The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-22
Minnesota Man in Diplomatic
Post Quickly Gained Good
! Standing in Corps.
Retiring Minister Thomas Will
Continue to Make His Home ;
in Sweden. 49, 4,
BY, w. B. CHAMBERLAIN,
Managing Editor OF The Journal.

.
Managing Editor of The Journal. =;
Copyright, 1905, by The Minneapolis Journal.
Stockholm, Sweden, July 4.-The new
United States minister to Sweden and
Norway, Colonel Charles H. Graves OF
Duluth, Mimi, has been most, cordially.
received in Stockholm, whittier he came
with his bride from Athens, Pa, about
a month ago. His predecessor, w. W.
Thomas of Portland, Me-, had repre-
sented the Washington government
here for many years and had endeared
himself to the court and the people. He
had become thoro going Swede in his
ways, had written charming and val
liable book about Sweden for his coun-
trymen and had become an important
factor in the social and diplomatic life
Of the, capital.
While MIR. Thomas has welcomed his
successor with generous cordiality and
done everything in his power to
smooth the path before him, the task
ways a difficult one at first for new
minister. Yet in a surprisingly short
time Colonel Graves has won the good
opinion of the diplomatic corps and
the cordial regard Of the king and his
court, while Mrs. Graves by the simple
charm of her manner and her unobtru-
sive tactfulness has been of the greats
est assistance. to her courtlly husband.
asss Home Of the Legation. |
One Of the first things Colonel Graves
did was to move the legation into com:
modious quarters in a pensionat at the
head of Burger Jarl street, close to the
noble Kungstradgarden orSpark, which
is in: the midst Of the best section Of
modern Stockholm. ri
Next fall, however. the legation will
move into still better quarters on the
Strandvagen, in a modern building,
where the Japanese, Spanish, italian
and several other legations are already
located. Colonel Graves and his wife
will also have their quarters here, and
this will make an ideal arrangement.
Colonel Graves has retained the very
efficient clerk and interpreter of the
with Minister Thomas six years. Dr..
Bell is an American from Battle Creek,
Mich, but he married a Swedish lady
and has become Stockholmer Of long
standing, thoroly conversant with the
language, customs and institutions of
the country. He also speaks and reads
Norwegian-a> necessary accomplish
to both countries. This arrangement
may, however, be changed when the
new Norwegian government is finally
organized, as it will probably desire an
American minister accredited direct.
If this is not done, Colonel Graves will
continue to represent his country for
both Sweden and Norway, but will be
compelled to make frequent trips to
Christiania to look after the legation
which he will necessarily establish in
the Norwegian capital.
Presented to King.
Colonel Graves was presented to the
king on May 90, the function having
been delayed for day or two until the
king should have taken over the gov
eminent again from the crown prince,
who had been acting as regent. He
was conveyed to the palace in gor-
geous coach Of state in great ceremony,
with four horses, outriders and lackeys
galore, and was received there with
great honors. Chamberlain Schwan
was in charge of the ceremony, and he
ushered the minister into the presence
of the king. Oscar wore the brilliant
uniform of a Swedish general, and his
stalwart figure became it well. On his
breast were the insignia of many or
ders, while on his head was the crown
he wears on such occasions. At the
proper moment Colonel Graves stepped
forward and presented his letter of
credence from the American depart
merit of state and made the following
remarks: 80 r.