Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-12
Norway and Sweden.

Again the possibility arises that Norway
and Sweden will be unable amicably to
agree to separate, and the grim specter of
war thrusts its head above the horizon
The Swedish people are insistent upon
terms of separation which will leave Nor
way practically defenseless on land, through
the dismantling the forts on the frontier
The Norwegians, on the other hand de-
clare that war Is preferable to such con-
ditions, which will grant Norway only the
shadow of independence. the western coun-
try being subject at any time to invasion
by Sweden and a reduction to state of
virtual vassalage.
In these conditions 1t may soon become
the duty of the outside powers with no sell
fish motives to intervene to put an end to a
quarrel which can have only disastrous re-
suits. The Scandinavian schism Is fraught
with perils for the peace Of Europe. Iso-
lated geographically. the peninsula is new
ertheless an important factor In the con-
tinental equation. Russas desires with re-
spect to it are well understood and Ger
manyis plans have not been furthered by
the project of separation. There Is we'll
formed belief that these two powers are
throwing obstacles in the way of a peace
full settlement of the difficulties.
England prefers to see the northern edge
of the continent broken up into small states
and 1t IS well understood that the separa-
ton project is warmly Endorsed on the west
ern side of the North sea on that ground
alone. Any weakening of the Scandinavian
national existence, whether in single or
dual form, would invite Russian enterprise.
and one of the favorite nightmares of John
Bull is the specter of the Russian bear
prppDirp n he of no
thrusting out his paw to reaching distance
of the English coast.
OF the other northern continental powers
France is In degree inclined to favor Swe-
den and to check the separation movement
both on account of friendship for Russia
and personal regard for the Bernadotte
dynasty. which is of French origin But
France has taken no part thus far at least
in the open, In the movement for or against
separation, and it is not believed that the
Paris government will allow itself to be
drawn into the quarrel in any marked man
mel.
1t may fall out that the good offices of
the United States will be employed to pre-
vent a struggle. There are large numbers
of both NOrWegianS and Swedes in this
country. A feeling of marked good will ex-
lists here for all Scandnavians. 1t may be
that there is a preponderanCe of sympathy
for Norway, but in any case there is a dis
tinct belief that 1t would be atrocious to
permit these two peoples to fall upon each
other because of a difficulty in adjusting
the terms of a separation which is so
strongly desired by Norway. As to the for
LITIGATION issue, there would seem to be no
solid ground for Swedens insistence. If
Norway is to become an independent state
1t should be empowered to take such meas
ures for national defense as are warranted
by the geographical and political conditions.
What Norway asks and what the fair OBJ
servers of the case throughout the world
regard as its due Is the right to set I'D In
business as a full-fedged independent gov
eminent. with all the responsibilities and
privileges of such a state