Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1915-11-18
SWEDEN.

A long semiofficial statement has
Just been published with view to re-
assuring public sentiment regarding
relations between Russia and Sweden
over the question of Russia's extensive
Notifications In the Aland Islands.
The statement merely announces that
Russia informed Sweden fully regard
ing the nature and object OF these de-
lenses before beginning them. Pre-
sumably the defenses are not to be
maintained after the conclusion OF
peace.
The Aland islands are located at
the mouth of the Gulf Of Both
MIA and within artillery range Of
Stockholm. They have always been
a source of anxiety to Sweden, lest
Russia should at .eny time go back
on her agreement with England and
France not to fortify them. A rumor
that Russia contemplated such forti-
fication created great excitement in
Sweden a few years ago. and the good
Offices Of the British government
were sought to induce Russia not to
take the step. Presumably Russia did
not intend it; at any rate. it was not
done.
During the last few months the
scare has been raised again, this time
by small political section known
as the activists. The activists urge
the continuance of neutrality by
Sweden. but urge that 1t be accompa-
MED by certain pressure toward Rus
STA, to obtain as a price of neutrality
certain concessions particularly re-
garding the Aland islands.
The activists were the first to call
public attention to the fact that GER
tain military preparations had been be-
gun by Russia on the islands. and they
doubtless Influenced correspondent
of a Christiania newspaper to write an
article, recently published, revealing
the fact that the Russian minister had
thought 1t wise to assure the Swedish
foreign minister that any such meas
ures of defense would not be main
tanned after the close of the war.
What the nature " the Russian de-
lenses is has not been stated, but they
are understood to be merely sufficient
to prevent the invasion of the islands
by German warship crews who might
use them as a base for operations in
neighboring waters.
The fruitless ending Of the Anglo
Swedish negotiations, begun LIT July
for the purpose of settling various
commercial questions which are an
outgrowth of the war, is commented
on generally by the newspapers. Pa
pers of all shades of opinion say that
the outcome of the negotiations will
not mean any Anglo-Swedish tension,
and express the hope that loyalty and
understanding of each others de-
mands, the latter in any case being
positive result of the conversation will
enable a continuance of mercantile
connections between Sweden and
Great Britain during the war
Several coal licenses, which have
just been granted by Great Britain to
Sweden are said to have made good
impression.
The talk of new farmers expedi.
The grievance of those who are de-
manding such demonstration is that
the middlemen take more than their
due share out of the necessaries of
life. The difference between the price
paid by the millers for grain and the
price they charge for their -four is
said to be abnormal. The bakers are
the next In order to charge too much
for their services. 1t is supposed that
the government might easily demon
strate what would be a reasonable
charge by handling goods between the
producer and the consumer.
The government Is going to limit
the production of potato and grain
whisky to 100000 quarts for the next
year.
The oleomargarine factories OF
Sweden are well supplied with raw ma
terials for the balance Of this year.
The Swedish Red Cross has ordered
$1,000 wooden blankets to be used on
the trains carrying invalids through
Sweden between Germany and Rus
STA.
King Gustafs moose hunt at Hun
neberg was successful. Afterwards he
went to Skabersjo, where he shot and
killed two deer.
Replying to question asked by Sir
John Rees, the minister for India has
stated that DIR. Sven Hedin still remains
as knight of the Order of the Empire
of India, in spite of his open and we'll
known hostility to England.
A proposition to put an embargo on
the expectation of lingen berries was
turned down by the government.
The department Of health is of the