Morris tribune., 1908-10-24
Recent Occurrences of interest
in Sweden, Norway and
Denmark.
DISPOSITION OF sPIrzBERGEN
Telegram Which Eyinces That Sweden
and Norway May Get Tangled
Up Over Settlement of
the Matter.
SWEDEN.
Stockholm.

Tie following telegram dated Ber-
lin, Oct. 10, evinces that tangle re-
garding the disposition of Spitzbergen
is bound to ensue in the near future
between Sweden and Norway unless
the matter is settled amicably by
means of peaceful agreements. 1t is
very likely that peaceful methods will
be employed, at least one may judge SO
from this: can international confer
ence will be summoned in the near fu-
ture to regulate the future Of Spitzber-
gen, and it is expected that delegates
will attend from Great Britain, the
United States, France, Russia, Ger
nany, Sweden and Norway. The Nor
wegian government, which has taken
the initiative in proposing the confer
ence desires to safeguard the rights of
the Norwegian fishermen, who work
along the coasts Of Spitzbergen by an
international agreement. The Nor
wegian fishermen and huntsmen were
for long time undisputed masters of
Spitzbergen and enjoyed unlimited
freedom in following their occupations.
Recently, however, two mining COM
panies, one financed by British capital,
have begun operations in Advent bay,
and both companies have annexed
enormous areas Of land, and have
prohibited Norwegian fishermen and
huntsmen, but in this case it is ex-
pected that Sweden will raise counter
claim on the ground that the Swedish
scientific expeditions have been main
~ instrumental in opening Spitzbergen
to the outside world. Since the days
of the Arctic explorer, Peary, Spitz-
bergen has been mainly explored by
Swedish expeditions, but recently a
British expedition visited the island
and collected a number of mineral
specimens, which reveal opportunities
for further mining enterprises. The
Spitzbergen question was raised in
1871. when Sweden and Norway de-
sired to annex the island, but Russia's
opposition prevented the realization of
the Scandinavian proposal. It appears
that Germany will oppose the claim
of any single country to Spitzbergen
and will favor the establishment of
some kind Of international control.
whereby the absolute freedom Of in
dustriar enterprise and scientific re-
search will be guaranteed. ..t@
King Gustaf has received the follow
ing telegram from Sven Hedin, who
was at the time in Simla, India: "Just
arrived at the viceroy's residence.
Since December I have travelled in dis
guise through unknown parts of
Thibet Severe winter, cold 40 de-
grees below zero. Continual snow
storms. All animals persisted except
three. Important discoveries of noun
tains, lakes, rivers and temples. The
whole country north of Upper Drama
putra mapped. Tie Thibetans very
Lospitable.''
The National Authorization so
ciety, which was organized about two
years ago for the purpose of checking
Swedish emigration to foreign lands,
has not been as successful as was at
first anticipated. Not long ago the So
ciety asked the riksdag for an appro-
priation Of $50 crowns, but the riksdag
promptly turned down the request.
The leaders of the society are very
much discouraged and it is feared that
a dissolution of the society may be
looked for at an early date.
Among those who will accompany
King Gustaf during his visit to Paris.
France, this fall are DR.. Sixten Won
Friesen, X. A. Wallenberg, X. Herlitz,
o. Medin and Count G. Won Rosen. Re-
ports from Paris state that there are
great preparations under way for re-
ceiving the Swedish king in France.
The French president was enthusiastic
about his reception in Stockholm last
summer and he proposes to Guido the
Swedish king in Hospitality when he
arrives at the French capital.
DR.. Ludwig Loostrom, superintendent
of the National museum, has been Gre
ated a knight of the Legion of Honor
by the French president. DR.. Loo
strom made a very favorable impress
sion on the French president during
his recent visit to Stockholm.
A contingent of Swedes in Congo,
South Africa. have sent King Gustaf
a lengthy address of congratulation on
his ascension to the Swedish throne,
expressing the desire that he follow in
his distinguished fathers footsteps.
President Fallieres of France has
presented the Swedish queen with
beautiful pair of vases. which are now
Oh exhibition in the National museum.
Queen Victoria is said to prize tiis
gift very highly.
Mauritz H. Sahlin has been APP
pointed successor to the late Paul Is
berg as governor of Stockhelm's lam
Mr.. Sahlin has for number of years
been general manager of the Swedish
state railways.
o. NJ Malmgren has been reelected
rs member of the first chamber of the
Swedish riksdag to represent the city
of Stockholm.
NORWAY.