Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-04-11
SWEDEN.

SWEDEN.
The Russian revolution has brought
relief to Sweden, which sincerely
hopes that the new regime in Petro-
grad viii be permanent. The Swed-
ish nation never felt safe, as long as
an autocratic government ruled in
Russia The new Russia will not
constitute any danger for her neigh
5ors, especially Sweden. Democracy
has always been opposed 10 aggressive
wars. The new Russian government
viii also be too busy within her own
frontiers, after the present war is
brought TO an end, to even think OF
disturbing the peace Of its neighbors.
1t is expected that the Russian revo
luton will result In further decrease
Of Sweden's sympathies for Germany
and an approach of the former toward
the allies. 1t was Sweden which took
the Initiative in the cooperation be
tween the three Scandinavian cOun-
tries in regard TO foreign problems Gre
ated by the war. Norway and Den
mark have from the beginning leaned
toward the allies, but the influence ~
Sweden, the only one of the Scandi
navian Kingdoms possessing an up-to-
date army of considerable size. has un-
Ill now prevented any open demon
STATIONS in favor of the allies, The
reasons for such restraining influ-
ence on the part Of Sweden has now
disappeared. The new Russia will
have many friends I'm Sweden. The
liberal elements in that country have
always been interested IN Russia's
fight for liberation from the yoke OF
bureaucracy. Members of the Rus
sian duma have repeatedly visited
Stockholm, where they have been ac-
corded cordial reception. The Swed
ish business men win be quick to see
tremendous opportunities for Swedish
commerce and industries in Russia,
governed by an efficient adminiStra
ton, supported by public opinion. The
geographical position of Sweden VIII
give her a decided advantage on the
Russian market over other countries
The stimulation of the commercial in
tercourse between Sweden and Russia
will, no doubt, do more than anything
else to remove the animosity among
the Swedes toward Russia.
In Washington It Is said that Swe-
den is interested in Offering mediation
between the United States and Ger
many If acceptable to former. There
have been informal conferences be-
tween the Swedish minister in Wash
ington and the ambassadors of the A.
B. c. powers of South America. The
aim is said TO be 10 induce the three
Latin countries 10 propose mediation.
II Is reported. but denied by Secretary
Lansing, that Ira Nelson Morris of
Chicago. American minister TO Swe-
den. has cabled the state department
indulrng whether mediation by the
Stockholm government would be ac-
ceptable. The prominence OF Sweden
In the reported mediation undertaking,
has led to the surmise that Germany
is seeking to avoid war with the Unit
ed States and contemplates back
down by the mediation ioute.
There were 10000 telephone ap-
paratuses in use in Sweden at the
beginning Of the year.
Only sixteen automobiles were In
use in Gothenburg last winter.
The Swedish sick aid funds have
paid out s27,0OO.O00 as sick aid dur
ing the past - years. During that
period the number Of local organiza-
tfons increased from 200 to 1000, and
their total membership from 24,735 to
10000. The annual receipts and ex
penditures now balance at about
100000.
II Is claimed that Swedish captiyes
IN Germany are underfed, and the aid
committee Of the Red Cross of Sweden
has taken steps TO send food to these
unfortunate men.
The great midwinter market at
Lycksele was a complete failure last
winter. The -four trade was insig-
nifcant on account Of the government
restrictions. Many Of those who at
tended the market did not make
enough 70 cover their travelling ex-
prnses.
The pension insurance fund now
mounts to about $40 Ga2O. 900 The
number Of Pc rsons insIred is 3.430,
on. Of whom IO9.37S receive aid. The
expenses for last year were about
100000.