summer palace one night about ten
days ago and presented their loyal re-
=, spects. Mindful Of the divinity that
doth hedge about king, the great
crowd watched from distance while
its delegates approached A large,
open space was thus left in front of
the palace. But this did not at all
suit King Oscar. Appearing on a bal.
cony, his gray locks barred to the
breezes, he beckoned them all within
hearing.
"Come up near me,' he said. "You
are alI"my good friends and I want
are not afraid Of your old king. are
you? Come right up this way, all of
, you.' It was from his heart he spoke
And from this picturesque little Incl
dent one may gain some inkling Of the
9 reason for the kings great popularity
in Sweden.
: In the gorgeous and highly forma
; ceremony of June 20, when the king
a received the riksdag in the throne
q room and read his speech from thu
) throne, his voice was loud and clear
e his attitude firm and noble. Oscar il
d fine orator, looks every inch king
+ and makes a fine impression on sucl
l. an occasion. But in spite of his firm
ness he had the great good sens
to maintain a pacific attitude. H.
O pointed out that, tho the storthins
v had, from his point of view, acted NE
r. gally, resort to force would rende
It necessary far greater sacrifices thai
h the value of the union to the securit,
h of the Scandinavian peoples warranted
a And there was little surprise when h
" recommended that the riksdag let Nor
Il way go her way absolutely withou
j. conditions of any kind.
4 And so the king passed over to tn
= riksdag the main question Of the disse
"a luton of the union together with all tn
20 numerous questions growing out of il
Is And with this tremendous subject tn
1t riksdag is struggling. But there ha
"a been no unseemly haste in the matter
ID far from it. Immediately after the pr,
,e liminaries had been disposed Of and til
III kings communications had been n
v. ceived, there was an adjournment t
re permit of the proper celebration Of til
ne midsummer holidays, so dear to til
in hearts of all Swedes. Not until yeste
at day did the riksdag begin actual an
or practical discussion of the problem.
Naturally there are many opinions ;
to what should be done. But this ma
W, be said with gertrude: The riksdag wi
to not favor the dissolution Of the unic
. until certain guarantees have bee
he given by Norway as to railroad ma
Oh tiers, tariffs, coinage and other polite
W. commercial matters, and as to the di
Id mantling of the Notifications erect'
id by Norway on the frontier, which a
ut considered an intolerable menace.
lp- these I shall tell you in another lette
he Meanwhile committee of the ty
err houses of the riksdag is meeting secre
is ly in an endeavor to arrive at sor
ars practical solution of the problem. e
ed Tomorrow will be told the story
las the debate in the riksdag.l