The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1905-11-07
BIRTHDAY OF A NATION
Rejoicing in Norway When
independence Was
Declared.

Margaret Haley, secretary of the Chi
cago Teachers federation, spent her
summer vacation in Norway and Den
mark. In the former country she at
tended the election at which the Nor
wegians voted on separation from
Sweden and spoke with enthusiasm re-
Gently OF the sight, says the New York
Press
II spent the election day going from
ore polling place to another in Chris
tiania," said she. Everywhere the
streets were full Of people in holiday
garb. Every voter was accompanied
to the polls by the women Of his family
often his mother, wife, daughter and
sister Women now vote for every
thing except parliamentary officers in
Norway, and / heard many regrets ex-
pressed by men that the women could
not vote on this question, so as TO roll
up R bigger majority for Independence.
"There was no noise, shouting or dis
cussion. Every man seemed to know
just how he was going to vote, and
neither sought to influence his neighbor
nor TO try TO find out his choice OF bal
lot.
Men wore paper caps on which was
painted In big letters, ia CYes), and
below, 'Vielsker dette lander cWe love
this landD Trolley cars were covered
with flowers and the Norwegian colors
red, white and blde--and bore pla-
cards with the grert ia Men, women
and children wore long streamers Of
the red, white and blue. But, aside
from the colors. flowers, holiday garb
and general appearance OF joyousness,
there was no demonstration as we un-
derstand IT, no firecrackers, no ear
splitting noises or speech making. A
military band played national airs in
the great public square all day.
after watching the voters for hours,
l was impressed both by their intelli-
gence and their patriotism. All the
wealthy people who were out of town
for the summer had returned to vote
and richly dressed women accompa-
MED their faen to the polls Ike theiT
poorer sisters never saw such a
sight at an american election. l saw
one little iacident whfch illustrates
the remarkable democracy Of Norway
the consideratioa for the poor and ths
weak Two university professors came
up to vote They passed the long line
OF voters and marched up 10 the clerks
A soldier stationed there cooHy ordered
them back 20 the end OF the line &
wait their turn. Soon after a very ol1
man, poorly dressed and wearing a Sal
walton Army badge, came up and tool
his place at ahe end OF the line. A maj
escorted him up front, and the guard
Ia consideration Of his age, permitte'
him to vote at once.
"That night we went 10 the Nationo
theater TO see the national play, 'Josa
lefer, written by Bjornsen. / sha.
never forget the scene az the clos'
The patriotic feelings Of the people ha
been aroused by the play, which is
! glorious one. AS the curtain wen
down the entire audience stood up an
sang the national hymn, the orchestr
playing. Then Biousen. the manage
of the theater and son Of the autho
rose in his box and announced thi
Norway had voted TO separate frol
Sweden by 64,30O ayes 10 38 noes On
mighty shout filled the theater. u
long. silent self control Of the day Wa
broken The people shook hands an
waved their hats and handkerchief
Women burst into tears Of excitemel
and JOY. and I even saw men wi
tears running down their faces. ! sha
never forget this birthday Of a
ton"