The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-12-10

~ TOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 23.-
20 Today T. had an interview with
~ Premier Staff about the intentions
and the hopes Of the new government.
What he principally desired to lay
stress on, was that the new government
is practically the first parliamentary
government in Sweden, as 'parlia-
mentary''. is understood in England 1t
looks for it's support to the popularity
elected second chamber and intends to
stand in close relations with its party
and not to- keep aloof as heretofore has
been the case with governments in
Sweden. He added that his government
is second-chamber government which
considers itself to have the confidence
of the country as long as it has ma
iority in the second chamber. Former
governments have generally sought sup
port in the first chamber.
AS regards the coming legislation Mr..
STAFF said that his government, being
constituted so near the beginning of
the session, could not be expected to
solve all Of the many great questions
of reform in many directions which
have so long been waiting for solution.
Most of these questions require careful
preparations, (which could not be made
principal question-the extension Of the
franchise-for which this government
was especially organized, it would try
to settle to the best of their abilities.
The franchise proposal, which he and
his colleagues will lay before parlia-
ment early in the session, will be on the
same lines as the proposal which the
liberal party has made it's platform, but
very likely some alterations will be
smade in it. He expressed the hope that
he would be able to pass this measure
thru both chambers. It seems, there.
fore, that Mr.. STAFF does not believe
In any firm resistance on the part OF
the first chamber. Perhaps he is right
Regarding the education question Mr.
Staff told me that the selection Of 8
board school teacher for education min
lister clearly indicated in what direction
the cabinet saw the necessity for re
form.
Reform in Foreign Service.
From many signs it appears that the
new government intends to break will
old customs in governing. There ha'
been long-felt want for reform il
the diplomatic and consular service, ;
want that has become still more urgen
.s OIL ACCOUNT OIL Tie separation lIOlu 1NOt
way. The. old-fashioned diplomats o
the courtier type and the honorary con
suls must give way to practical men Q
business, who can look after their coun
try's interests instead Of merely dress
ing well and speaking French with
Partisan accent.
Not many years ago it was practi
cally impossible for any Swede no
bearing a noble name to enter the dis
lomatic service. Of late, this has bee
somewhat altered, but still our diple
matte and consular services are any
thing but what they ought to be. TIL
cry for reform has long been heard an
one of the first steps Of the new govern
ment has been to make preparations fo
change for the better. To this en-
the ministry has constituted commi
tee and already in the personnel Of TIL
committee it is shown that there is
be a. break with the old formulas an
preiudices A committee in Swede
Generally consists of large number {
men with fine names, fine positions an
often very little practical knoWledg
of the matter before them. To begi
with. this committee consists Of onl
Ave nemb ers he chairman is "a fo
mer minister Of foreign affairs, Nc