Evening journal., 1905-06-20
By gibson wILLHTs

BY 0lLSON WILLETS
The ablest monarch IN Europe-as |
King Oscar II. Of Sweden was once
called by Theodore Roosevelt-today
shares with the car the limelight Of
the stage Of royalty. For King Oscar
has Just lost half OF his kingdom. Hav-
ing ruled the Swedes and Norwegians
for thirty-three years, he now is mon
arch Of the swedes only Norway a
few days ago seeded, set up its own
government and may form a repub-
lie. 1t is as II all our own great west
suddenly withdrew from the union, de
elaring Roosevelt no longer president
Of the country beyond the Mississippi
In such circumstance the east and the
west would go TO war. Not so Sweden
and Norway. King Oscar, seventy-six
years old, loves peace. Yet the ono
man who directly caused the rupture.
By vetoing a bill creating a consular
service for Norway separate from that
OF Sweden, was King Oscar himself.
A Ruler Who LOathes the Verb ITO Fail
For years this ruler has siriven o.
keep Norway and Sweden as one. He
has failed at last. Yet once he said.
Il loathe the verb TO fail,'" and add
ed Il knew a man who was compil-
ing a dictionary. Remember said
TO him, there Is no such word as fall
] thought no more of the matter until
] received a copy Of the mans dlctlon.
airy. On the title page the true title
was scratched out, and in its place
was written: The Dictionary of the
Missing Word / turned 10 the letter
r. and, surely enough. there was no
such word as fail"
This monarch has lived the busiest Of
lives, assigning himself task for
every minute Of the day. In his library
where he works hangs a large piece OF
canvas on which is painted, IN Swed
ish. these lines:
i shall pars through this world but once.
Any good thing that I'm passing 1 can do.
or any kindness that can show TO any
human being.
Let mo do II now:
If't me not defer II
Nor neglect IL.
Tor shall not pass this way again.
Thus King Oscar summarizes HIS life
philosophy so far as il concerns his
relations toward his fellow creatures.
While addressing the students at q
Swedish university he said "Remem
Der time; it is your best friend. Al
ways carry a watch and live by t."
In his youth he was allowed to become
intimate with a boy Of humble birth.
They became chums. One dag when
playing with his little friend the prince
asked the lad what time it was. IL
have no idea," said the lad. But you
ought to have an idea" retorted the
prince "Why have you noneT' BE
cause I have no watch" replied the
boy. The next day me LAD received a
splendid gold watch, with note from
young Oscar. scribbled in his boyish
hand, saying. This will give you some
idea about time"
Likes to Be Taliest Of his Court
With this king who has lost one Of
his two thrones / talked for an hour
not many months ago. The Interview
was arranged by the American minis
ter at Stockholm, Mr.. Thomas. In full
evening dress, though the time was
high noon, / proceeded TO the palace
where the lord chamberlain ushered me
Into the kings private library. wherein
hung the Lines already quoted The
place was overheated, oppressively
close. Ike all living rooms in Sweden,
where windows are made not to open
BY a mastodcufc stove Of porcelain
stood the taliest Of the worlds rulers.
With all HE accomplishments as ora
tor, anthor. musician, lfngu1st and sci-
enlist, me kings only noticeable vanity
Is said TO 10 in his six feet two and
one-half inches. On ceremonious occa-
sions. when his cooked hat Is orna-
\ mented with three gigantic ostrich
plumes, he looks veritable giant. He
n likes TO be the tallest Of his court.
\ Once he appointed to Office under the