The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-06-21
SVE DEN CONSENTS
To MAKE TERMS
WITH STORTH|NG
Will Negotiate for Set
tlenent of Affairs
With Norway.
KING OSCARS SPEECH
Pathetic Utterances of Mon
arcl1-Declares He Has
Played Fair.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. June M.-The
government this morning introduced q
bill in the riksdag asking authority 10
enter into negotiations with the Norwe-
gian storthiag to draw up a conditional
settlement Of affairs between the two
nations which were formerly united.
The premier, in an explanation to the
riksdag, declared that the interests Of
Sweden would In no way be served by
resorting to coercive acts In an effort to
bring Norway back into the union.
King Oscars Speech
King Oscar. who has been deeply af-
fected by the revolt of Norway from
his rule, made a pathetic speech on the
subject Of the dissolution of the union
to the council Speaking to the council
the King said:
1T is a painful step which the coun-
Gil Of state calls on me TO take. My
conscience tells me that have, dur
ing my long reign. always striven to-
ward the object / had in mind at the
time of my accession. namely the well
fare Of the brother peoples
1t Is truly painful to ne to contrib
ute to the dissolution of a union in
which thought saw the independence.
security, and happiness of the united
kingdom. If. however. I am ready &,
act thus. 1t is in order to avoid a. still
worse evil. and In the conviction that
the union without mutual accord would
orlnS no real advantage to Sweden.
Conscience Is Clear.
have acted in accordance with my
conscience and always in conformity
with the constitution. and with the de-
sire to work conscientiousiy for the
true welfare of the two peoples
TherA Dill presented to the riksdaR
does NOT aim at replying to injustice
by acts ofScoercfon The union is not
worth the sacrifices which acts Of
whicf. Norwax would be forced In such
q manner would be of little value to
Sweden
In conclusion, the King expressed the
hope that the people of Sweden would
and that God would give them strength
and unity TO regain within their own
boundaries what they had lost In the
revolt Of Norway.
To Settle ALI Questions.
The council had been prepared for the
Kings declaration by the speech of
Premier Ramstedt, who preceded the
King. The premier declared that it is
indispensable that negotiations should
be entered into with Norway in order
that all questions between them may be
cleared UP and definitely settled.
He suggested the appointment of dele
gates TO accomplish this work Sweden,
he said. would not be in a position to
decide as to her defnitfve approval OF
the dissolution. and agree to the annul-
ing Of the act of union unit, conditional
settlement had been drawn up and fully
considered by the riksdag
The r0.,rc;1 fhe,,
which later was presented to the riks-
dag. which authorizes that the nego-
tiations shall be begun
AS Norway has offered TO meet
Sweden half way in endeavoring to
peaceably settle all questions relating
TO the dissolution, the action of today
would seem TO preclude anv possibility
of the two nations coming to blows
as has been feared.
Swedes Sympathetic.
There is a great deal OF sympathy
with the Norwegians among the
Sweden. who have opposed the move
ment rather from loyalty TO their
King than because they blame tho
storthing.
Among the unbiased literary class
there is only one opinion: that the
dissolution of the union. and the de-
fensiye alliance and close friendship
between the three Scandinavian coun-
tries which will surely follow, will bs
a blessing to all; while to attempt
to uphold it would be a source of
continuous quarrels even il Sweden
would be strong enough to force the
NorwegianS to submit.
There Is therefore little doubt that
the riksdag will indorse what appears
TO all to be the most sensible plan
TO recognize the free AND inc!epen0ent
kingdom of Norway, with Priece Charles
as the first King
A final decision may not be reached
for DAYS 10 conn