Norway Cuts Bond with Sweden

Storthing Declares Her an Independent Nation

Friendly Toward Sweden

But Prepared to Resort to Arms Should It Prove Necessary.

Address to King Oscar Invites Him to Cooperate in Selecting Prince of His House for Norwegian Throne, but His Consent Is Not Probable -- Telegraphs Protest Against Storthing's Action.

Christiania, Norway, June 7, 1905

"Norway from today is a fully independent and sovereign state."

This is the text of the editorals in the Norwegian newspapers, and it reflects the spirit with which the people of Norway accept today's action of the Storthing, when it proclaimed King Oscar no longer King of Norway. Following is the resolution passed by the Storthing, unanimously, and without debate:

Whreas all the members of the council of state have laid down their offices,

Whereas his majesty the King has declared himself unable to establish a new government for the country, and

Whereas the constitutional regal power thus becomes inoperative, the Storthing authorises the members of the council of state, who retired today, to exercise until further notice, as the Norwegian government, the power appertaining to the King, in accordance with Norway's constitution and existing laws, with those changes which are necessitated by the fact that the union with Sweden under one King is dissolved in consequence of the King having ceased to act as a Norwegian King.

M. Michelsen, the retireing premier, accepted in behalf of the government the honorable and difficult task with which the Storthing has intrusted it. M. Aretander will be Norway's first foreign minister. He is now chief of the departments of commerce, navigation, and industry.

May Choos Danish Prince

An address to the king was adopted declaring that no ill feeling was entertained against him, his dynasty, or the Swedish nation, and asking him to cooperate in teh selection of a youn prince of the house of Bernadette to occupy the throne of Norway.

Five Social Democrats dissented from the address to the King.

It is not anticipated that King Oscar will consent to any prince of the house of Bernadotte accepting the Norwegian crown. Should the King refuse, there is a possibiity that the throne may be offered to Prince Waldemar, third son of King Christian of Denmark. The people of Denmark largely sympathize with the Norwegian demands. If a prince of the house of Bernadotte should consent to occupy the throne of Norway he must give up all idea of succession to the Swedish throne.

Prepared to Resort to Arms

The Storthing will, if necessary, defend the step taken today by force of arms.

At its meeting this evening, the Storthing adopted a proclamation to the Norwegian people in which is given a detailed account of the events preceding the passing of the resolution. This proclamation concludes as follows:

"The Storthing hopes that the Norwegian people will succed in living in peace and on good terms with all, and not the least with the Swedish people, to whom we are linked by so many natural ties.

"The Storthing is sure that the people will join with it and with the government in maintaing the full independence of Norway and with firmness and dignified tranquility submit to the necessary sacrifices; and it is further sure that all subjects will fully respect all ordinances and presriptions from the government.

"All officials, civil and military, must in every respect yield that obedience which the government has the right to claim, according to the authority transferred to it by the Storthing in the name of the people of Norway."

Address to King Oscar

It has been arranged that the Storthing will send a deputation to convey the address adoped by it to King Oscar. The address quotes the resolutin adopted by the Storthing and continues:

"The course of developments which have proved more powerful than the desire and will of individuals has led to this result. The union entered upon in 1814 has from the first hour been differently interpreted by the two nations, both with regard to its spirit and letter. Efforts have been made on the Swedish side to extend the union and on the Norwegian side to confine it to the limit laid down by the act of union and otherwise to assert the independent power of both states in all matters not defined in that act as coming under the union.

"The difference of principle in the interpretation of the character of the union has provoked much misunderstanding between the two peoples and has caused much friction in the interpretation, which, during the recent negotiations between the two countries, has been laid down by Sweden as against Norway. The Norwegian people were bound to perceive the injury to their constitutional right, their independence, and their national honor.

"The union was justifed so long as it could contribute to the welfare and happiness of both peoples while maintaining their independence as sovereign states. But above the union there stands for us Norwegians our Norwegian fatherland and for the Swedes, their Swedish fatherland, while more valuable than the political union are the feelings of solidarity and voluntary cohesion of both peoples. The union has become a danger to this feeling of solidarity of the Norwegian and Swedish peoples which should secure the happiness of both nations and constitute their strength abroad. If the union is now severed, the Norwegian people have no loftier wish than to live in good harmony with all and not least with the poeple of Sweden and the dynasty under the direction of which our country despite many and bitter disputes affecting the union has attained such important intellectual and material development.

"As evidence of the fact that the work and struggle of the Norwegian people for the full independence of the fatherland has not been founded on any ill feeling toward the royal house or the Swedish people, and has not left behind any bitterness toward either of these, the Storthing respectfully solicits your Majesty's cooperation to the end that a prince of your majesty's house may be permitted, while relinquishing his right of succession to the throne of Sweden, to accept election as King of Norway.

"The day on which the Norwegian people elect their own king to ascend the ancient throne of Norway will open up an era of more tranquil conditions in Norway, of good and cordial relations with the Swedish people, and of peace, concord, and loyal cooperation in the north for the protection and culture of the people and their freedom and independence Convinced of this, the Storthing ventured to express the confident hope that what has now been done will turn out to be for the good of all as well as of your majesty, for whose person the Norwegian people will retain their high respect and devotion.

After the Storthing had adopted the resolution, President Berner, in a short speech, empahsized the serious importance of the step taken, and concluded with saying: "May God protect the fatherland." The whole assembly joined in teh president's devout wish.

The proceedings throughout the momentous session of the Storthing today were marked by supreme good order and by the utmost dignity. The plans had been more carefully prepared, and nothing hd been omitted to secure the inauguration of a new government under the best auspices.

No Evidence of Excitement

That the feeling was intense was evidenced by the great gathering of people outside the Storthing during the early session, and after the announcement of the result of the proceedings a quiet respect was shown the members as they left the building. There was not the slighest evidence of excitement, the people seeming to realize the responsibility placed upon them.

The crowds were especially respectful in their ovation to M. Michelsen, the retiring premier, who, when itereviewed by the Associated Press, said he was exceedingly pleased with the dignity displayed both inside and outside the Storthing. The premier said the proceedings were solemn and that every one was imbued with a tremendous sense of responsibility, but added "The Storthing could not have taken any other step"

It is learned that Crown Prince Gustave will return from Berlin immediately.

It is understood that an extraordinary session of the Swedish Rikedag will be called June 26, if not earlier, as a result of today's action of the Storthing.

King's Emphatic Protest

Stockholm, Sweden, June 7, 1905

King Oscar has sent a telegram to Premier Michelsen as follows:

"Have received the communication of the council of state,, and record the most decided protest against the method and action of the government."

King Oscar has telegraphed to M. Berner (President of the Storthing), informing him that he had telegraphed to Premier Michelsen emphatically protesting against the action of the council of state.

The newspapers of Stockholm, commenting on the action of the Storthing, declare that a revolution has been accomplished, but that the union is not dissolved, as Sweden's sanction is necessary in order to complete the disruption.

Fargo, North Dakota, June 7, 1905

The Norwegian Society of America, which is in session here, has directed the society to cable the Storthing at Christiania that the members of the society heartily approve of the course taken at home. The members of the student chorus from the University of Christiania feel very much elated over the news from Norway, and are eager for answering telegrams. They will assemble this eveing around the Bjornson Bauta Sten, a memorial recently erected to Mjornson, and will sing and give vent to a disply of patriotic feeling.

Consular Bill Caused Crisis

The dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway has been pending for some time, and had its frowth in the desire, which grew stronger as time passed, for the establishment of separate consular systems for the two countries. King Oscar recently vetoed at Stockholm the measure presented to him by the council of state, providing for separate consular representation, and the Norwegians maintained that the King by so doing, and partly by his absence from Norway, had suspended his rights and duties as King of Norway.

One of teh causes for the desire of Sweden and Norway for separate consular systems was the fact that Sweden is protectionist and Norway is for free trade, and also because of Norway's more extensive sea trade and other divergencies of commerical intersts.

The counsular bill was designed to open the whole question of foreign affiars, which Norway desired to manage Independently of Sweden.

Sweden and Norway have been united under one crown sice Novermber 4, 1814. The common affiars of the two contries were decided upon in a council of state composed of Swedes and Norwegians. The King had the right to declare war and make peace only after consulting the council of state.

It was announced from London Tuesday night that the Christiania correspondent of the Times had telegraphed to his paper that he believed he had good authority for saying that Sweden had indirectly assured Norway that no forcible measures would be empowered to keep her within the bounds of the present union.

The founder of the house of Bernadotte was Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, a field marshal of Napoleon I, who became minister of war in 1799, served with distinction at Austerlitz in 1805, was elected Crown Prince of Sweden in 1810, companded the Army of the North against Napoleon in 1812, and as Charles XIV became King of Sweden and Norway in 1818. He died in 1844. He was succeeded by his only son, Oscar I, wo married Josephine, a daughter of Eugene Beauharnais, formerly viceroy of Italy; Oscar I died in 1859, and was succeeded by his eledest son, Charles XV. The latter died in 1872, and the crown descended to his brother, Oscar II, who yesterday was declared by the Storthing to have ceased to act as King of Norway.

The Norwegian coup d'etat was answered here tonight by a great patriotic demonstration of loyalty to and sympahy with King Oscar. A great procession, accompanied by bands, went to Rosendale Castle, where the bands played the national anthem. In a few minutes the King and other members of the royal family appeared on a balcony of the castle, and were enthusiastically cheered by the demonstrators, while a number of ladies advanced from the corwd and presented the King with a bouquet. Through greatly excited over the situation, the populace remained outwardly calm.

King Oscar held a council this evening at which the situation was considered.

Sweden Will Not Use Force

Statement Made in Swedish Offical Circles in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark, June 7, 1905

The announcement that the Norwegian Storthing by a unanimous vote had declared that it could no longer acknowledge King Oscar as King of Norway, was received here not with surprise, but with the same spirit of approval and determination that prevailed in Christiania.

According to reports from that place the proceedings of the Storthing during which this tremedous decision was taken, were degnified and even solemn. There was the reports say, evidence neither of passion nor of undue haste, but only a firm determination once for all to end what the government and the people of Norway consider an impossible sitution and by a coup d'etat to force the hand of Sweden to place the responsibility of King Oscar himself for the present power vested in teh Norwegian council of state.

The people of Norway expect that the King will accept the proposition to appoint a member of his family as King of Norway. It is certain, however, that the present government, who plans were carefully studied and laid will at once take steps to secure the recognition of Norway as a separate state by all foreign powers. King Oscar up to the present has not given any indication of the course he intends to pursue beyond recording his firm protest against today's proceedings.

While, of course, popular feeling in Sweden and Norway runs high, there has been no breach of good order anywhere. The people for some time have realized that a crisis was at hand and were prepared for today's denouncement. From the highest to the lowest the same quiet and determined demeanor is noticeable.

In official Swedish circles here, the Associated Press has been informed that it is absolutely certain Sweden will not use force against Norway and every effort will be made to avoid a resort to arms. Norwegians take the same position, but it is openly stated that should Sweden choose such a course, the Norwegians will not shirk the issue.

Fridjof Nansen, the Artic explorer, who some time ago entered actively into Norwegian policies, said today, that he desired no official post in the new government. It is understood, however, that Nansen may be appointed a special envoy to the foreign powers in order to secure their recognition of Norway's new status. The explorer said.

No doubt there are many difficulties ahead of Norway and we are prepared for opposition abroad. In fact we expect the worst and will not be surprised at whatever happens. Personally, I have only good things to say of King Oscar, and will continue to praise his intelligence and his many excellent qualities.

There is no doubt, howver, that he himself suspended his rights as King of Norway.

Powers Do Not Approve

Norway's Action May Result in International Complications

London, June 8, 1905

The revolution in Norway, though anticipated and peacefully effected, has some upon Europe with unexpected suddeness, and the question in asked with some anxiety, whether it will mean international complications. Had Russia not been involved in a difficult war in the far East, it is doubtful whether Norway would have taken the present momentous step which is not likely to be regarded with approval by European powers. Emperor William's omission of his customary tour of Norway this year seems to indicate his disapproval of the Norwegian policy, and that fact that the coup d'etat is not unlikely to eventuate in teh establishment of a Norwegian republic would alone be reason why the step should not commend itself to the monarchical powers.

It is nowhere though that King Oscar will consent to a junior member of his family becoming King of Norway. This proposal is regarded as an attempt to pallitate the blow to the deposed King, and the opinion of English newspapers is that the sugestion is quite impracticable.

In their editorials this morning's London newspapers comment upon the extreme seriousness of the step Norway has taken, many expressing the hope that there may yet be time for the Norwegian pepole to reconsider their position, and endeavor to adjust the difficulty regarding the consular question by arbitration or other means, so as to preserve the union which, it is contended, is necessary for the welfare of both countries. The prospects of such an adjustment, however, appears to be of the slightest.

The consular difficulty is supposed to be only an outward manifestation of the deep-seated separatist aspirations of the majority of Norwegians. It is pointed out that the consitution makes express provision for the overruling of the royal veto in cases where it can be proved by three separately elected Storthings to be in antagonism to the national will. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the King exceeded his powers.

British sympathies appear to be strongly on the side of Sweden and King Oscar, more especially as an English princess is about to marry a prince who is in direct line of succession to the Swedish throne.

Should King Oscar consent that one of the princes of the house of Bernadotte become King of Norway and the two countries be able to conclude an offensive and defensive alliace, it would be regarded here as a satisfactory arrangement, but this is little hoped for, and the Morning Post expresses the very general view in suggesting that it is eminently a case for The Hague tribunal.

Russia Satisfied

Regars with COMPlacency Diiaution in Sweden's Prestige.

St. Petersburg, June 8, 1905

The struggle between Sweden and Norway and the prospects of a dissolution of the union, one of the principal objects of which was the making of common cause against Moscow influences, is followed with close attention in Russia.

Ever since Peter the Great borke the might of Sweden at the battle of Poltava in 1709 and annexed the Baltic provinces and part of Finland, Russian policy as been directed toward weakening the poswer of her ancient enemy. After the completion of the annexation of Finland by Alexander I, many Russian statesmen looked forward to the obtaining of an ice-free port on the Norwegian coast. A narrow tongue of Finland cuts into the Sweden-Norwegian territory at the end of which there is eighteen miles of deep water and the harbor of Lynge.

Russia within recent years has been active on this frontier country, where railways have been surveyed and Slav influence is so strong there that fishermen and other inhabitants of Norwegian Finmark refer their disputes to the Russian authorities.

The sympathy of Sweden for the Finns in the struggle against the Russification of Finland has been a thorn in the side of Russia, which naturally regards with complacency the diminution of Swedish prestige.

Russia, however, is in no position to take an active interest in the quarrel at the present time. Indeed, the impression here is that there will be no conflict and Russia would probably use her influence to refer a settlement of the trouble to an international tribunal.


Source: The Washington Post, Thursday, June 9, 1905, Washington, DC, Page 1+

 
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