The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-09
Monarchy ls Peaceful.

The death of King Oscar Is not expected to be followed by any serious disturbance Of Sweden's political conditions. All pre- cautions have been taken for the O. lerlY passage of power to the hands of his able son and successor, Oscar GustaYe Adophe, Duke of Vermland, whG will doubtless take the title of King Gustavc.
 King oscar has long been one of the most interesting figures of European royalty his descent from Napolean's great field marshal Bernadotte his gigantic stature and his family con nections with many of the other great houses of Europe combining to give him an interesting personality. His truly democratic habits have made him idolized by his subjects. who have re- garded him more as a father than monarch. It was King Oscars devotion to the cause of peace that attracted the attention of both the United States and Great Britain when the two coun- tries were framing the Olney-Paunce fote general treaty of arbitration, the document naming King oscar as final arbitrator sh ould those representing the two countries fail to agree.
 Blow to King Oscar.
 Under King Oscar Sweden's stability and progress have been uniform until Inc tNtulS III tue Itttul separa ton from Norway. The final success of the separation movement was grievous blow to the aged King. Both his pride and heart were wounded, and his constant breeding over this un- happy event doubtless contributed to lis death. Politically, however. neith CT Sweden nor Norway is likely to be dis turbed by King Oscars demise, since the recent storm between them has been wholly calmed and Sweden has now adjusted itself to the new order of affairs.
 The new King. Gustave, much re- sembles his father in gigantic stature and in light Saxon blonde features. The young monarch Is not unused to the cares of state, as he has frequently acted as regent during the illness and absence of his father and has dis played good sense and ability. He is personally much liked here and at other capitals. where he Is regarded as having his fathers characteristics of sincerity and simplicity.
 0 Grandson of Bernadotte.
 oscar H. King of Sweden and pre- vious to 1905 King of Sweden and Norway, was born January 21, 1929. He was the third son of King Oscar l, and of Queen Josephine, daughter of Prince Eugene of Leuchtenberg and grand son of Marshal Bernadotte. Oscar II succeeded to the throne at the death of his brother. King Carl XV. Septem- Der IS, 1872. He was married June 6, 1857 to queen Sophia. born July 9, 1SS6 daughter of the late Duke Will liam of Nassau. Four children sur viye King Oscar-Crown Prince Gus taye, born June 16, 1858; Prince oscar Bernadotte, born November IS, 1859; Prince Carl. born February 27. 1861, and Prince Eugene, born August l, 1865.
 Pince Gustave was married Septem- bar 20. 1sS1 to Princess Victoria Of Baden Baden. Their eldest son, Prince Gustave, was married June 15, 1905. to Princess Margaret Victoria of Con naught Prince Oscar renounced his succession to the throne and married March 15,. 1888, Ebba Munck of Full kila.
 Tn the years 1892 and 1893 the late King Oscar steadfastly opposed the proposition of Norway for separate consular service, which led to Norway. october 26, 1905, declaring the union Of Sweden and Norway dissolved The throne of Norway was offered to prince of the reigning house of sweden hut declined by King Oscar, and after an appea. to the Norwegian people, prince Charles of Denmark was elected King of Norway by the Norwegian parliament November IS, 19Oo.
 Samoan Claims Settled.
 An event of international importance in tho life of King Oscar was his arbitration of the Samoan claim in l9O2, when ne adiudged the American and British gov ernments to be responsible for the fight ing in the Samoan islands In 1899. He also attained prominence at the time of tLo Venezuela dispute. which caused fric- tion between the United States and Great Britain in 1896. It was then proposed, in case the Cleveland arbitration commits sion, consisting of four members. failed to agree, that the matter be referred to King Oscar. But an agreement was reached at Paris, where the arbitration tribunal met in the spring of 1899 and King oscars intervention was not ne- cesSary.
 King Oscar was called the ablest ruler of the 18th century and the most demo- cratic king that ever lived. He never made any attempt to conceal the humble