davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

roar. There were deep breaths. glad
eyes and hearts fun of prayer and
patriotic fervor. But look or hand
clasp is often more eloquent and more
in good taste than shout-at least
so the simple Morse folk think.
What the outcome may. be who can
tell? There are wars and rumors of
wars, but not for these people. The
two nations are too much like brothers
to fight. Among the more radical
there is talk of a republic. A bold
spirit like Nansen might even precfpi-
tate such a thing, but Nansen has said
that he will accept no once. Oscar has
refused to let any OF his offspring take
the throne. There have been PROPOSE
lions looking to the election to the
crown of Prince Waldemat, brother of
Queen Alexandra Of England and
youngest son of King Christian of Den
mark 1t should be said in passing that
the Danes ara in thorough sympathy
with the Norwegians in the step that
has been taken. But England is not
pleased, and. Russia, the ancient foe
of the Scandinavian, is looking on with
greedy eyes.
One possible outcome is foreshadow-
ed. which would be welcomed by the
whole world. That would be a Scandi-
naviap union of Sweden, Denmark and
norway. mere WOu4Q De a AallCA worm
while. Such a result would not be
more remarkable than that achieved by
Bismarck in the union Of the German
states. The three north countries are
bound together by many memories, in
teFests and common ties There might
be friction. Political parties in our own
land are not without friction, but some
one has happily said of it that it
ceases at the waters edge" The ami
mosities between the Scandinavian
peoples might be expected to end at
the boundary lines of the empire Gre
ated by their union. The ever present
menace of Russian aggression may
force this pooling of issues.
All this. however, is in the future. In
the meantime nothing can be done IN
til the meeting of the Swedish rigstag.
Oscar, in the vernacular of our own
politics, is standing pat. The Norwe-
gians are ready to fight for their in
dependence without expecting to be
compelled to do so. Some Of the lead
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

and better man than both of them rolled
into one, but he in a degree is sharing
their fate. If all the kings were Berna-
dottes the tendency toward revolt
might be temporarily checked, but I'M
fortunately-or is it fortunately ?-they
are not. The tide of the sea did not
stop for the royal broom of Canute nor
does the tide of progress stop for the
royal good of Oscar II.
The Norwegian storthing. represent
ing the will OF sovereign people, Is
supreme over it's own. Not with indie
cency and haste. but gently and in
order, it has declared the old regime
ended and the new regime begun. When
TIE supreme action was taken there
was no cheering either within or with
out the chamber. The gray headed
legislators, as they left the hall. were
received by the multitude, as the tot
tering Charles XIV. had been, with re-
spectful and sympathetic silence-not
that they were falling; they were ris-
ing. But the throne Of Oscar II. was
topping. and this hush was somewhat
out of kindness toward him. It was
a momentous thing that was happen
ing. The finger of fate was writing an
edict for the children of the north. As
men are silent in the sacred air of a
cathedral or before q grave, so were
they quiet in the face of this burial Of
the old, this uplifting of another order.
There was no apathy indicated by the
lack of noise-rather q. deep and reYer-
ent determination. There had been
plenty of enthusiasm a few days be-
fore. when DR.. Fritjof Nansen, the
famous arctic explorer. had declared
before a great audience at -Christiania
that the time for Independent action
had come. And when leading literary
man proposed that this same Nansen
should lead the people there had been
such a burst of cheering as had never
been heard in the old Morse capital.
But now that separation actually had
come It was too grave time Ter uQ-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24
ne Present Anomalous Condition In Scandinavia
A Complication Which Would Ordinarily Mean We

much alike. their very similarity made
them, as was once said by an English
after dinner speaker concerning the
English and American languages, ian
unrivaled medium of mutual mIsap-
prehensiOn." Sweden is more popu-
lous, weather. and more powerful than
her neighbor to the west; hence she
is more conservative. These facts
created in the minds of the Norwe-
gians a constant fear OF the invasion
Of their liberties. A growing irritation
and protest resulted. The strain
wearied King oscar, who is now past
seventy-six years of age, and early in
the present year he practically aban-
doned his throne to his eldest son,
Grown Prince Gustavus.
The king himself is very popular in
both countries. but this popularity does
not extend to Gustavus, who has been
acting as regent. The Crown Princess
Victoria is related to the present en-
peror Of Germany and holds that mon
arch's views relating to the divine
right of kings. Gustavus naturally
shares these ideas. which are not well
come to the liberty loving Scandina-
vians. The unassuming Oscar. who
mingles freely with his subjects, tall,
blue eyed, capable, a writer of books.
a poet, an orator. accomplished in
many lines and withal a love COM
pelIing and kingly soul, has spoiled his
people so they cannot look on smaller
man than himself. The whole world
has regarded Oscar as the ideal ruler.
Whenever international questions were
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

ing Swedish statesmen are quoted. as
saying that they will not resort to
arms; that Norway's fate can be on
her own head. But there is always the
hothead element to be dealt with, and
the situation is delicate. Here is the
place for the diplomat and the political
tactician. The SWedes are cheering
their popular king, and Crown Prince
Gustavus has hurried home from the
German wedding. This is the situation.
F'raught as it is with possibilities, no
one can tell what a month viii bring
forth. Yet the probability is that the
separation will be allowed to stand.
Sweden is rich, conservative and some
what aristocratic. The people are fair
Iy prosperous and contented and do not
wish to be disturbed. If Norway wants
to go-welI. so much the worse for Nor
way. If she cannot appreciate her
blessings, what would you? Sweden
can take care of herself, as she always
has done Her outside alliances have
been changed, she has lost her Baltic
provinces and Finland, but in herself
she has never been conquered. She
would protect Norway, but If Norway
does not desire protection so be- it.
This, in a word, is the Swedish attf-
tude. In truth, except for the fact that
they have had a common king the two
countries have never been united any
way. So the Swedish subject is not
much concerned about the matter.
It is otherwise, however, with King
Oscar. He has been the ruler of both
countries. So, in the last analysis, the
decision rests with him. It is safe to
say that Sweden is so loyal to him in
other things that If he expresses a de-
sire in this she will feel herself bound
to follow him There are Norwegian
representatives to the general rigstag,
which meets on June 26. and they viii
report back to their nation
Thus both countries are practically
waiting on Oscar. He is the key to the
situation. His personality always in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

of a French field marshal, his is to be
the throne once occupied by the great
warrior kings, Charles XII. and Gusta-
Vus Adolphus. Can the successor of
such men permit this thing to be done
without raising a hand?
And what viii the royal family say?
What viii be the voice of the crown
princess and future queen, she the rela-
tive of the fmperious German William,
the unbending defender Of royal prerog-
alive? There are so many influences
entering into the doings of kings that
one never can tell.
Queen Sophie. the wife of King Os-
car, is the daughter of the late Duke
William of Nassau. She brought a
very considerable private fortune to
her royal consort, which was welcome,
because the revenues voted the crown
by Sweden and Norway are not large.
The royal pair have four sons, Gus
tavus, aged forty-eight. who win be
king himself if not "revoluted" out Of
Office before he gets it; Oscar, who calls
himself simply Prince Bernadotte, for
the reason that he gave up his rights
to the throne for the purpose of marry
ing Miss Munck, who is not royal and
therefore could not be queen; Charles
and Eugene, both of whom are inter-
esting enough in their way, but are too
far from the throne TO count crown
Prince Gustavus married Victoria,
daughter of the Grand Duke Of Baden.
who, as has been stated before. is close
" related 10 the Kaiser Wilhelm. The
crown princes eldest son, who, of
course, is in the line of succession, is
soon to be married to the Princess Mar
garet Of Connaught-
One of the most interesting charae-
ters in the present mixup is N. Michel
son, the Norwegian premier, on whose
shoulders the government Of his coun-
try has practically fallen. He is able,
dignified and conscientious. On this
issue he has behind him an absolutely
united country, and that is no small
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24
PROTECTING THE CAR.

The army and police are the powerful
bodyguards Of the car. Regiments Of
soldiers are stationed near each palace,
and selected troops are detailed for
duty in courtyards and buildings.
where they form a Gordon around the
imperial apartments. In addition to
the regular uniformed police who pa
troll the streets with, particular care
When the car is passing, there is a
large body of secret police, whose duty
It is to discover and Illustrate any pos
! sible plot against him.
They have agents in Berlin, London,
Paris. Buenos Ayres, New York, Chi
cago and Paterson, N. ]. Spies are in
every city in Russia and in every de-
partment of life The censorship Of
mails and telegraphs. the passport sys-
tenn, the protection of frontiers, the
compulsory announcement of arrivals
and departures to the police by every
householder-au these are parts of the
same system whose principal aim is the
protection of the emperor.
When the car travels other people
wait Not only stations, but entire rail-
ways, may be blocked for hours at a
time. Between st. Petersburg and
Tsarskoe-Selo a special line, with a pri-
vate station at each end, has been built
for the exclusive use of the imperial
family. Every yard of it is guarded
constantly and particularly when 3
train is to pass.
The emperor goes about st. Peters,
burg streets without a military guard.
He may be seen: driving down the
Nevsly prospect in an open sleigh or
carriage drawn by a swift black horse
without footman. About 200 feet be-
hind him. however, a police official is
sure to follow. For many years this
escort duty fell to General Kleisels.
project of the st. Petersburg police,
who has recently. been appointed, gov
ernor of the province OF Kiev. The
prefectship is now one of the duties OF
General Trepoff.
The Car Nicholas appears to be per-
/ sonally courageous and goes out a good
/ DEAL while his father, who lived under
the terror inspired by the murder Of
| Alexander II, was harassed with con-
/ tinual fear. At Tsarskoe- SelO and Pc
terhof, his two favorite residences, he
| is understood to occupy small villas in
! the grounds in preference to the large
palaces. He does not love pomp. He
| often attends theaters, but rarely con-
| certs or balls. lie always arrives late
and never until the secret police have
reported that no suspected or unknown
persons nave procured FQu1tLdnce.
The car is not so carefully guarded
| that an evil disposed person could not
sooner or later find an opportunity to
make an attempt on his life. Reliance
seems to be placed in the ability of the
police to keep persons who might be
I dangerous out of his vicinity Ee is
| under closer surveillance when in his
| apartments than at any other time.
The military guards inside the palace
are never seen by the public. They are
intended as a precautfon against pos
sible conspiracies in high quarters
rather than against individual intrud-
ers, who are held off by the soldiers and
police agents at the doors and gates.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

arch could be selected. While this &C
ton was supported by a unanimous
vote Of both houses, the storthing ex-
pressed the kindest feeling toward
king oscar and his family and asked
him to nominate some one OF his sons
OF grandsOns, known as the Bernadotte
princes, to occupy the vacant throne.
The king vigorously protested against
the entire proceeding. but as there
seems to be no disposition on the part
of Sweden to use force in continuing
the union the independence of Norway
would seem to be an accomplished fact
While the demand for a separate
diplomatic and consular corps was the
immediate cause that brought about
disruption, back of this We're other
apd graver questions Norway is very
= emocratic and long has yearned for
freedom This desire has been mani
Tested on many occasions, not the least
OF which was at the GROWING of the
present king in 1872. There are dis
similarities between the two peoples
Each has its own flag and its own
language. While the two tongues are
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

thing. If Russia were as united as Ja-
pan--but that is beside the subject.
One story of Oscar is not out Of
place, inasmueh as it involves A. news
paper reporter. and reporters are al
ways in order. Oscar was going to de-
liver a speech TO something or other,
and this particular scribe wanted an
advance copy. The king is so demo.
cratic that he cuts all the red tape pos
sibie so his subjects can get to him
without any circumlocutiOn, which they
do in large numbers. The reporter
went direct to headquarters and was
told by his sovereign that his speeches
7yere mostly Of the extemporaneouss
right off the bat sort and therefore
nothing had been written The reporter,
after the manner of his kind, was per-
sistent, so the tallest and best monarch
in Europe unbended, took the scribe in
to his private car and dictated a speech
that could appear in the morning pa
per.
And he does many little like kind
nesses- That man is a good enough
democrat to live in the United States
A great many of his countryrnen do
live here, and, by the way, they are
mighty good citizens.
For that reason, and others, the
American people extend their best
wishes to both Norway and Sweden in
their present trouble. Nay they join
with Denmark and make a united Scan
dinavia that can make Russia take to
the icebergsl J. A. EDGERToN,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24
PRINCE WALDEFTAR
OF DENr1ARK

qualities which have made his descend
ants so popular at home and abroad.
Oscar L, who assembled the throne in
1874, married Josephine, daughter of
Eugene Beauharnais and granddaugh-
ter of the Empress Josephine. This
Oscar was one of the most popular of
modern Swedish kings. Affable, demo-
cratic, progressive, he combined in a
rare way both the finer qualities of the
artist and the manly strength of the
man who does things. 1t is related that
on one occasion the Emperor Nicholas
I. invited him to join forces with Rus
STA in the Crimean war. Oscar politely.
refused. Put what" said the Russian
envoy. would happen if my master
should object to your neutrality and
should send 100000 men into Sweden to
inquire into matters?" SAY to your
master" replied Oscar, that he would
do well in such case to send 10000
men within a week afterward to try
to find out what had become of the
first 100000
The present King Oscar is the son of
Oscar / and Josephine. The ruler of
today did not ascend the throne. how
ever, Immediately on his fathers death,
which occurred in 1859. An elder
brother. Charles XIV, reigned for thir-
teen years. Charles was even more
AUGIdIs progressive ana ullaSSufIllIl5
than his father. He used to exchange
places with his groom and other at
tendants about court and get out of
the king business as much as possible.
Come to think of it, this thing of be-
ing placed eternally on a pedestal must
be rather Wearisone, especially to a
real flesh and blood man, such as these
Bernadottes seem to have been. II all
the royal nobodies could forget the fuss
and feathers and be more like plain
human beings they would doubtless in
crease both their comfort and popu-
larity. Blue blood may be good thing.
but red blood is better. The demo-
cratic virus has got into the veins Of
the nations, and it is impossible TO
eradicate it. The liberty disease is
contagious. Possibly that is what is
the matter with Norway. At any rate
these descendants of the French bour-
geoisie seem to have been unable to
forget the creed of liberty. fraternity,
equality which their ancestors learn
ed in the first revolution. In Charles
Ky. the memory was very active. At
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

Bernadotte because she regarded him
as the only man in France big enough
to become a rival of the ambitious Cor
sican. It is probable that she had no
little to do in creating the jealousy
between the two men. However that
may be, Bernadotte joined the allies,
fought against Napoleon at Leipsic in
1913 and helped bring about the down
fall of the emperor. It was in 1914 that
Bernadotte forced the king of Den
mark to cede Norway to Sweden. When
the Norwegians objected, declared
themselves Independent and chose a
king of their own, the former French
marshal, then known as Crown Prince
Charles John. marched against them
and forced them to capitulate. This
was the beginning of the ninety year
union, which has Just been dissolved.
In 1918 Bernadotte assembled the
throne of Sweden and Norway under
the name Of Charles XIV. He reigned
till his death in 1914, when his only
son, oscar L, succeeded him. AS q
king Bernadotte, while not especially
popular, brought about many reforms,
extended agriculture, made internal
improvements and laid a substantial
basis for future prosperity. He never
learned the Swedish language, a fact
which prevented him from attaining
the hold on his subjects that his force
of character and real greatness other
wise might have secured for him. Ber-
nadotte was tall, of commanding pres
ence. OF great abilities as a general
and ruler and possessed all those
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

one time this king promoted to
bishopric a preacher who was notorious
for his truculent attacks upon the
devil, The clergyman called to thank
his majesty.
mot a word, sir" said Charles. ''You
owe me no thanks. You never would
have been bishop but for your attacks
on the devil 'Tis Satan you should
thank"
As the end drew near Charles one
day landed at Maine. The great crowd
started a Iusty cheer, but when the
people saw the emaciated form of their
king the shouts died on their lips and
he was received with respectful and
sympathetic silence. ''Ah!P exclaimed
the dying ruler. II perceive that am
really loved"
Oscar H. is a worthy brother Of
Charles XIV, a fit grandson Of the tall.
commanding. eagle eyed Bernadotte, a
typical. Scandinavian ruler pr the line
of kings that contained the beautiful
soul Of Olaf Tryggvasson and the
sanity soul of Olaf Haroldson. The
most that can be said for Oscar is that
he is more than a king; he is q man.
Like his father, he is a poet and nlu-
sician. He is more royal by nature
than by the accident of birth. He is a
viking soul, suhduea and beloved by
culture ana AnFlSLlEA4ls BSAISEeSS- ms
is not mere fuIsome hattery. Nobody
can write of this man without breaking
into praise. A spotless record is a
great thing in this world. whether in
king or hodcarrier. Oscar is one of
those affable, warm hearted, magnetic,
courtly old gentlemen that people just
have to love. However much one may
sympathize with Norwegian independ-
ence, he is forced almost to regret that
it should have come at a time to en-
bitter the declining days of this amiable
and able ruler. But the march of lib
erty goes on no matter who may be in
the way. The imperial car of progress
is something of a juggernaut. Woe to
him who is cast beneath the wheels.
Charles L of England and Louis XVI
of France doubtless had good qualities,
but they wore crowns, and their heads
were chopped off to get rid of the
crowns. 1t is almost an insult to Os-
car H. to mention him in the same
breath with these, as he is a greater
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24
KfptINc AS A PREACHER.

Rudyard Kipling once acted as
preacher. The quartermaster of the
Empress liner, on which he was a pas
senger, died, leaving q widow and a
large family. The following evenin=
there appeared on the notice board half
way down the entertainment pre-
gramme'' this brief intimatfon: "s D. m.
Sermon by layman." The saloon
was crowded with curious folk at the
appointed time, and Mr.. Kipling, from
the front of an improvtsed platform,
proceeded to preach a begging sermon
of some fifteen minutes length. The re-
suit was gratifying. From a congrega-
ton numbering less than 200 the sum Of
over $3.50 was raised.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24
EYEGLASSES FoR AcToRs.

The enterprising optician has come to
the rescue of stage folk who are af-
ficted with nearsightedness- Glasses
fitted with tiny lenses are now made for
the use of the actor SO afflicted and who
in Difference to the character he is Dor
traying may not wear the regulation
eyeglasses or speetacles. These spe-
cial glasses fit close to the eyebaI and
are hardly distinguishable from the
front of the house, save when the foot
lights are at their highest pitch of IL
luminatioD. The nose piece or bridge
connecting the lenses is covered with =
flesh eolored material which aids the IL
fusion.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

ancestor to be undone, the monument
builded by his fathers to be demolish-
ed? Then there are his children to
consider. VIII he hand to his son, the
Crown Prince Gustavus. a less heritage
than he himself received? What will
the crown prince himself say? For he is
regent and therefore a powerful factor.
Win he sit idly by while his future
kingdom is divided? His is the blood
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24
RApIUM FOR SNAKE POISON.

Professor Chaveau announced in re-
cent communication to the Partisan
Academic des Sciences that radium en-
anatiOns have the property Of destroy
ing the toxicity of serpent venom. Vi
per or cobra poison. If submitted to the
action of radiurn, is said to lose its viru-
lence after dfty or sixty hours Of exp0-
sure,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-24

k.9...5a.'e '55ss5A HE action that practi-
49, cally amounts to a
SO declaration Of fnde-
pendence on the part
~ of Norway. dissolving
ass: the dual government
49, s'ati 80 which has existed be-
tween that country and
Sweden since 1915. marks one of the
most Interesting crises in modern his
tory and brings into the umeHght the
most democratic and accomplished
reigniug house IN Europe. The break
ing CT the ties between the two scandi-
navian countries has long been fore
Swallowed It arose, as most modern
governmental troubles do, through in
dustrial and trade conditions. Sweden
Is a protection country and Norway a
free trade. While the two nations have
had a common king, they have main
tanned separate constitutions and gov
ernments, at least in theory. Norway
demanded a separate set Of consuls,
and the vetoing of this demand by
King Oscar II. brought on the rupture.
The Norwegian ministry resigned in a
body and refused to withdraw their
designations when requested to do so
by the king. Oscar was unable to
choose a new cabinet, whereupon the
storthing, the Norwegian national
congress. in effect declared the throne
vacant dissolved the union with Swe-
den and asked the council Of state to
perform the duties of king until mon