The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-18
KINGDOM on nEpUBLICf

| way are III what huiBut " AVS@S~ Os as a transitional state. It has dis solved partnership with Sweden. and has proclaimed a kind of tentative dec iaration of independence. but 1t is not yet a republic. The Norwegians want King. but it seems they cannot get one they want. Failing in this. 1t Is hinted that they will proclaim the Re- public of Norway.
 There is & prospect of grave compli- cations in connection with the two lately united countries. Sweden Is not willing to admit the independence of Norway. and protests against the recognition of such independence by United States. There is force in the protest as all must admit. Norway | is not defacto republic, and Sweden has not formally admitted that the two countries are separated. Condi- tions are very much as they were when the Southern Confederacy was seeking recognition from the great powers of Europe. The argument of those powers in support of their refusal of such recognition was that secession had not been fully accomplished, and that Confederate independence had not been fully established.
 It is much the same in the present case. Norway has severed the bonds which bound her to her late consort, has declared that the union no longer exists, and declares that she will re- main independent of Sweden. But suppose the latter refuses to acquiesce in the act of separation and resorts to force, as the United States did what then? Sweden has about twice the population of Norway. and other things being equal, 1t is fair to assume that the larger government would over- power the other. as the United States overpowered the Confederacy. This might not be strictly according to right, any more than the south's de- feat was. but 1t might be a fact. just the same. In that case. if our gov- ernment had formally acknowledged Norwegian independence. we would be left in the air, as we might express it.
 But there Is something else to be considered besides the embarrassing at- titude we might be placed in by pre- mature recognition. There is the comity of nations to be kept in view, along with other considerations. We are bound as a government to take note of the fact that Sweden has exercised sovereignty over the two countries since 1874, and during all these ninety years that country and the United States have had treaty relations with each other. The proclamation of severance by Norway does not alter those relations until the severance has been admitted by Sweden. If she can make good her claim to continued sovereignty, then the same treaty re- lations must continue. On the other hand, if Norway succeeds in estab- fishing her independence. then other powers must acknowledge 1t and form new treaties.
 E Thus the matter stands, and the final decision, we take 1t, depends on the two countries most vitally interested. If one resorts to coercion and the other | settle 1t before other powers can act with fairness And justice to both. The sympathies of the people of the United States will be with Norway, If she decides to establish. or attempts to establish, an independent government, as our sympathies will naturally be with all peoples who wish to pattern tn. n setting up for themselves.
 And why should Norway not estab- fish a Republic, if she can and her people wish 1t? It is small country, it is true. It has an area of 124,445 square miles and an estimated popu- lation of some 2.250,00O. Not large country or a numerous population, 1t Is true, but they are hardy and in- dustrious race, and could doubtless maintain themselves as an independent nation. Republics are scarce in Eu- rope and the addition of another will be encouraging, though we can easily understand how such change in any one government may be distasteful to all the other monarchies. Each addi- ton made to the list of republics will strengthen the friends of independence and weaken the spirit of monarchy, and | that is a reason why Sweden may resort to arms, and why she may have the sympathy of the other nations which are still under kingly rule. They canot look with favor on anything that has even the appearance of democracy. such as we on this side the water have so long enjoyed.
 Whether our government shall be called on to recognize new republic or a new Kingdom, or only the belliger- ent rights of two waring nations, is a matter that must be settled very soon, in all human probabilities.
 
 The Memphis News-Scimitar figures out that the heir to the Zeigler estate will have an income of $2S.9S a minute If he Isn't in a hurry. we will be glad to have few hours of his time.
 
 DO a snake eat grass?" inquires The Charlotte Chronicle We are not sure, but he do eat grasshoppers.
 
 At latest accounts our troops were still assimilating the Philippines. Also burying them.