Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1907-12-19
NORWAY.
Christians.

All Norway celebrated the 10Th an
niversary Of her most distinguished
poet and author, Biornstjernc Bjorn
son. The anniversary was made the
occasion for demonstrations by the
literary, dramatic and singing socie
ties throughout the country. Literary
exercises were held at the universities
and in all the principal towns. aud the
venerable author was showered with
congratulations from every quarter OF
the world. Bjornson has long been
recognized MS the national poet of Nor
way His name is n synonym of the
hopes and aspirations of The Nor.
wegian people in their political and in.
tellectual struggles. No man ever
loved Norway more than he; no man
ever did more than he for her progress
md prosperity. TO promote her wei
fare he has unweariedly applied all
the powers Of his great genius, Bjorn-
son was born in 1882 in the district OF
Osterdalen, where his father was
clergyman. Six years later his faml.
iy moved to Romsdalen. a district IA
nous for It's magnificent scenery. At
the age OF II the lad was sent to
school, but his progress was not rapid.
When 1S years old he came to Christi
ania and at Hetberg's school became
companion of Henrik Ibsen, Jonas
Lie and others who were later to be-
come famous Bjornson began his
literary career In the early 50's. In
1857 he published a peasant novel.
"Synnovo Solbakken," which proved
epoch-making In Scandinavian lltera-
ture. In II md several others that fol-
lowed he gave an localized picture OF
peasant llfe--brought the thoughts
and aspirations of the peasantry into
literature. In all his Literary work
| Bjornson has conscientiously and per
sistently sought to put his high and
noble ideals into practice. He has not
been a mere poet and dreamer, holding
himself aloof from the people. He has
rsonally--with both tongue and pen
engaged In every political. SOCIAL and
literary combat OF his times. Through
his ardent advocacy Of reform he has
often brought upon himself the wrath
OF many. but the gratitude OF more.
He is without doubt the greatest ora
tor that Norway has ever produced.
| Pleading the cause OF truth and jus.
tice before large audience he IA ir-
resstible. His oratoral powers have
been laylshly used in the services Of
| the country. Biornson Is Il man OF
powerful personality and commanding
presence Grim and furious Mt times.
| In I,p
ness Of woman. There are many
touching stories Of his relations VII
| his tenants on his estate and the scores
OF poor people and social outcnsts VIII
continually visit him fer advice AMI
assistance. And il rs said that none
seeks him In vain.
Attended by tie princes and his
ceived the homage Of the troops, who
were drawn up in n semi-crcle around
the palace. 1t was q splendid and
solemn spectacle. The king addressed
the troops briefly. saying that 1t was
his firm conviction that they would al
ways be ready to follow when the wei
fare OF the country required them to
do so. The funeral of the late king
is expected to be held Dee. 10. Only
the relgning sovereign Of Sweden
among the crowned heads Is likely to
attend. the king of Denmark and 9th
ers sending representatives The
Dowager Queen Sophia has decided 10
live in retirement at Castle Ulriksdal.
At a meeting on Dec. 10 Of the
Nobel institute J. G.. Loevland, the
Norwegian premier. announced that
the Nobel peace prize would this year
be equally divided between Theodore
Moneta, OF Italy, and Louis Renault
OF France. The premier took adyan'
tage OF this occasion to eulogize the
late King Oscar OF Sweden. who. he
said, had been prominent among the
kingly peacemakers OF the world. Mr..
Renault Is the permanent delegate OF
France to The Hague tribunal. M.
Moneta has been prominent as work
or for the peace of Italy.