The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-04
THE BIG STICK
READY in .NORWAY
Hoping for Peace but Prepared
for War if It Becomes
Necessary.
The Differences Political Strong
Sympathy Between the People
Of Sweden and Norway.

Il q. j. Breda, who writes exclusively for T b e
our nal this Norwegian view of the contro-
verysy between Norway and Sweden, was for
merly member Of the faculty of the University
of Minnesota, but is now a teacher IN Chris
tiania.
Special Correspondence.
Christiania, Norway, June l9.-The
Norwegians at home object to the word
revolution as applied to the, political
during the past two weeks. ;. It is too
suggestive of blood and strife for the
little drama which has thus far, so
quietly and successfully passed over the
political boards. Possibly the world at.
large will hold us guilty Of a revolu-'
t9n when + have b degosef our
union and set up provisional govern
ment of our own. But in the revolu-
tionary line it certainly indicates a
new departure. There have been no
violent demonstrations of any kindi
our streets have presented no unusual
appearance, the people have bee been q
than thane usual. 81 v Course r on the 7th Of
June, when the momentous decree Of
| deposition had been unanimously
passed ia solemn sitting of our parlia,,
| ment in the morning.. our principal
street was thronged with 2 somewf abs
l
evening. In front Of the university
! the throng was dense, and here for
several hours patriotic songs were sung
with immense enthusiasm. happened
| to fall in with couple Of ex-Amerl-
cans, and we all agreed that, as Tar
as noise and danger went, a Norwe-
gian revolution was not in ii, with an
American Fourth Of July celebration.
! Certainly it was a novel experience to
/ be out making revolution when 1t
| could be done with absolute safety to
4 life and limb. 1 think a good
many asked the questions, Is 1t really
as easy as all this7 Has the world real
EASY to depose a king and break of
4 union of nearly a century's standing
/ with another nation as to put on a new
/ coat when you are tired of the old ]
i T think most Of us went home to our
beds that morning with lingering Iea al
that the ser serious afte paTf ga the BUSINESS
j This was on the 7th Of June and two
4 days afterwards in token OF the com III
mcsmoration of our little revolution the
Il old military flag with the union IN II
i was solemnly and reverentiy hauled
!. down. and the new flag without the
union hoisted amidst enthuslastle &C.
4 soldiers and civilians-a very touching
Il and impressive ceremony which drew
4 tears from many eyes. .ess'@
d Affection for the Old King
Last Sunday the prayer for the king
and the royal family was to be omitted
from the church service, but, and tina,
IS very characteristic Of our Norwegian
revolution, a number Of clergymen at
| forwards made special, very touching
and pathetic appeal to the throne o.
the Almighty to bless the, good ole
king and ssoothe the closing days Of his
!. life. After the first burst of indigna
ton at the kings refusal to assent *
the consulor service bill all resentment
towards him has melted away. Has thu
world ever seen revolution where the
, |speople deposed the king, asked hin
) kindly to accept the throne for some
other member Of his dynasty and after
/ wards offered up prayers for him II
their churches?
Norwegians United.
I The ,strangest thing, however, abou
s this strange affair is the sudden wlp
:, ing out Of all party lines in the party
z