Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-02

cured and its development be fruitful
Should 1t be possible to think that
ever the bond between the brethren-peo-
pie sealed by holy compact-might be
burst asunder then the independence of
both countries will be placed in far greater
jeopardy than l here will say. But may
the Almighty forbid this My duty, and
that of all loyal and constitutional citizens
in both countries, is. at all events, with our
utmost might, to avert such danger"
A King to His Son.
One of the numerous accomplishments
that distinguishes Oscar II among other
kings is his ability to make a speech. He
not only knows how to deliver an address,
but he puts meat into it; he Will not permit
himself TO be bound down by tradition or
form. and so when lie speaks he speaks
his mind and not infrequcntly shows his
heart as well.
-Four years after he assembled the throne
of the union the crown prince came of age,
eighteen. II was an suspicious event for
the two peoples, and the joint Swedish
Norwegian council of state met to take
cognizance of and observe 1t. The young
man was summoned before the council; in
it's presence his father wished him happi-
ness and gave him his blessing. and then
added this fatherly advice-just such ad-
vice as many an American has received
on the day when he found himself a man
ia years:
Your youth now lies behind you. During
that period you have had the inestimable
benefit of the tendereSt, the most excel
lent mothers and guidance. You
have acquired principles and knowledge
of the utmost value in the days to come.
But mark earnestly this: The principles
must be hardened in the furnace of life and
knowledge he made to bear fruit in your
calling in the world. To You, with your
future position in the community, it is of
particular Importance that your remaining
years of study. aye. your entire manhood,
-. ND ca. w
extent this is to be depends now in the
first and foremost instance on-yourself.'
Then, after alluding to the time when he
might occupy the throne, the father went
on:
do not avail yourself of fattery for
gaining popular favor, and none the less
must you listen to the seductive voice OF
this siren. The word of the king shall
be upright his promise shall not be given
in idle cause. His ear shall be open to
truth, whether it come from high or low.
Law and righteousness shall be his
strength. duty his guiding star, labor his
pleasure. Let the testimony of a good
conscience always constitute your surest
support, even should your honest labors
not seem to bear immediate fruits and
your good intentions for while appear
misunderstood and be misjudged, Never
forget that the Judgment of your own
times shall be silenced before that of his
tory, and that the verdict of history must
in turn be set aside by that of God.
Strive therefore, first and foremost, to
worship Him in all sincerity of thy heart;
then thou shalt succeed. And be thou
now welcome into the age of manhood.
God bless thee, my son.
His Thanks to Sweden.
The fathers heart revealed itself at the
marriage of the crown prince to the Prin-
cess Victoria in 1881.
The happiness of the children he said,
In welcoming them home. I'm castle as in
cottage that is the purport of the most ar
dent and sincere prayers of the father 8
and mothers heart When such happiness
is attained then the joy is great, and the
gratitude deep toward the ever bountiful
Giver The queen and l now experience
this Joy, this gratitude, In the fullest
measure" Then, referring to the bride:
Her first steps among us have been
strewn with flowers. No doubt these
flowers will soon fade in the autumn days
of the north, but never shall fade the
flowers with which the path of conscenti-
BUSINESS and duty is strewn through love
and VeneratiOn.'
When all Sweden, on the occasion of his
sixty-tirst birthday, poured in congra tula-
lions upon him, the king said:
The calling of a ruler, always difficult
Is perhaps in our days more difficult still
than In bygone times. His path is of
course, as that of every human being must
be. at times heavy enough to tread. But,