The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-08-20
(American News Service)

(Amerlcan news SerVice)
Stockholm. Aug. 20-It will be one
years tomorrow since Jean
lawyer in the little town
Of Pau. France, was chosen crown
prince OF Sweden, to become success
sor to Charles XIII, who had no chill
dren. This important historical event
which was the beginning Of the Ber-
nadotte dynasty, still reigning in Swe-
den, would have been celebrated on
the actual day Of the anniversary, had
Il not been for the death of King Ed
ward VII, which involved the observ.
ance Of . customary period Of mourn
ing. Extensive preparations for the
celebration. however. have been made,
and the jubilee will be observed in
the future.
The life history Of Bernadotte, the
founder OF the reigning dynasty of
Sweden Is unusually interesting and
brilliant. Bernadotte was born in Pau,
France. on January 26. 1854. His faith
or was q poor lawyer and wanted his
son to follow the law. But the pro-
fession held little attraction for the
ambitious and dashing youth. He de-
cided to become a soldier, and in 1850
enlisted in the royal marines. When
the French revolution broke out, Ber-
nadotte Joined the revolutionists and
became power in their councils. He
was one Of the soldiers who assisted
at the execution Of Louis. In view Of
his later carer It Is rather odd that
upon his death there was found tat
tooed upon his right arm q picture Of
the guillotine and beneath 1t the leg
end in French. death to al kings and
tyrants."
With the restoration Of order in
France came Napoleon, who quickly
recognized the brilliant talens of
Bernadotte. The young soldier ad-
vanced rapidly and in 1893 he became
q general Of brigade. He developed q
gift for diplomacy and was sent as am.
bassador to the court Of Vienna.
where he distinguished himself by his
ability. When Bonaparte went to
Egypt. Bernadotte was appointed min
lister Of war. He recognized the
whole French army and paved the
way for the conquest Of Holland. He
also distinguished himself in the bat
tie Of Austerlitz. Napoleon. although
Jealous Of his brilliant marshal. re-
warded him with a vast estate and
created him Prince OF Corvo.
Bernadotte had SO distinguished
himself in Northen Europe and had
shown himself q man Of wisdom and
strength Of character that the atten-
ton Of Sweden was attracted to him
when 1t became necessary to elect a
successor to the throne. Charles XIII
who was then on the throne. had no
children and his prospective heir, the
prince OF Augustenberg, had died sud.
denly leaving no heir. So the Swedish
states on August 81. 1910. elected
Bernadotte to the throne. Napoleon
hesitated for some time with giving
his consent to the acceptance by his
marshal Of the high honor offered
him. But Bernadotte was determin.
ed to accept and Napoleon finally gave
consent.
Bernadotte went at once to Sweden
and for eight years was associated
with Charles XIII In all Affairs of the
government. He helped unite Sweden
and Norway under one crown and in
1913 Joined the grand alliance against
Napoleon. II was the Swedish con-
tingent which virtually decided the
battle against the French at Leipzig.
Bernadotte proved himself . benefac-