The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-07-11

canoe. Indeed, we may assume that
it was only or chiefly to promote
some important political purpose that
the emperor decided to take so eX.
traordinary a step. 1t will be recalled
that at the time of the Scandinavian
rupture the emperor was suspected OF
regarding Norway's course with dis
approval. and it was further rumored
that when that separation became an
accomplished fact and Norway began
her quest for a king he exercised his
influence in favor of the selection of
some German prince and against the
election of the Danish prince, with his
English wife.
That such was his attitude the world
does not surely know If it was, no
exception can be taken to it, for it was
we'll within bounds of privilege and
propriety. But even so, it might be
highly polite and it would be quite
characteristic of that energetic and
Independent sovereign now to pay this
exceptional tribute of courtesy TO his
Norwegian neighbor.
There is reason to believe that only
the most imperative duties elsewhere
restrained him from personally at
tending the coronation at Trondhjem,
and there are other unmistakable in
dications of his desire to cultivate
cordial relations with the new royal
court on grounds which it is not at all
difficult to surmise
We need not dwell upon the alleged
isolation" of Germany, since that con-
dition really does not exist. But any
nation, however powerful and how
ever richly endowed with friends and
allies. may properly and without a
hint of self-derogation seek to cultiv-
ate the friendship of another. In the
| present case close understanding
with Norway would obviously be of
value to Germany, despite the fact that
Norway Is SO small and Germany is
SO great. That is for at least three
specific reasons. One is that Norway
has strategic position, fronting on
the German Ocean, guarding the en-
trance to the Baltic Sea, and thus
dominating all those northern waters
which are the home waters of the
German empire.
Another is that Norway, small
though she is in population, is one
OF the greatest mercantile nations of
the world, being surpassed in tonnage
by only three others-Great Britain,
Germany and the United States. Her
friendship is therefore much to be
preferred to her antagonism by an
other great maritime power in time of
peace, while the possibility of her
easy transformation into great naval
power has certainly not escaped the
consideration of the emperor, who at
this time is aiming, above all else, at
making Germany supreme on the high
seas.
The third reason is that King Haak-
on is not only sovereign of one of the
Scandinavian countries, but also is a
member of the royal house of another
OF those countries, Denmark. Now,
the three Scandinavian kingdoms,
though quite separate and Independent,
are certain to maintain close ap.
proachment and cooperation among
themselves. SO that by ingratiating
himself with Norway the emperor will
secure passport to the favor of the
two others. Especially will the way
be opened to a closer relationship
with Denmark, which is greatly de-
sired.
While that famous little nation may
not cherish any great resentment to-
ward the kingdom which despoiled
it of the duchies, there is no doubt
that Dueppel is still remembered, and
any act Of grace or courtesy which
Prussia may offer by way of atone
ment will not be without it's reward.
If now the grandson of the victor goes
out of his way to show esteem for
the grandson of the vanquished, there
may be surcease from the lingering
pain of forty years. and the sturdy
state which divides the German sea-
coast into two parts may become the
friend of Germany instead of the prob
able friend of some potential foe of
that empire.
REPORT OF RETURNED TRAVELLER,
Mr.. w. d. Washburn, an ex-senator
of the United States and we'll known
in the -four trade, is home again from