Morris tribune., 1907-12-21
NORWAY.
Christiana.

@ Christians.
All Norway celebrated the 18th an,
niversary of her most distinguished
poet and author, Bjornstjerne 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, and the
congratulations from every quarter OF
the world. Bjornson has long been
recognized as the national poet of Nor
way. His name is a 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
and prosperity. TO promote her vel
fare he has unweariedly applied all
the powers of his great geaius. B1orn-
son was born in 1882 in the district of
Csterdalen, where his fal ST was a
clergyman. Six years latt his fami-
ly 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 Is years old he came to Christi
ania and at Heitbergs school became
a companion of Henrik Ibsen, Jonas
Lie and others who were later to be-
come famous. Bjornson began his
literary career in the early sos. In
1867 he published a peasant novel,
"Synnovo Solbakken,' which proved
epoch-making in Scandinavian litera-
ture. In it and several others that fol-
lowed he gave an idealized picture Of
peasant lfe-brought the thoughts
and aspirations of the peasantry into
literature. In all his literary wo1'
Bjornson has conscientiously and per
sistently sought to put his high and
noble ideals into practice. He has not
been mere poet and dreamer, holding
himself aloof from the people. He has
personally--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 Isl without doubt the greatest ora
tor that Norway has ever produced,
Pleading the cause of truth and JUS
tice before a large audience he Is ir-
resistible. His oratorial powers have
been lavishly used in the services OF
the country. Bjornson is man Of
powerful personality and commanding
presence. Grim and furious at times,
he nevertheless possesses the gentle
ness of a woman. There are many
touching stories of his relations with
his tenants on his estate and the scores
of poor people and social outcasts who
continually visit him for advice and
assistance. And it is said that none
seeks him in vain.
Attended by tie princes and his
suite, King Gustave V on Dec. 10 re-
ceived the homage of the troops. who
were drawn up in semi-circle around
the palace It was splendid and
solemn spectacle. The king addressed
the troops briefly saying that it 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 Dec 10. Only
the reigning 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 cided to
live in retirement at Castle ksdal.
AT meeting on Dec. 3f the
Nobel institute J. G. Lo. ID, the
premier. annol I that
the Nobel peace prize woulL ~-is year
be equally divided between Theodore
MoDeta, of Italy, and Louis Renault,
of France The premier took advan-
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..
Rcnault is the permanent delegate OF
France to rhe Hague tribunal NJ
Moneta has been prominent as work
ar for the peace of Italy.